What were the moments of support that mattered to you?

1 minute read time.
What were the moments of support that mattered to you?

Cancer is one of the toughest things someone can go through. When cancer shows up, silence often follows. This is something Community members have called Cancer ghosting, and we explore this experience more in the Cancer ghosting blog.

People living with cancer tell us they don't want to be a burden but still need emotional and practical support from their loved ones. Sometimes friends, family and colleagues can struggle to find the right words to say and not know how to best support you. 

What supportive moments made a difference to you?

We are asking you what your family and friends have done to show they care and be supportive.

  • Was it stopping by with warm meals?
  • Meeting up with them once a week for a cuppa and a chat about life beyond cancer? 
  • Care packages of things to help you deal with side effects?

No matter how small or thoughtful the moments of support may be, sharing meaningful acts of kindness can offer useful suggestions to those who want to help but may not know how.

Join the 'What supportive moments mattered to you? discussion in the Cancer chat forum to tell us more. 

No matter how small or thoughtful the moments of support may be, sharing the meaningful acts of kindness may provide some useful ideas to those who want to help, but may not know how.

Madiso
  • My husband was my rock  We laughed and cried .My CNS nurse and her colleague were and still are a huge support. Overall the kindness of people like my hairdresser who was so kind , supportive and understanding when it came to managing hair loss . I'm so grateful to them all . 

  • My husband was my rock through out all tge visits and treatment .We laughed and cried. Also the CNS team are always there for me , I appreciate them so much . The kindness od people like my hairdresser who helped me manage hair loss and regrowth! So sensitive, kind and personal xx

  • Male, 76, bladder cancer here. Diagnosis and the 'fun' intensely medical period was 2017/2018, palliative treatment regime since early 2019. Your mention of a motorcycle hit a common note with me. It was osteoarthritis in both hips which prevented me from cycling or mounting a motorcycle since the late 1990s. I still have my first new pushbike from 1963 and my first moped from 1967, kept, like you, just in case!  

     Moments of support: My son and daughter have been superb throughout, from hand holding when in dire straits in hospital, to helpful practical stuff e.g. mowing lawns and heavier housework. I am in other respects living independently. Nurses have given me a hug now and then or held my hand when I've struggled with a procedure. A CBT lady helped me to defuse a severe medical phobia which lasted from childhood to 2018. I can now face procedures with normal apprehension rather than fainting all over the place.  Ray

  • Hi RayMK 

    Thank you so much for sharing this in Megan's blog. It's good to hear that you've got family to support you with things Green heart It's also great to hear how medical professionals have supported you through your severe medical phobia. 

    We appreciate all the support you give to other members on the site RayMK.

    Have a lovely evening. 

  • Both my sons supporting me as best they can. Encouraging me to speak up ask those questions and ask for help! Finding out I can ask to see specific consultants team members ,  Thats all been a game changer for me

    Ive got used to being cancer ghosted, it happened to my brother too. Shame on all those who have gone quiet not the kind of people id choose in my life anyway