Community News - Macmillan Online Community

How do you balance Ramadān and living with cancer?

For many people, Ramadān is a time of reflection, faith, and connection. When you’re living with cancer, this month can also bring questions, adjustments, and mixed emotions. You may be wondering how fasting fits alongside treatment, recovery, fatigue, or medication - or how to stay connected to Ramadān if fasting isn’t possible this year. This blog brings together practical guidance and shared understanding, shaped around the experiences of people in the Macmillan Online Community. What is Ramadān and why is it relevant to my cancer experience? Ramadān is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer, and reflection. Fasting from dawn to sunset is an important part of the month for many, but Ramadān is also about intention, compassion…

Emma - Online Community Team
Online Community downtime- Thursday 30th June, 7am to 10am

There is some planned maintenance taking place on Macmillan’s website on Thursday 30th June, from 7am-10am. So that this essential maintenance can take place, the Online Community will experience some downtime. This means that members will not be able to log in, or join the Online Community, between 7 am - 10am On Thursday 30th June 2022. We know how important the Community is as a source of support for our members, so we always do our best to ensure the site is not unavailable for any longer than necessary. Please know that while the site is down, although you will not be able to create an account, log into the site or post, you will still be able to view the Community and read posts and discussions for support. We understand that this may impact members who rely on the Online Community…

Megan- Online Community Team
In Conversation With Macmillan

If you’ve visited the Macmillan Instagram , Facebook or YouTube channels recently, you may have seen this amazing video, 'In Conversation with Macmillan', which you can watch again by clicking on the video below. https://youtu.be/0TP0Hpyiq5Y The video includes personal experiences of living with cancer through lockdown, covers some of the most frequently asked questions about the emotional and physical effects of cancer, and explains how Macmillan can help you through these difficult times. In the opening section, Macmillan host Terri, chats to Mandy, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, about her experience of living with cancer and how she’s coped with the pandemic. “At times when I just can’t sleep and I want to reach out and I want to talk to someone, I’d use the Online Community…

Steph - Online Community Team
"Cancer must not define who we are..."

Whether it’s drawing a picture, painting, writing a song or perhaps a poem, being creative is for many people a great way to improve your mental wellbeing. Having spoken to a lot of our Community members about their experiences, I often hear that being creative has helped provide them with an escape or diversions to where cancer’s no longer a central focus. Our Express yourself group’s a space where members showcase their creations, so as a way of encouraging others to perhaps do the same, I thought I’d share a few highlights from the group for those who haven’t yet ventured into it. Enjoy… 'Bad and good!' by Blot3 Because of my hectic work and home life, I've found it difficult to vent. Whilst having rads I stayed away from home and decided to get down on paper what was really affecting…

Former Member
World Vegan Month - Alice's Vegan Pumpkin Spiced smoothie recipe

November is World Vegan Month - a time to celebrate how far veganism's come in recent years, and a time to share vegan tips and recipes with those interested in the movements potential benefits. Our Online Community's resident dietitian, Alice, has taken the time to write about why veganism's grown so rapidly in popularity, its benefits, and she's also shared a rather tasty 'Vegan Pumpkin Spice' smoothie (trust me, I made it myself over the weekend). Enjoy! Veganism is a diet that excludes all animal products including meat, dairy and eggs. It has become an increasingly popular and mainstream lifestyle over the past 10 years. Its growing popularity seems to be due to two main factors: Desire to protect the environment and reduce harmful farming practices. Desire to live a healthier…

Former Member
“I did not know the stranger looking back at me from the mirror.” -Renita’s hair loss story

Last month, Community member Renita ( RMD ), shared her story in this blog , of being diagnosed with invasive multifocal ductal and lobular breast cancer. She wrote about the challenges of treatment and how the Macmillan Online Community gave her support, hope and comfort when she needed it most. In this blog, Renita shares her experience of losing her hair during treatment, hoping to help others going through the same thing feel less alone. I thought being diagnosed with multifocal invasive ductal and lobular breast cancer was traumatic. Don't get me wrong, it was, very much so, as was the mastectomy that followed and the various side effects of chemotherapy. Each one seemingly worse than the last. Despite having worn the cold cap during my chemotherapy sessions, enduring the freezing…

Megan- Online Community Team
"Getting cancer at our age is such a shock" - supporting adults in their 20's, 30's and 40's on the Online Community

In this first of a two-part blog, we will be investigating the support available from the Online Community when you are diagnosed as a younger adult. Being diagnosed in your 20's, 30's or 40's might mean you are more likely to need support with issues around relationships, fertility, family, money and work. In this blog, we will focus on shared experiences, fertility and family. You might be thinking about starting a family; have young children, teenagers, elderly parents or other dependants to care for. You can find the second part of the blog here which will feature conversations on relationships, career and finances. Talking about cancer, with people who understand Lots of people find it can help to have someone to talk to when you have been referred for tests for cancer, have recently…

Steph - Online Community Team
Lights! Camera! Action! Steph & Emma's Secret London Trip

Earlier in March, Steph and Emma from the Community team took part in a top-secret Macmillan TV project! I’m Steph and I’m excited to share some of our experience with you today. We travelled to London to film with a professional crew so that a message about the Online Community can appear on primetime television in the coming weeks. The filming was part of a larger project, designed to increase understanding and awareness of Macmillan services. We know just how important the Online Community can be to those who use it. Through our TV spotlight message, we hope to reach more people living with and affected by cancer so we can be be there for everyone who needs us. Intrigued? Whilst we can’t yet reveal full details of the project, we wanted to share a diary of our day in London and some…

Steph - Online Community Team
Sharing comfort tips with the Community - what's on your wish list?

What would you put on your comfort wish-list if you were to share it today? You might be looking for something to help with side effects of chemo or other cancer treatment . You could be looking for the best gift to let someone know you’re thinking about them when they’re having a difficult time with cancer. Or perhaps you just need some new ideas when prioritising self-care . It can be really helpful to be able to share information and ideas. In this Community News Blog, we're sharing top tips from across the Community and inviting you to share your own. Lots of people find it can help to be prepared when you're going for tests or going through cancer treatment . In this recent Community News Blog , we shared members tips and lists about what to pack for your hospital visit or stay.…

Steph - Online Community Team
Online Community downtime: Thursday 21st July 2022- 7am to 10am

There is some planned maintenance taking place on Macmillan’s website on Thursday 21st July, from 7am-10am. So that this essential maintenance can take place, the Online Community will experience some downtime. This means that members will not be able to log in, or join the Online Community, between 7 am - 10am On Thursday 21st July 2022. We know how important the Community is as a source of support for our members, so we always do our best to ensure the site is not unavailable for any longer than necessary. Please know that while the site is down, although you will not be able to create an account, log into the site or post, you will still be able to view the Community and read posts and discussions for support. We understand that this may impact members who rely on the Online Community…

Megan- Online Community Team
Have you had your green medicine?

Picture by Winkers60 in the Spring spotting 2025 discussion thread. It’s Gardens and Health Week from 3 rd to 11th May 2025. To celebrate this, we are sharing information about Macmillan’s partner, The National Garden Scheme, and how you can get some green medicine during Gardens and Health week. What is the National Garden scheme? Our longest standing partner The National Garden Scheme have donated over £19 million to Macmillan Cancer Support since 1984, funding over 150 Macmillan nurses and professionals along with helping to fund three major care units. In honour of Gardens and Health Week 3-11 May 2025 the National Garden Scheme’s Garden and Health program brings to life the power of ‘Green Medicine’ which emphasises and raises awareness of the physical and mental health benefits…

Megan- Online Community Team
Online Community downtime: Thursday 20th July 2023 - 7am to 9.30am

There is some planned maintenance taking place on Macmillan’s website on Thursday 20th July, from 7am-9.30am. So that this essential maintenance can take place, the Online Community will experience some downtime. This means that members will not be able to log in, or join the Online Community, between 7 am - 9.30am On Thursday 20th August 2023. We know how important the Community is as a source of support for our members, so we always do our best to ensure the site is not unavailable for any longer than necessary. Please know that while the site is down you will not be able to create an account, log into the site or post, however you will still be able to view the Community and read posts and discussions for support. We understand that this may impact members who rely on the Online…

Megan- Online Community Team