Community News - Macmillan Online Community

Songs are therapy too - music and cancer experiences from the Online Community

Music can touch our hearts and uplift our spirits during challenging times. In this blog, we delve into the impact of music on individuals affected by cancer. Through stories and experiences shared by our Community members, we explore how music has become a source of solace, hope, and healing. Music for lifting spirits Our community members in the Living with incurable cancer forum often express the benefits of music, and how it lifts their spirits. One member shared their experience, highlighting a song from “The Greatest Showman” that resonated with them. "Though now blasting out is music from The Greatest Showman, not a normal pick, l have to admit, always, when in a serious mood, as it lifts me up, and the song “This is Me”, sums up so much at times." Community member…

Dylan - Online Community Team
A day in the life of an LGBTQ+ Network Lead

Previously in our “A day in the life” series, we’ve featured members of staff you could talk to on Macmillan’s webchat and Support Line. This time, as part of LGBT+ History month, we’re taking you behind the scenes. Anna, alongside her full-time role at Macmillan, volunteers as Network Lead for the LGBTQ+* Network. * LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/trans+, queer/questioning, and other marginalised identities. If you’d like to learn more about what being LGBTQ+ means, please take a look at our previous blog . What is the LGBTQ+ Network at Macmillan, and why is it important? The network is a safe space for LGBTQ+ staff working at Macmillan. It provides collective support and connection, aiming to improve members’ experience of working here. We have vastly ranging backgrounds…

Eliza -Online Community Team
“It has taken me over 5 years to come to terms with what I went through” -Dimple is sharing her story

Dimple shares her cancer diagnosis story and how telling her children about her cancer was the hardest thing she has ever done. Cancer and treatment can have an emotional and financial impact on your life and Dimple tells us about some of the challenges she faced when living with cancer. On the 29th of December 2015, I was diagnosed with Cancer or Cookies as I called it because the word still scared me so much. The term the doctor used when they told me I had Cancer was primary cancer unknown - in other words the cancer had spread, and they didn’t know where it had started. The doctor that told me didn’t even ask if I had someone with me or how I would be getting home. It felt like I was just on his list for that day and he delivered his news and carried on with his day. I managed to hear…

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
Cancer, self-advocacy and pre-existing health conditions on the Online Community

Our forum members share experiences of self-advocacy, pre-existing health conditions and variations in cancer care. Self-advocacy means speaking up, asking questions, and making informed decisions, whatever stage you're at. Managing your own healthcare can be even more difficult if you have other health conditions as well as cancer. And there are unacceptable variations in cancer care across the UK. This means not everyone gets the same experience, depending on who they are and where they live. Learn how Online Community members navigate these issues. “I have inflammatory breast cancer and was told the only options was non skin sparing mastectomy with a year long wait for reconstruction, after being referred to another hospital despite being told by the previous hospital I couldn't have…

Steph - Online Community Team
Celebrating Pride month

June marks the international celebration of Pride month. In the words of Stonewall , a charity dedicated to supporting LGBT+ people in the UK, “pride is about communities coming together in celebration, protest, unity and solidarity.” June is a month where we celebrate the LGBT+ communities around the world. Here on the Online Community, we wanted to shine a light on the support that is available for LGBT+ people living with cancer and their families. We also wanted to talk more today about the history of Pride and why it is so important. It’s important to acknowledge that the celebration of Pride in June each year doesn’t mean that this is the only time we can focus on supporting LGBT+ people affected by cancer and celebrating the LGBT+ community. Here at Macmillan, we are dedicated to supporting…

Former Member
"Always trust your gut instinct" - Colleen's story

Colleen got in touch with the Community team a couple of months ago to share with us her experiences following her appendix cancer diagnosis. Colleen’s story offers not a great insight into what is a rare cancer, but also the emotional impact diagnosis had on her and how she reacted. If you’ve been affected by appendix cancer, why not share your experiences in the comments below. So, on being woken on a Friday night in March ’17 with what I can only describe as a pain that I hadn’t experienced before – it wasn’t excruciating, I just knew something wasn’t right... Trip to the out-of-hours service and following a couple of tests I was sent home – the pain went the Saturday, only to return the Sunday, and I was due to fly to Barcelona Monday. So off back to the out-of- hours service, and…

Former Member
‘I know that there are people out there who care and can help, I’ve learnt to talk, talk and talk’ – John’s story

As Prostate Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, we wanted to reflect today on what this awareness month means. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a time where we shine a light on the experiences of those who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and also raise awareness, not only of this disease, but also of all the support that is out there for anyone who has been affected by prostate cancer. One of the most important things to remember if you have been diagnosed, is that you are not alone. As a Community we know how important shared experiences can be, which is why we are pleased to have one of our Community members, John, here to share his experience of being diagnosed with Prostate cancer at the age of 50. John talks not only about his diagnosis today, but about treatment, returning…

Former Member
Adapting to change - baking a difference

Many of us are forced into learning to adapt when there's a cancer diagnosis. How do you deal with change? In the current pandemic, many of us are experiencing disruption to our normal lives. Whether it’s having the kids at home or things missing off our shopping lists, we’re all having to adapt in some way. How we deal with this change can really affect our well-being. You all help make the Community a safe and supportive space where we can all share our worries, but also a positive place where we can share hints and tips to get through this together. Today, I’ll be sharing some of my tips and recipes for making the most of cupboard items when ready-made products, or crucial ingredients aren’t available! Quick Loaf Did you know, you can make a delicious loaf of bread, without…

Ellen - Macmillan
"So why are pets great? Because without them, I don't know if I'd still be here, and if I were I'd not be as upbeat as I am!" - why pets help us and our wellbeing

This week, we’ve been asking the Community about the benefits of pets. We’ve really enjoyed putting this piece together and it’s clear to see our pets mean so much to us. They can be our most loyal companions, our shoulder to lean on and an ever-lasting source of comfort and love. It’s been so lovely to see all of the responses we received and I’ve no doubt you’ll all love them too. "...the crazy cockapoo welcome I get on my return from work is the perfect antidote from the strains of the most stressful day." 'We had never had a dog before and had always planned to get one when we retired. Retirement plans were sadly brought forward for us upon my husband's diagnosis 4 years ago but we decided to put our retirement plans into action instead of on hold and we found our adorable Milo. Milo…

Ellen - Macmillan
Cancer treatment - Living with a PICC line

Do you have questions about living with a PICC line ? The Online Community is a great place to hear from others about their experiences. You can also ask clinical questions to our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists . In this blog, we’re highlighting conversations from the Online Community about PICC lines, and how you can take part. Getting a PICC line fitted For many members, the idea of having a PICC line fitted can feel worrying at first. In the Breast cancer forum , some members shared that the procedure itself was much easier than they expected. “the insertion of the PICC was absolutely painless, in fact I did not even know the procedure had been done.” “I was terrified of having it inserted but it didn't hurt me either.” Another member described how the process felt straightforward…

Dylan - Online Community Team
What should I take to treatment?

Finding out you have cancer can be an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. There’ll likely be more than enough questions and concerns running through your head without having to worry about the small things - such as, “what should I bring with me to the hospital when I go for treatment?” I’ve compiled suggestions across the Community from our members, and put them together to form a small check-list. “Trashy TV, films on iPad or DVDs…Favourite music, comfy headphones…Magazines…Favourite duvets/pillows, plus plenty of changes as daily laundry will be needed.” “Did anyone mention lip cream or a moisturiser? My lips in the dry air of the room cracked continuously. One other thing that was useful was an extension lead, so I could plug in all my bits and bobs by the bed and have…

Former Member