I think she is scared and I don't know what kind of outlook the Doctors gave her for the news, when she was diagnosed. If she is alone with no one really close by, she is reaching out. Don't be afraid to call her.Just knowing some one cares enough to give her some time on the phone, from time to time, will reassure her some cares. To not acknowledge her at all, would leavings no one cared at all! When you get older and then have illnesses and diseases , that are life threatening, its not I will just go to sleep and old age will take me, is scary to any one of any age!And loneliness and depression sets in making things worse. Keeping in touch and letting her talk or express and maybe giving words of encouragement is treatments out there will lift her spirits. Try to get her to talk about happy times. It can make a world of difference to her, and ease her fears, to know some one is there , even if it on the phone, giving them some time because they care!