In today’s blog, we’re catching up on some recent conversations from across the Online Community. Members have been offering each other lots of support lately. From side effects to talking to children, members have been talking about everything and anything around their cancer experiences. Even if you have a different type of cancer, remember that you're still welcome to talk to other members in groups across the site. Why not join in and find support?
“How was/is the experience of chemo and how do you deal with the side effects?”
Bertz, “Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer group
In the “Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer” group, member Bertz started a conversation around managing side effects from chemotherapy.
Lots of members have replied to share their own experiences. Kareno62’s tip is to “keep a diary as it reminds you of any side effects before each session and you may also find that a bit of a routine develops - you might feel tired for the first few days but feel more yourself on your week off so you can plan around this.”
If you’ve had chemotherapy, why not reply in the discussion to let other members know how it went?
If you have any questions about chemotherapy and bowel cancer, we have lots of information and support on Macmillan’s website.
“Just diagnosed…… what happens with work?”
Community member Fru has been wondering whether to go back to work around their cancer treatment. Members in the “Breast cancer” group have been here to share what worked for them.
As we’ve talked about in our recent blog around cancer and coronavirus, we know there might be a lot of additional concerns around going back to work if you are affected by cancer.
Macmillan’s work support service are also here for you if you have any questions about getting the right support at work. You can reach them here on the Online Community if you would like to ask a question. Just go to our “Ask a Work Support Adviser” page in “Ask an Expert.”
“Two treatments have been mentioned, surgery and radiotherapy . Feeling a bit lonely, other peoples thoughts would be appreciated.”
Pate53, "Prostate cancer" group
Pate53 has been talking to other members who have been diagnosed with Prostate cancer about different treatment options. Making the right treatment decision for you can be difficult. As member Prostateofshock has said, remember that “it really is a personal preference whatever anyone else thinks.”
We also have lots of information around making treatment decisions on our website.
“ I can't believe how everyone is treating me so differently after learning my scan results. It's as if nothing has happened! I unfortunately do have quite severe side effects post treatment which thankfully are starting to alleviate albeit slowly… yet one day after telling my good news I'm expected to be 'me' again!”
Mecca has been talking about dealing with people’s reactions now that they have had clear scan results. Lots of members have agreed that other people might not always understand the impact cancer can have.
Everyone can be affected by cancer differently. How have you found talking to family and friends about your experience with cancer? Reply in the thread and join in the discussion.
"I am starting my treatment tomorrow. I have been very calm this last week but actually feeling quite panicked now."
Lizzie.123, "Head and neck cancer" group
Starting cancer treatment can bring lots of different emotions. You might not know what to expect, and might have some concerns. Sharing this experience with others on the Online Community might really help. Members who have already been through similar treatment to Lizzie.123 have offered lots of support.
"We recently received a shock terminal diagnosis for my mother-in-law. Things have taken place very quickly so it has all been a real shock. She is very close to my two young children, aged 4 and 5 years…I am looking for some advice as to what is best to tell them and how to explain everything to them. I don’t want to scare or worry them but I also don’t want to lie to them."
KMB07, "Family and friends" group
In the “Family and friends” group, members have been talking about how to talk to children about a loved one’s cancer diagnosis. What can be right for you and your family can be very individual. However, sometimes it can help to share experiences.
Talking to children and teenagers about cancer can be challenging. We have tips to help manage conversations around cancer on Macmillan’s website.
When was the last time you checked in on recent conversations in your groups?
There might be other members going through a similar experience to you just now. Take a moment to offer or find support today here on the Online Community.
Do you need a refresher on posting and replying to Online Community conversations? Remember that we have lots of tips and step-by-step guides in our Help section.
Read more conversations and stories from the Online Community:
Image used is from the Disabled and Here project.
