Be kind to yourself: Self-compassion and cancer

4 minute read time.
Be kind to yourself: Self-compassion and cancer

When navigating the challenging journey of a cancer diagnosis, our Online Community often provides gentle, yet profound wisdom. The phrase "be kind to yourself" echoes through many of our forums on a weekly basis.

This blog is a collection of quotes from our members that centre around the concept of being kind to oneself. These snippets reflect the shared wisdom and experience of individuals facing the challenges of cancer.

Patience and self-compassion in recovery

While recovering, patience and self-compassion play significant roles. It's important to take things slow and take each day as it comes. The following quotes illustrate the lessons learned through patience and self-kindness.


Nurturing well-being: Managing fatigue and self-care

The Community often discuss managing fatigue and prioritising self-care amidst the challenges of cancer. These quotes reflect the empathy and understanding within the community regarding the importance of taking care of one’s well-being.

Listening to your body and adapting

Adaption and acceptance of one’s body and limitations emerge as crucial themes within our Community. Members often emphasise the importance of listening to one’s body and approaching setbacks with self-compassion.

Shared support and encouragement

Life affected by cancer can feel isolated and lonely. However, it doesn’t have to remain that way. There is support available from people who know what you are going through. The Online Community is here for you through each step of the journey.


You might want to take a moment today to reflect on where you could offer yourself a bit more compassion and gentleness. Whether it's granting yourself rest, seeking support, or simply acknowledging your resilience, practising self-kindness can be a transformative act.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. 

A listening ear can sometimes help when you need to talk things through. Our Macmillan Support Line teams are ready and waiting to listen. They’re available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

Anonymous
  • Hi  ,

    Thank you for commenting on this blog. I work in the Online Community team here at Macmillan. I wanted to reply to your comment and let you know that there are some forums you could post your question in that might be seen by more members of the Community.  

    If you'd like, you could post in the Chemotherapy forum or the Non-Hodgkin lymphoma forum. By doing so, more members will be able to view your post and have the opportunity to to reply.

    If you would like to speak to a cancer information nurse specialist about your diagnosis or treatment, you can reach them on our Support Line. Our support team are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00email or live webchat

    Best wishes,
    Dylan

  • Hi new to site, dealt with Radical Nephrectomy but struggling emotionally, feel like it's not really happening to me.

  • Hi  

    Im sorry to read of your Radical Nephrectomy and that you have been struggling emotionally. Its very natural to be struggling with a mix of emotions when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Its important to remember that you don't have to go through this alone. 

    If you would like to connect with other Community members, you could post in the Kidney cancer forum and or our Emotional support forum.

    Alongside accessing peer support from the Online Community, you’re always welcome to speak with the specialist teams on the Macmillan Support line if you need a listening ear. The Support Line teams are there to help every day from 8am to 8pm on 0808 808 00 00. You can also send an email or start a live webchat during the opening hours.

    I hope you will find the Online Community supportive and helpful. If you have any questions or need any further support, please feel welcome to get back in touch with us. You can either message us via the private messaging system, or you can drop us an email at community@macmillan.org.uk.

    Best wishes,
    Dylan

  • Hi Peterd, I have just seen your post and hope you are managing ok with your chemo. It helped me to think of chemo as a partner and not as an adversary, to do my best to work with it and not fight it. Whatever the drawbacks are, you will get through it and it will benefit you in the end. Best wishes and courage. Xxx

    1. An excellent summary of comments and re assurance in the Cancer nightmare we are all experiencing.
    2. It is the kind of comments I would say to other members to help themselves.
    3. I feel I'm being kind to myself, have accepted the situation and just take it a day at a time. Thanks