You may remember Jane2511 from her other blogs, ‘Life one year later’ and ‘The importance of our pets during our cancer journey’. In today’s blog Jane is talking about her role as an Online Community Champion and why she gives back to the Community that helped her.
“I became a Community Champion last year because I felt strongly that I wanted to give back to the community that helped me.”
During my diagnosis and treatments for endometrial carcinoma sarcoma in 2022 one of the first places I turned to was Macmillan. I discovered the Online Community and never looked back. 24 hours a day I could post for support, share experiences with others and learn about my condition. Even reading other people’s previous posts help reinforce that with Macmillan you are not alone.
Cancer is hard but there is much that we can do to make the journey that none of us would chose, a bit easier to travel.
One of the first things I did on becoming ill was to search the internet for information. When facing the unknown, this is a natural thing to do. However much of the information that I came across was not particularly accurate, out of date and at times very scary. Google gave me a 15% chance and a poor prognosis. Not what you want to hear. I soon realised however is that there is very much hope and cancer is not necessarily the end. Today I am cancer free.
With Macmillan the information that you will receive is up to date and can be trusted. I know this because I help review content each month. All content whether online or the familiar green banded Macmillan booklets, are reviewed regularly by the professionals and supported by people who have experienced cancer. To have information such as this can empower us during the challenging times.
I became a Community Champion last year because I felt strongly that I wanted to give back to the community that helped me.
Reading the personal stories of other Community Champions is inspiring. The team of volunteers have all different backgrounds and cancer experiences but what they share is a desire to help and support others. They understand the journey because they have personal experiences. I still look up to my fellow champs and at times I’m humbled by them.
There is a lot of fear associated with cancer but a listening ear can sometimes be all that is needed at that point in time. It can be like a virtual hug and a reinforcement that although we cannot take away your cancer, you do not have to face it alone. The problems that at first feel overwhelming become easier to face when broken down step by step. Although our consultants and cancer nurses play a vital part in our cancer journeys, I feel the peer support is really what helps you navigate this challenging journey.
Community Champions can help you find support information
Sometimes it is information that is needed, and I regularly mention the Macmillan booklets to new users. Sometimes it can be talking through procedures that can be painful and unpleasant but are so necessary. The emotional aspects of the waiting for results are really hard and we get that because we have waited too. We can support your family and friends and can signpost you to experts who can help with medical, financial and practical support.
We are there to support you through challenging treatments
I have had cancer surgery and am always happy to share my experiences and have people ask the questions they are sometimes scared to ask of others. We know that surgery for cancer is a big thing. We know it because we have been there.
I also had chemotherapy and when first told I needed it, I was petrified. It remains one of the hardest things that I have ever faced but the support from friends, family and Macmillan ensured it remained doable. I had to face my fears and getting the accurate information alongside the peer support made a massive difference.
My radiotherapy journey was more challenging than I thought it would be. The side effects for me were more extreme than usual and partly due to how ill the chemotherapy had made me before. But again, turning to the Community and sharing strategies to manage the unpleasant side effects gave me practical and emotional support.
We can support you after cancer
After cancer the Community continues to offer support. In my own experience you do not just bounce back from cancer and things do not necessarily go back to how they were before. I have permanent side effects from treatment, but the cancer is gone. Life is good but the cancer is never far from my mind. We can help you process your journey as this can be a need once treatment is done. This is what I talk about in my blog ‘Life one year later- Jane’s story’.
If you are new to the cancer journey, if you have family or friends going through it then please do turn to the Online Community. We are here because we want to help. No question or worry is too big or too small. If we cannot answer your questions ourselves, we can sign post you to people who can.
And finally thank you to a Community Champion called Barb who sadly passed away but supported me and inspired me to take on this role for Macmillan.
We’d like to thank Jane for all everything you do to support the Online Community and Macmillan. 
If you have a message for Jane, you can use the comment box below.
