What do you wish people would say? Katy’s story

3 minute read time.
What do you wish people would say? Katy’s story

Lots of members here on the Community talk about how it can be difficult to deal with unhelpful advice and reactions from other people when you have cancer. Katy is here to reassure you that you’re not alone if you’ve felt frustrated by what people say.

This is our latest instalment in our series with with Macmillan’s Digital Storytelling Project, where people affected by cancer have created their own videos to talk about their experiences. For August’s Story of the Month, we’re featuring Katy.

Katy was diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer in early 2021. Her video is all about how people can use a “cheat code” to be more helpful when talking to someone affected by cancer.

“I don’t need you to cheer me up. I need you to tell me ‘yes, this does suck.’”

Katy’s video is called “Cheat code.” As she explains in her video, cheat codes are a term used in video games to mean a hidden item or ability in the game that makes the game easier. Even if you don’t play video games yourself, it’s an idea that might be helpful to consider when trying to figure out what support you need.

Katy’s video has subtitles/closed captions. Hear her story by clicking on the video below:

Katy's Story: Cheat Code - YouTube

“Do not be afraid to ask a person affected by cancer how they want to approach it.”

Katy has brown hair and brown eyes and a full fringe. She is lying on a bed in a hospital gown and taking a selfie.Katy shared her story through the Digital Storytelling project at Macmillan. Macmillan’s Digital Storytelling workshops support people affected by cancer to tell their stories in their own words. Many Digital Storytellers have found comfort and support from attending these workshops and sharing their story as a video. If you’d like to get involved, you can find out more about it on Macmillan’s webpage about the Digital Storytelling project.

Katy found the Digital Storytelling workshops really helpful:

“The workshops really helped me process what I'd been through and connected me with other people who understood how I was feeling. I thought it was just going to be a way to learn about storytelling but it turned out to be a far deeper, more fulfilling experience."

If you’re also affected by cervical cancer, remember we have our Cervical cancer group here on the Online Community. This is a safe place to talk to other people affected by cervical cancer. Family and friends of people who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer are also welcome to join.

If you could relate to Katy’s video, why not take a look at other conversations on the Community?

“What typically bugs me is people with no experience of cancer talking like they know how we feel or what happens. I’d rather they asked than assumed. Even when meant in a helpful way, it’s often not helpful.”

Community member, “Things not to say when someone has cancer”, Womb cancer group

“I believe people say what they think you want to hear and don’t really know what to say for the best!”

Community member, “Starting to avoid people because of the silly things they say!!”, Breast cancer group

We would like to thank Katy for sharing her story with us and the Online Community. Did Katy’s story remind you of any experiences you’ve had? What do you find helpful? Let her know in the comments below.

Read more blogs from the Digital Storytelling Project:

 Read more blogs like this

Anonymous
  • I'm just back from the pub that I hadn't seen since my diagnosis. While a couple were great, I has a few others bursting into tears and even when I consoled them, they treated differently. I'm reluctant to see them again because it was emotionally draining. I feel for them, I do, but I went out for a chat and a very weak alcohol drink. But it was heavy going. 

  • I'm becoming withdrawn as people without cancer don't seem to get it. 

  • Hi Bodyfirst,

    I’m sorry to hear that you’re becoming withdrawn from others who aren’t living with cancer. We regularly see members post about the thing’s others have said which have not been supportive. I’m sorry this may have been the case for you.

    I hope you still have support around you and as a member of the Community we see everyday how helpful it can be to connect with those who can understand how you may be feeling. Hopefully you’re finding the Community to be a comforting source of support just now.

    If you need to talk, please remember that the Macmillan Support Line teams are also here for you. Sometimes it can help to talk things through with someone who’s there to listen. They’re available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00email or live webchat.

    When you contact the Support Line there will be options to speak to the Information Nurse Specialists, the Information and Support advisers, and the Money and Work teams. They can provide emotional support, practical information, and financial guidance alongside offering a listening ear.

    If you have any questions about using the site or need some additional support, please don’t hesitate to email Community@macmillan.org.uk or send a private message to the moderator account.

    I hope the Community helps to show you that you are not alone and there is lots of support available for you.

    Best wishes, 

    Megan
    Macmillan's Online Community team

  • Hi Aremid,

    I’m sorry that you had this experience and it felt emotionally draining to speak to people about your diagnosis. There are often other members of the Community sharing similar experiences on the Community when they’ve spoken to friends and family about their cancer. I hope it’s a comfort to know you’re not alone in feeling this way.

    I hope the above blog was helpful to read and please do post in our different community groups if you need some peer support. Often it can help to talk to others who can understand how you may be feeling.

    We’re here to help if you need support using the site so if there’s anything the Online Community team can do, please don’t hesitate to email Community@macmillan.org.uk or send a private message to the moderator account.

    Best wishes, 

    Megan
    Macmillan's Online Community team

  • Hi, Katy. Loved your cheat code story. I felt exactly the same and told people. Some went away, some got it. Someone at Maggie's had told me no-one warns you that cancer really affects your relationships. Incredible. But new friendships have been made too. Not something I would wish on anyone, still. Thanks for sharing your story.