Community News - Macmillan Online Community

The Online Community asks "What can I eat?" - diet and food when you have cancer

Lots of people come to the Community looking for help around taking control of your diet, or worried that you might not be eating the right foods. Cancer or treatments can sometimes cause problems with eating, or may restrict what you can eat. Whatever your situation around food, there is often support to be found through forums in the Community. In this Community News Blog, we will be sharing conversations from across the site and highlighting useful information around your diet when you have cancer. Do I need to make changes to my diet? "Has anyone drastically changed their diet after having cancer because they are worried certain foods or drink gave you cancer? I’m scared to eat and drink a lot of things because I always think, what if that, what if this gave me cancer.…

Steph - Online Community Team
Relationships, sex and cancer - support from Macmillan's Online Community

Lots of people are celebrating Valentine’s Day today as February 14th marks a day of celebrating love around the world. In this Community News blog we will be exploring how cancer might affect love and intimate relationships. Whether you have been together for a long time, in a new relationship or considering dating, there is support available for you. Some people find it helps to talk to other people who are in a similar situation. Members of the Community have been supporting one another with experiences of cancer, love and relationships. When you or your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be a lot to cope with. "It is like living in an alternate reality. Life is going on and we have to carry on and function as if everything is normal but at the same time we are dealing…

Steph - Online Community Team
Sexual health and cancer: Erectile Dysfunction during and after cancer treatment

Dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) during and after cancer treatment can be a challenging and sensitive topic for many men. In this blog, we’ll delve into the experiences of our Community members. Sharing their valuable insight on how they navigated the emotional and physical aspects of ED. Additionally, we’ll discuss sexual health and intimacy, challenging the notion of a “normal” sex life. “My surgeon gave me the option of whether to spare my nerves or not and I told him my life was the most important thing to consider and to do whatever was necessary.” Community member, Prostate cancer forum Experiences of Erectile Dysfunction Here in the online Community, no subject is taboo, and our goal is to have safe spaces where members can chat freely about what they…

Dylan - Online Community Team
Cost of cancer- need new clothes as a result of cancer?

The need for new clothing is the next topic of our ‘cost of cancer’ blog mini-series. If you haven’t yet read the ‘Need help with transport and parking fees’ blog , you can click the link to read it. We know there are often additional costs incurred due to a cancer diagnosis and the ‘cost of cancer series’ is highlighting a few of the costs that members of our Online Community have. Like our previous blog in the series, we will feature conversations from different Online Community groups and include support information. “ It's not just bills cancer patients could use some financial help with, it's the day to day things that they don't get support, like bra costs, prosthesis, hospital parking/triage long waiting or… clothing costs. Having to buy new clothes, just to accommodate the weather…

Moderator - Macmillan Community
Story of the Month: Jennifer

Have you ever felt misunderstood during your experience with cancer? Here in the Online Community, we’re excited to launch a new series working with Macmillan’s Digital Storytelling Project, where people affected by cancer have created their own videos to talk about their experiences. We’re starting with Jennifer as our first story of the month for May 2022, also known on the Online Community as . Jennifer has created a video to share her experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis as an autistic person. Her video is called ‘Take a moment’. She talks about her feelings of being misunderstood by medical professionals and the assumptions made about her. Jennifer also shares how her experiences have changed her perspective on both herself and how she wants to move through the world. “I am…

Eliza -Online Community Team
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…

Eliza -Online Community Team
Newly diagnosed with cancer: Finding support in the Online Community

Finding out you have cancer can be overwhelming and it’s normal to experience a range of emotions. During this time, connecting with others who understand what you're going through can offer much-needed comfort and support. If you have just been diagnosed, or you’re supporting a loved one who has, the Online Community is here for you. New to the Community The shock of hearing the words “You have cancer” can leave you feeling uncertain about what to do next or how to even express what you're going through. Some members have found that just saying “hi” and acknowledging their feelings helps ease the initial isolation. "Not really sure what else to say, I'm obviously still in shock but just wanted to say hi." Community member - Womb cancer forum After receiving a cancer diagnosis, it's…

Dylan - Online Community Team
“When I am up at 'silly o'clock' I will try to remember this thread”

This week, the Awake and up all night discussion in the cancer chat forum reached a one-year milestone. For a whole year, people have found support from posting in the discussion thread and reading the ongoing conversations. Sleep problems may be caused by how you’re feeling emotionally, or as part of the side effects of cancer treatment. If you find it hard to get a good sleep, you’re not alone. The Online Community is here to support you 24/7. The Awake and up all night discussion thread was created with the aim of being a dedicated space for people to access peer support when experiencing sleep issues. “What a great idea for a thread. I often had trouble falling asleep, especially when I had been diagnosed but was waiting results, my brain was in worry overdrive.” Community member, Awake…

Megan- Online Community Team
“This place has been my sanity”: finding mental health support through cancer

“This place has been my sanity, a place where I feel understood and accepted.” Community member, Bereaved partners and spouses forum There are moments when cancer feels overwhelming. The worry can be constant, and it can feel like no one quite understands what you are going through. Living with cancer, or supporting someone who is, can bring uncertainty, isolation, and emotional strain. That’s why Mental Health Awareness Week is an important moment to pause and talk about it. In this blog, we share some conversations from the Online Community and highlight where you can find support. Finding support through shared experience In the Breast Cancer forum , one member reached out as they were struggling with their mental health. Other members replied with kindness and shared their own…

Dylan - Online Community Team
The bright side - Kevin's story

Kevin, known on the site as kevatvinegarhill , was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in March 2019. As part of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, he’s decided to share the story of his diagnosis and treatment with the Online Community. Unexplained weight loss, fatigue and a continual feeling of indigestion after hot meals. There couldn’t possibly be anything serious, could there? My GP thought otherwise and referred me for a series of tests which began in November 2018 and went on to March 2019. My GP rang me in March and told me it was suspected cancer, and that she wanted me to hear the news from her rather than get an appointment letter from the Churchill cancer unit in Oxford. That was very kind of her. By this time however, I had gotten quite jaundiced and the news did not come as any…

Eliza -Online Community Team
November catch-up from the Community - 'This forum is a lifeline and keeps me sane'

As we move into December, it’s time to take a look at what’s been happening on the Community throughout November and share some of the valuable support you’ve been offering each other. We’ve welcomed 1,828 new members to the Community in November. Although we are sorry that circumstances have brought you here, we wish a very warm welcome to each and everyone of you. We hope that you find the site to be a safe place of comfort and support. 'This forum is a lifeline and keeps me sane, thanks to every contributor as they have all helped on the journey. Now 2 years on and things are much better...' - Community member, breast cancer forum We know that the Community can be a lifeline for some members. The Community team will do all we can to ensure we’re here for everyone who needs us. We…

Steph - Online Community Team
Showing empathy to everyone

Have you ever been told you look great, but on the inside when you’re not feeling your best? Has someone you know assumed how you may be feeling, just because you’re living with cancer? If you have, then you’re not alone. This blog is highlighting some of the experiences members have shared when it comes to coping with the assumptions of others, and how being a part of Macmillan’s Online Community has helped. "I have since told friends that I am struggling, one friend said still struggling! some are very supportive, some do not know what to say which is why I find this on line chat so helpful, everyone on here is going through the same thing." Community member, Prostate cancer forum “I’m glad you have people you can trust to tell. I’ve found many don’t know how to react or say things…

Megan- Online Community Team