Community News - Macmillan Online Community

Mental Health Awareness Week, kindness and blogging in the Community...

It’s Mental Health Awareness this week in the UK and the theme this year is ‘being kind’. Today we’re exploring different ways of using shared experience in the Community to help protect your mental health, plus as a kindness to other members. "I still take comfort in the many kind words of wisdom given on this forum." Peanut123 , Bereaved spouse forum "Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, your kindness and for sharing your personal experiences. Your words read like sunshine on the page." Kralc , Ovarian cancer group We regularly see the benefit of members sharing their perspective, as it can be not only feel helpful to put your thoughts on paper, but it can be such a kindness to others. Finding someone to talk to, who has been through similar experiences can mean so much…

Steph - Online Community Team
I don't know what to say

Knowing the right thing to say can be really hard, and it’s something that everyone struggles with sometimes. Many times, you might say nothing at all in case you say the ‘wrong thing’, or accidentally hurt someone’s feelings. Sometimes, you might feel hurt because of something someone said, even though they didn’t mean anything unkind. While we can’t stop these things because accidents happen, we can work together to find good ways of communicating here on the Community. Everyone has a memory of a time where knowing someone cared helped. Whether that memory is from the Community or otherwise, we all know the feeling of knowing someone listened, even if they couldn’t solve what was troubling us. Talking and supporting each other is what makes the Online Community tick, and in our humble opinion…

Eliza -Online Community Team
Keeping safe in the sun.

May 6 th -12 th was Sun Awareness week in the UK and as many of us are self-isolating, furloughing or working from home, it’s a good time to remind ourselves to stay safe in the sun. Although it’s unlikely any of us living in the UK will come into contact with foreign climates over the next few months, many will end up spending more time outside. Whether you’re taking the time to relax or work in your garden; taking a walk instead of the gym, if the sun is out, please do stay aware. Staying safe in the sun can reduce your risk of some cancers. It can also be particularly important for people going through some cancer treatments to stay out of the sun. '...when I was on chemo one of the nurses said to stay out of the sun. And then when I had my radiotherapy planning meeting they said of…

Steph - Online Community Team
Cancer & Me 35 years on – vol 1 – To begin at the beginning

With my German Shepherd puppy before my cancer appeared. Today on our Community News blog we are sharing with you the first volume of our new series called ‘Cancer & me 35 years on’ . In this series, Willo, known on the Community as patsyann85 , tells us about her experience of being diagnosed with Anal cancer in 1986 while living in Zambia. We will be sharing more of Willo’s writing and incredible artwork throughout the next few months on the Community News , here is Willo to tell us more about her writing: As I am a survivor (thus far) of two primary tumours, one recurring – and later with metastases (30 years ago at the time of writing), I hope my story might offer some support and encouragement to those currently in a similar daunting situation. To begin at the beginning... ‘My…

Former Member
'Treasure every moment daily, move on with head held high, breast cancer has been overcome, it’s now with joy I cry.' - My journey through breast cancer in verse and word' - Vol 4

Today here on the Community News we wanted to share with you the final volume of our series ‘My journey through breast cancer in verse and word’ by Amanda-Jayne. Amanda-Jayne was diagnosed with Breast cancer in June 2019 and used poetry and journaling to diarise her experience throughout. Amanda-Jayne has very kindly sent through her poetry and writing to us here and we are pleased to have brought you this series detailing her experience. In her writing Amanda-Jayne talks openly about her thoughts and feelings through diagnosis and treatment. If you missed the last volume of Amanda-Jayne’s blog, click here to catch up. 21st August 2019 Life is good, getting a bit bored being at home but am still healing internally so need to be patient and rest and allow this to happen. Two more weeks and…

Former Member
What’s it all for anyway?

There are certain events in life that can really make you question the meaning of it all. Why do we fight so hard to go swimming in one direction just to have the tide change and drop us in waters we never planned for, miles away from where we thought we were going. The fear caused by uncertainty and the unknown can be powerful and paralysing, but that’s not necessarily the end of the story. “ in my times of uncertainty this community has been a saving grace for me. I want you to know you are not alone.” – BeeWise02 - original post Image description: a vast body of water, vibrant with colours created by the sun behind clouds. Often those dealing with the most can be the most inspiring. The strength and depth of character displayed by those affected by cancer, in times of uncertainty…

Tom C - Online Community team
Food unites us all.

During this time of crisis, it may be hard to see the positives, but one thing I’ve noticed is that more people seem to be enjoying home cooking. Whether you’re lucky enough to be sitting down more regularly as a family together; virtually sharing a special meal with a loved one via video chat; or simply chatting with other members on the Community, food is something that unites us all. Community members have been chatting in this thread about baking, whether a distraction or necessity, bread is often a popular choice. According to Community member ‘Shazam’, kneading is good exercise for the lymphatic system!However, we understand that when you have cancer, it can affect your relationship with food. Member Hattykat suggests chemo can put you off your favourite foods: "I gave up coffee…

Steph - Online Community Team
Are you new here? Tips and guidance from the Community

Welcome to the Online Community, we hope you find it to be a place of comfort and support. You might be feeling worried, upset, happy or just a bit strange right now, but the Community is here for you 24/7 no matter what you are going through. Our New to the Community group is a great place to start here on the site, and we’ve collated some great tips from our members which have been posted in the group to help you make the most of the Online Community. Everyone who is affected by cancer has a different experience, but the Community is here to show that you are not alone. Update your profile “When you feel up to it, it would be useful if [you] could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar…

Eliza -Online Community Team
Sharing support - acts of kindness in and around the Community

The sun is shining in many places across the UK today and similarly, we’re in the mood for some positivity. Stories of kindness and support have been shining a light in the Community and across social media recently, and we’ve collated a few here to brighten your day. Why not post your own story of helping others or others helping you, community spirit or how you’re staying positive in the comments below? "Keep talking" Image text: Can I recommend the @macmillancancer online community if you, like me, are currently affected by cancer in some way? It’s been a brilliant way to feel less isolated for me and that’s even more important considering the current situation. Keep talking. community.macmillan.org.uk Everyone on the Community has the power to make a positive and meaningful impact…

Eliza -Online Community Team
'I keep reminding myself that one step at a time is enough' - My journey through breast cancer in verse and word - Vol 3

Today here on the Community News we wanted to share with you the third volume of our series ‘My journey through breast cancer in verse and word’ by Amanda-Jayne. Amanda-Jayne was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2019 and used poetry and journaling to diarise her experience throughout. Amanda-Jayne has very kindly sent through her poetry and writing to us here and we are really pleased to be bringing you this series. In her writing Amanda-Jayne talks openly about her thoughts and feelings through diagnosis and treatment. If you missed the last volume of Amanda-Jayne’s blog, click here to catch up. ‘….I am told it helps to put all your worries and anxieties onto paper, that way they are out of your head and you can sleep better, writing them, down won’t solve your worries but it can help…

Former Member
Sick of all the bad news? Our members have a plan!

As the dust starts to settle after the lockdown announcement, we all begin to face the reality of a few weeks, maybe even months, at home. Everybody’s situation is different, the challenges of living alone are very different to those of large families suddenly locked down together. One thing that's undeniable though is that those affected by cancer are certainly impacted more than most by the coronavirus. It’s important now more than ever that we pull together as a Community. The not so breaking news we’re delivering today … is that this is already happening! Check out just some of the many examples below. Our daily Boris Break Tit-Bits - A space for sharing your feelings and staying connected. Lockdown......don't panic...... Lacomtekp - Lovely post by one of our members living in…

Tom C - Online Community team
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

Awake and up all night?

We know that cancer can sometimes cause sleepless nights. Join our Cancer Chat forum for some company here in the 'Awake and up all night' thread.

Additional content from Macmillan

Access cancer information and more stories from around Macmillan.

Cancer stories and resources

Get further support from our Men and Cancer campaign:

Find the words to talk about cancer