There are many different reasons for joining the Online Community as it provides safe spaces for patients and loved ones to get support from real people. Real people who can truly understand what it’s like being affected by cancer.
Today’s blog looks at some of the conversations that you’re getting involved with in our Community groups this month. If you want read last month’s round up blog ‘What does the Community mean to you?’ you can do so by clicking here.
We usually see lots new members joining the Online Community for support each week. Whether you've been with us for a while, or you've only just joined, it's important to know there's lots of support available for you. Our Community is a place for patients, family members, carers and loved ones to access emotional support and practical guidance from people who have been through something similar.
This month we welcomed 1,776 new Community members which generated over 11,870 posts in our Community groups. We’d like to thank you all for being there to support each other with your kind words and sharing your personal experiences with one another.
“One of the things I learned along the way is that many people cannot even mention the word cancer. I am so grateful to Macmillan for allowing us the opportunity to support each other because talking (or even just typing) really can help us to feel less alone in a forum where we know we can show that we are hurt and get support.”
- SRC60, Carers only forum
“But what I can say to you is; there are so many kind and wonderful souls on this site who fully understand what you’re going through and these lovely people will try and help you get through these awful and extremely sad times. Keep reaching out on your worst days and there’ll always be someone that will try and help you! Without sounding awful, I feel that “friends” don’t understand our level of pain and hurt, well unless they have lost their soulmate as well. And thats why coming on this forum can help so much.”
- Jonta, Bereaved spouses and partners forum
It can be reassuring to know that there is a space to talk openly about how you’re feeling. By posting in our Community groups there’s a usually listening ear close by to offer a friendly welcome or to offer some support.
Hear how helpful some of our members have found posting in the Community groups recently:
“It's heartening to hear your story. All these replies are certainly helping me stay positive.”
- ElephantLady, Breast cancer forum
“I really appreciate your reply, it’s a very isolated lonely place in our heads, and to know there are lovely kind people around definitely is a massive comfort. Anytime you need a chat or rant or an inward scream- I’m here , take care of yourself, I send huge hugs.”
- Emmpea, Womb (uterus) cancer forum
“Thank you for replying. I don’t know you but I really feel like your words mean lot and as you said typing is helping! Letting go to anyone who will listen is what I need right now. I keep my tears for home and although I have my few family around me I feel so alone. I will be for ever great full for this service that allow so many people to come together. Thank you Macmillan”
- Flowers12, Carers only forum
“But everyone on here understands completely. Their stories are all different, but we do have that in common. You will be surprised at how much it helps just to share your feelings and your journey with others here. I really hope you are able to go and collect him before long and have him home with you. Makes the absolute world of difference just to be together. I know. X”
- Bim07, Carers only forum
The Community is a place for you to ask questions about any part of your cancer journey. This might be about accessing emotional support or needing additional information about your cancer treatment. Whatever your question might be, you can ask them both in our Community groups and to our specialist teams in the Ask an Expert section.
The Ask an Expert teams are specialists from the Macmillan Cancer Support's helpline. They can provide helpful information and guidance based on your current situation. This space on the Community is where you can post questions to our specialist Nurses, Financial guides and Support Advisers, and they’ll aim to respond as soon as they can. Usually within 2-3 working days.
This month our Ask an Expert teams answered over 482 of your questions. Below is a snapshot of some of the questions you’ve asked our specialist teams. If you're looking for similar guidance to the posts below, click on the links to see the professionals reply.
Surgery options
"I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in one breast just over 3 weeks ago. The cancer is hormone respondent but is slow growing. I have had lots of tests and am having more as they have found lots of calcifications behind the lump. My doctor says he would still like to do a lumpectomy with radiotherapy. But I wanted to ask can I request a mastectomy with reconstruction with implants? Also can I request that both breasts are done even though the cancer is only in one? I am in Scotland."
Click here to see the Nurses reply.
What to say to someone that is terminally ill but doesn’t want to die
"What do I say to someone that I care deeply about that is terminally ill and worried about dying? This diagnosis has happened quite suddenly and we were not expecting it at all?"
Read the supportive reply from the Information and Support advisers by clicking here.
Day off work to take wife to appointment
"Hello first time I’ve wrote on here so please forgive for any mistake. My partner has been told she has cancer. and she now has to go to some appointments with someone as she will need help afterwards. When I ask for a day off work to do this it’s like jumping in fire, they come up with a load of reasons why you can’t take time off. The last time a other employee had to give up his days holiday just so I can go with my wife to have radiation treatment. Do they have to right to do this?"
The Work Support Advisers replied with some guidance about their rights at work. Click here to read what they said.
Life Insurance
"Hi, First time posting on here I was directed by online chat. I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 11 and have been in remission for 14 years. Myself and my partner are in the process of trying to buy our first house and have put forward a life insurance claim that has been rejected I was wondering if anybody knew of companies that were particularly helpful to those who had received a previous cancer diagnosis. Grateful for any advice."
Click here to see the information the Financial guides shared to help answer this question.
If you’re new to the Community, you may find posting in the New to the community forum a helpful place to start if you’re not quite sure which groups to join yet.
One of our Community champions describes this group “like the Community Reception area as there are many cancer types and experiences so likewise the Community has many support groups.” - thehighlander, New to the Community forum.
If you spot a new member in one of your Community groups, I'm sure you will offer a friendly welcome and offer any support you can. There is a comment box below for you to tell new members how the Community has supported you and anything you'd like to share to help them get started.
