What were the moments of support that mattered to you?

Hello, I am new to this, still waiting for my final diagnosis (thyroid cancer is suspected but not sure how bad it is, I find out this Fri 4 Sept )12 year old son is being my little anchor and is being amazingly supportive and mature. My work friend Emily is also amazing and other friends and family too. I still feel incredibly lonely though.

Hi MsBee33,

It’s Megan here from Macmillan’s Online Community team. I’d like to wish you a warm welcome to our Community, although I am sorry to hear about the reasons that have brought you here.

Feeling lonely when being diagnosed with cancer is a common feeling to have. We see every day how helpful it can be for people to connect with others in the forums. TheThyroid cancer forum  is a safe and supportive space for you to chat to others in a similar situation. 

There is some information in our Help pages to help you join and post in the forums. I am sure once you introduce yourself in the forum’s others will come by to offer some support.

It’s lovely to hear your son and work friend are being supportive. Have you spoken to your son about your diagnosis or are you waiting until after your appointment? The reason I ask is that talking to children about cancer can be difficult, so I wanted to share a link to our ‘Talking to Children when an adult has cancer’ booklet. You can view this online, download a copy or order it for free on the Macmillan website here.

The booklet includes information about managing difficult conversations and signposts to other specialist organisations for additional support.

The school holidays are coming to an end, and it may be worth speaking to your son's teachers at school when they return so they are aware of what is going on in the family. That way they can keep a close eye on them and offer them some support during the day when you are not with them. 

Please remember that alongside accessing peer to peer support here on the Community, 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 00, email or live webchat.

I do hope the above information can help you find the support you are looking for. If you need any help with using the Online Community, 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

Lung cancer and terrified

I was diagnosed with nsclc about 3 weeks ago and am still in shock. I was iffered either radiotherapy or surgrey and the medical team believe either option has very good chance of cure. After a lot of self distruct deciding a treatment i have finaly dediced on surgery. I am due to have a rll lobectomy and rul wedge next week and treified about post op recovery and the long term impact on my life. I would really like to hear for anyone who has had this surgery and the impact on there life 

Hi Whynow1,

It’s Megan here from Macmillan’s Online Community team. I hope that, as a member of our site, you will find connecting with others to be a comforting source of support.

All our forums are safe and supportive spaces to chat to others, ask questions, and share personal experiences. You are more than welcome to join the Lung cancer forum and start a discussion.

There is some information in our Help pages to help you join and post in the forums. I am sure once you introduce yourself in the forum, others will come by to offer some support.

If you have questions about treatment decisions or managing side effects, you are welcome to speak with our Nurses here at Macmillan. They are experienced professionals and are there to help for as long as you need them. To get in touch, you can post a question in our Ask an Expert section here on the Community, or contact them on the Macmillan Support Line.

When you get in touch with the Support Line, there will be options to speak to the Information Nurse Specialists and Cancer Support Advisers. They can provide emotional, practical and financial support. They’re available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

I do hope the above makes sense, but if you have any questions, 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