When you come home from hospital after cancer treatment or surgery, you may need ongoing support. It can be hard to know what to expect. Recovery and the support you need at home can look different for everyone. Here in today’s blog, we’re sharing tips and experiences from Online Community members and helping you find the right support.
Our webpage Going home from hospital talks about what to expect when you’re discharged from hospital. This includes support from your healthcare team to put a plan in place. This webpage also talks you through needs assessments, care plans and what your discharge plan may look like.
Before you leave hospital, you may find it useful to use our hospital discharge checklist (PDF) – Find out more about this online.
Our members talk about how knowing your key contacts when you come home from hospital can be helpful:
“Knowing what potential problems you may encounter and where to find the best advice quickly is important so I have my LCN, 2 Macmillan nurses, my district nurse and "lucky me" 2 wonderful GPs should i have any problems…It is so comforting and removes a lot of stress and worry knowing you have a medical team to support you.”
Online Community member
Do you feel you don’t have the support you need, or you can’t get in touch with your GP or medical team?
Our webpage on support at home after leaving hospital talks about the different professionals and services that can help you.
If you are at home, you can also request help yourself by contacting your local social services department. Find your local council on the gov.uk website.
Lots of members on the Online Community talk about it being challenging to ask for help. It can be important to feel you have support around you when you come home from hospital.
“Like everyone I want to be independent, though there are times when i struggle and have to ask for help, which I don't like, but realise it is needed sometimes.”
Online Community member
“I often hear people ask “how can I help?” My advice to those going through treatment is to accept all the help that is offered, even if that seems a little uncomfortable for you.”
Online Community member
Online Community members shared some of the ways their family, friends, loved ones and the Online Community were able to help them when they came home from hospital.
“What helped me was being able to stay with my parents during my cancer treatment as I live alone apart from my dog. The support I got from my family and friends was also helpful as was the support I got from members of the Breast Cancer Forum and my fellow Community Champions and the Community Team. I also got great support from my Breast Care Nurse.”
Online Community member
“Family is so important to me too, I have a wonderful partner, 3 kids, all grown up, and 7 grandkids who always put me in a happy place when i see them, and as i asked, treat me as they always have.”
Online Community member
If you’re not sure what support to ask for, members provided some ideas.
“Some ideas for those wanting to support could include bringing a meal that can be easily and quickly heated up, as I didn't have the strength to stand and cook but we know freshly cooked nutritious meals are really good for recovery.
Offering to pick up some groceries is also useful, as lifting or even driving can be a problem.
Doing some cleaning is something others can help with, reducing the risk of infection is important after surgery or during chemo and my husband was super about keeping on top of a stricter than usual cleaning routine.
For those who are further away and can't offer practical support, I received many gifts and care packages, ands I particularly appreciated things like hand cream, cosy warm socks, books and treats to eat. I found it really uplifting to receive things like this.”
Online Community member
If you’re supporting someone who is coming home from hospital, we have more help and guidance on our website. You may also find it helpful to join our “Carers only” forum and our “Family and friends” forum. These are safe places to talk to other people supporting family and friends.
You may feel you don’t have anyone around to help. Please remember you can contact our Support Line. Our support team are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat. Our Support Line can help you to find further emotional and practical support.
Macmillan also has tools and support options to help you find support in your local area.
Lots of members find it helpful to talk about how they’re feeling here on the Online Community. Why not look through our forums and consider posting about your experiences?
Members on the Online Community also talk about what they do to feel better themselves emotionally when they come home from hospital.
If you’re going in for a planned stay, it may be helpful to see what you can do in advance to make your home more comfortable.
“I know this may sound trivial, but for me what I was most looking forward to after my recent 9 day unexpected stay in hospital, was my bed with fresh cleaned sheets on it! Bliss. There's nothing better than a freshly-made bed.”
Online Community member
Sometimes it can be really helpful to talk about how you’re feeling with other people. There are also times where you might find it helpful to spend time alone. Everyone copes with their emotions during and after cancer treatment differently. Some members talk about finding it helpful to go outside or do something they enjoy.
We’ve also put together a blog with lots of tips and ideas for ways you can feel better when you are by yourself.
“There are times i need to be alone so will walk the dog or spend time on the allotment as I do have dark days but also I find exercise helps me physically but more importantly emotionally.”
Online Community member
Online Community members also talk about finding it helpful to find support through counselling, support groups or courses.
Through our partnership with BUPA, Macmillan are offering up to four sessions of free one-on-one counselling to people who have been diagnosed with cancer which can be quickly and easily accessed without any waiting lists. If you would like to explore whether our BUPA counselling service might be right for you, all you need to do is contact our Macmillan Support Line and ask our teams about the service. Our Support Line is available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.
You can also find out more available support around coping with your emotions on Macmillan’s website.
“I have had problems with sleeping, relaxing, anxiety and memory problems caused by radiotherapy and have done courses/therapies which have helped with them all and last but not least, talking to others who are on the same journey as you is wonderful.”
Online Community member
Coming home from hospital after or during cancer treatment can be overwhelming, but there’s lots of support available. Here on the Online Community, lots of members share their tips and experiences.
If you’re not sure where to start, introduce yourself in our New to the Community forum. There’s also a discussion in the Cancer Chat forum where members have shared their thoughts on coming home from hospital.
What helped you when you came home from hospital? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
