Community News - Macmillan Online Community

Supporting men with breast cancer in the Online Community

In our October 2021 Community News blog for breast cancer awareness month we linked to some Macmillan information on male breast cancer with the hope it could help people find that information when they need it. A breast cancer diagnosis in men is rare, so it can feel particularly isolating when going through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Recently, a new member of the Community posted in our breast cancer group , looking for other men going through similar experiences . In this blog, we will be highlighting the conversation that followed with the intention of helping others find the group and join in. There is lots of support offered to everyone in the breast cancer support groups across our Online Community . “ Hi, I have recently joined this female dominated cancer world I have had…

Steph - Online Community Team
Breaking down the barriers and blushes

Last week we published the ‘why do I feel so guilty?’ blog exploring why we may feel guilty when living with, or being affected by cancer. Today we are talking about embarrassment because it’s often a feeling many people experience when it comes to talking about your body. On the Online Community, we often see members posting about how embarrassed they feel to talk about parts of their body with friends, family and medical professionals. Embarrassment shouldn’t hold you back from getting the support you need so in this blog we’re sharing some of the discussions from our Community groups to help break down the barriers and the blushes of feeling embarrassed when being affected by cancer. Embarrassment is described as a feeling of shame, awkwardness, and becoming self-conscious about something…

Megan- Online Community Team
Support from Macmillan with funeral arrangements

Funerals can be difficult in lots of ways. It can be easy to feel isolated or overwhelmed if you are planning a funeral. It can also be hard to cope with feeling excluded from a funeral or the planning process. While for some people, funerals are a helpful way to find closure and say goodbye, this might not be true for everyone. In today’s blog, we are going to talk through support options from Macmillan and reassurance from the Online Community that you are not on your own. It’s natural to feel lots of different emotions around a funeral, and the Online Community is here to help. All of the quotes we’re featuring are from our “Bereaved spouses and partners” group and our “Bereaved family and friends” group . These groups are safe spaces to find support and talk about your experiences with…

Eliza -Online Community Team
'My consultant's favourite quote was, "It's not a walk in the park, but it's doable" Mouth Cancer Awareness Month- Chris's story

As the end of November draws in so does the end of Mouth Cancer Awareness Month which takes place every November in the UK. To mark this, we have asked our Community Champion chris2012 a few questions about his experience of being diagnosed with mouth cancer. Why not take a look through Chris’s story? When were you first diagnosed with mouth cancer? When were you first diagnosed with mouth cancer? My name is Chris I am aged 58 and live with my wife and son plus our two mini Dachshunds. I was first diagnosed with floor of the mouth cancer in October 2008 and had my first operation on 5th of November that year followed by 30 zaps of radiotherapy and 3 chemotherapy. This cancer started off with what I thought was an ulcer on my bottom gum but was proved to be a cancerous tumour. "My consultant…

Former Member
On the road to recovery

Like many roads and paths in life, being on the road to recovery after cancer treatment isn’t always straight forward. Every path is different and everyone’s road to recovery has challenges. One thing that lots of people find in common is the comfort found from connecting with others in similar situations here on the Online Community. The Community is a place to share personal experiences and to help each other through the difficult moments. Hopefully reading the following experience of members finding their own road to recovery will be helpful. “…One day at a time continues to be my mantra and I’ve realised that this stage of recovery is also very hard with glimmers of normality followed by big crashes!! I’ve found this site very comforting.” Community member, Head and neck cancer forum…

Megan- Online Community Team
Rebellious hope – Reflecting on the legacy of Dame Deborah James

Credit: Dan Williams / The Sun / News Licensing Here on the Community team, we were all very saddened to hear that Dame Deborah James had passed away from Bowel cancer at the end of June. After spending some time reflecting on what she meant to those affected by Bowel cancer, and thinking about her amazing legacy, we wanted to dedicate today’s Community News Blog to Deborah and all those who knew and loved her. Deborah was an incredible inspiration to so many and fought to raise awareness of Bowel cancer and the vital importance of breaking the taboo around talking about poo. Our Community members were understandably impacted by Deborah’s passing. Below are some of the many tributes for Deborah our members posted. We hope you will join us in keeping her family and loved ones in your thoughts…

Former Member
Urology Awareness Month

Urology. Defined in the Oxford dictionary as the branch of medicine concerned with the function and disorders of the urinary system. It’s always been a sensitive topic and often leads to not getting the medical attention that is required when a problem occurs in this area. In fact, according to the research done by Bupa , one in five UK adults who have experienced potential cancer symptoms, have not seen a doctor due to being too embarrassed to go. In this blog, we take a look at the Community to help break down the stigma of embarrassment and taking better precautions to look after our urological health. Listed below are the different areas in the urological system than can be affected by cancer. They are as follows: Prostate Bladder Kidney Testicular Penile Each link contains…

Syed - Macmillan
Catching up with the ‘Supporting someone with incurable cancer forum’

When a loved one has incurable cancer, it is natural to feel a range of emotions and need some additional support. Our Supporting someone with incurable cancer forum is a safe space for you to talk about the practical and emotional needs you have, alongside connecting with others in a similar situation. If you are looking for some additional support, or want to catch up with the recent activity in the group, this blog will be a helpful source of information. An incurable prognosis can come as a shock and take time to process. During this difficult time, members post about the mixed emotions they feel when coming to terms with their loved one’s diagnosis. You’re not alone if you are struggling, there’s a friendly support network of people coming together to offer a listening ear and guidance…

Megan- Online Community Team
Be kind to yourself: Self-compassion and cancer

When navigating the challenging journey of a cancer diagnosis, our Online Community often provides gentle, yet profound wisdom. The phrase "be kind to yourself" echoes through many of our forums on a weekly basis. This blog is a collection of quotes from our members that centre around the concept of being kind to oneself. These snippets reflect the shared wisdom and experience of individuals facing the challenges of cancer. Patience and self-compassion in recovery While recovering, patience and self-compassion play significant roles. It's important to take things slow and take each day as it comes. The following quotes illustrate the lessons learned through patience and self-kindness. “It takes time to recover and everybody's journey is very different. Please be kind to yourself…

Dylan - Online Community Team
2021 on the Online Community

In the spirit of the n ew year, we’re looking back at what’s happened on the Online Community over the past year. It’s been a challenging year for many with continued uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic and the impact this has on cancer patients and their loved ones. What has helped a lot of people get through is talking to others who can understand how you may be feeling here on the Online Community. We’ve welcomed around 21,901 new members since the start of 2021 and we’ve seen 161,844 posts, comments and blogs. There’s a lot of support to be accessed here on the Community and we hope all our new and existing members find it helpful to have a safe and supportive space to share personal experiences and offer support each other. "Thanks so much, I totally appreciate all the…

Megan- Online Community Team
Have you tried expressing yourself? Creativity and coping with member Wee Me

Creativity can be a helpful tool to find comfort and support. For Community member and Macmillan volunteer Wee Me, the Online Community’s “Express yourself” group and taking the time to be creative has been invaluable throughout her experience with cancer. Wee Me’s husband was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumour in September 2020. Wee Me has shared her story on Community News. 6-12 June 2022 is Carers Week , and the theme this year is ‘'Make caring visible, valued and supported'. Writing and journaling have helped Wee Me to feel seen and supported. Today, Wee Me is here to talk about how you could give being creative a go, with support from the Community. I don’t know if you’ve discovered it yet but there’s a group within the Online Community called Express Yourself . This is a safe…

Eliza -Online Community Team
Protecting your mental health on the Online Community

The Online Community is a big source of support for lots of members. It can be a comfort to read that other members are going through a similar experience to you. However, it’s important to look after yourself online. Sometimes we may need different types of support depending on how we’re feeling. Sometimes it can be difficult to read posts where other people are talking about their experiences, even if those experiences are similar to yours. We want you to feel you can be honest and use the Online Community in the best way for you. We’re here today to talk about how you can look after your wellbeing online. We’re also going to talk about ways you can be mindful of other members’ mental wellbeing. “Everyone can be affected by a cancer diagnosis in so many ways.” Ask a nurse How can you…

Eliza -Online Community Team