Writing to someone who's seriously ill

[puffyisgood]

Non-immediate relative, someone you see about once a year on average. Not really close but relations always cordial. Don't live nearby.

Person has had an operation to remove a tumour. Not really sure of the grisly details/whether the cancer is really curable or not, or even of how much the patient knows.

I wanted to send a card or something just to kind of show intra-family solidarity. Is this the sort of thing that people do? If so, what on earth do you say - 'chin up'? etc?

Thanks in advance.

I’d say something like ‘sorry to hear you’ve had such a tough time, hope you are feeling more comfortable by the day.’ Then give some general family chit chat.
Acknowledgment of the situation, good wishes and a bit of normal chat.

Hello Mary,

I've heard that your have had surgery, and that you are not well. I'm so sorry to hear that . I do hope that you will be feeling better soon and that the doctors are looking after you. You are in my thoughts . Do let me know if there is anything I can do to help,

Love Susie.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I suppose the tone I want to strike is to [in the absence of a really detailed lowdown of the prognosis] avoid both unecessary defeatism & false optimism.

Yes as others have suggested I think a ‘thinking of you’ type sentiment would be good.