Community News - Macmillan Online Community

Cancer support, emotional support, and existing mental health needs - World Mental Health Day 2024

It’s ok to not be ok Thursday 10 October is World Mental Health Day 2024 , and we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the various mental health support options you can access if you or a loved one is impacted by a cancer diagnosis. It’s not uncommon to need some form of mental health support when a cancer diagnosis impacts the life of yourself or a loved one. Much like how the body’s muscles risk becoming strained under sustained exertion, experiencing a mental health difficulty is a very natural reaction to being under significant or sustained emotional stress. There is nothing at all to be ashamed of if you’re struggling. It’s common, it’s understandable, and it means that you are very much not alone! Accessing professional mental health support There are various ways…

Matthew - Macmillan
Fall into the Online Community Autumn Quiz

We're starting to hear lots of mentions of autumn on the Community, with members talking about the nights drawing in, the colours of the trees and the leaves crunching under your feet. As many of you told us that you enjoyed the chance to relax and engage with light-hearted content, w e've created an autumn themed quiz for the Community today. Even if you're not feeling particularly positive about Autumn this year, you might find light-hearted distractions to be helpful. Have a go at 'conker'ing the quiz today and see how you get on! How to play the interactive quiz Use the voting buttons to choose your answer from the multiple choices shown. You are welcome to try all eight questions, or just a few. Once you have voted for your answer, you will be able to see how many others chose…

Steph - Macmillan
Diagnostic testing for endometrial cancer- Jane’s story

Jane was treated for endometrial cancer in 2022 and became a Community Champion in 2023. She volunteers in the Womb (uterus) cancer forum and across the Online Community. Members often turn to Macmillan for support during the diagnostic process so Jane is sharing her personal experience undergoing diagnostic testing for endometrial cancer, which may provide some reassurance if you have concerning symptoms. Dealing with symptoms My first symptom was a heavy vaginal bleeding where I passed palm-sized clots. This caused some cramping and lightheadedness. I also felt some lower back pain. After general checks at A&E, I was seen by a gynaecologist who referred me for further testing, and I was put on the two-week cancer referral pathway. I was unhelpfully told that only ‘one in ten ladies…

Megan- Macmillan
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 - Macmillan
Talking about adjuvant and neo-adjuvant cancer treatments on the Online Community

Members of the Community have been talking about adjuvant therapies . Adjuvant therapy can mean different things, depending on your type of cancer and cancer treatment . In addition to your primary treatment , your cancer doctor may recommend you have other treatments. This is often called adjuvant therapy and aims to reduce the risk of recurrence . Your cancer doctor or nurse will explain the treatment options , benefits and likely side effects to you. You can also talk things through here on the Community, with people going through similar treatment. Our members can’t give you medical advice, but through shared experiences you may feel more supported. Many members are talking about and asking questions about their adjuvant therapy, usually a course of treatment following the main cancer…

Steph - Macmillan
Talking with experts about Sex and Cancer: "All good sex starts with a conversation"

Sex, intimacy, and relationships are regular topics of conversation here on the Community. From discussions about erectile dysfunction, and hormonal and libido changes to using dilators and pumps. There’s no need to feel embarrassed when talking about sex on the Community, our forums are anonymous safe spaces for you to talk openly about your feelings and share your personal experiences with people who understand. This blog features a video hosted by Helen Addis, joined by Macmillan Chief Medical Officer, Richard, and Sarah, a Sexual Health Nurse and Lovehoney Sexpert. Together, they explore the ways to maintain a healthy sexual relationship during and after cancer treatment. “Recovery and going through cancer treatment doesn’t have to mean that you lose your sexiness’. Through personal…

Megan- Macmillan
Thyroid cancer on the Community

As we welcome September, we enter Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. This blog highlights the practical and emotional effects thyroid cancer can have on your life. As in all our forums, our Thyroid Cancer forum has members who come together to share their experiences and support one another through every step of their journeys. Whatever your experience may be, this forum is a safe space where you can connect with others who may truly understand what you're going through. So join us on the Community as we read this blog to catch up with some of the recent discussions in our Thyroid cancer forum. Remember, if you have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer or supporting someone living with thyroid cancer, we hope this blog can be a helpful overview of the support you can find in the Thyroid cancer…

Syed - Macmillan
Catching up with the Kidney cancer forum

Here on the Online Community, there’s lots of different forums where you can find support and talk to people who may be impacted by a similar diagnosis. Ahead of Urological Cancer Month in September, we’re catching up with recent conversations in the Kidney cancer forum and exploring the ways people have supported each other. If you are affected by a different type of urological cancer, remember we also have a Bladder cancer forum , Prostate cancer forum , Testicular cancer forum and Penile cancer forum . Let’s take a look at some of the common topics and conversations that have been happening recently in our Kidney cancer forum. If you’d like to respond in any of these conversations, just follow the links under the quotes. Coming to terms with a diagnosis A new diagnosis can be shocking…

Eliza - Macmillan
Chemotherapy support: Tips, discussions, and expert advice

Starting or undergoing chemotherapy can be daunting, and the side effects can be tough to deal with. Whether you're new to treatment or looking for ways to manage its challenges, you're not alone. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the discussions in our Online Community, hints and tips shared, as well as expert guidance. Hints and tips from a Community Champion In 2021, Irishgirl16 (a Community Champion) wrote a popular blog post sharing things she wished she'd known before starting chemotherapy. This blog has helped many Community members over the last 3 years. Her tips cover general preparation, managing sickness, dealing with hair loss, and more. If you’d like to read her full list of helpful suggestions, please click the link below: Chemo Side Effects - Hints & Tips Ask A Nurse…

Dylan - Macmillan
Tell us about your perfect summer- This or that quiz

We want to know what you consider a perfect summer. From ice lollies to sunsets on the beach, complete our summer 'This or That' quiz. How to play the interactive quiz Use the voting buttons to choose your answer from the multiple choices shown. You are welcome to answer all questions or just a few. Once you have voted for your answer, you will be able to see how many others chose the same answer as you. Quiz We hope you had fun doing the above quiz. Why not share your summer plans with us in the comment box below.

Megan- Macmillan
“Grief comes in waves”: Coping with the loss of a partner

Many Community News readers may have followed Wee Mee ’s story. Community Champion Wee Me has written several articles about her experiences as a carer for her husband , who was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumour in September 2020. In today’s blog, Wee Me is sharing a very personal look at her experience and thoughts about loss and bereavement. “I have chosen to view life over the past nine months since G peacefully passed away as a time to heal rather than a time to grieve.” It’s been a while since I last wrote a Community blog. The topic for this one has been on my mind for a while but I couldn’t find the right words to articulate my thoughts. As many of you know, I supported my late husband G through the three years of his Glioblastoma journey. Any cancer journey is tough…

Eliza - Macmillan
A day in life as a Macmillan Telephone Buddy- Carol’s experience

Carol, one of the Macmillan Buddy volunteers is sharing her experience and inviting us into a usual day as a Macmillan Buddy. Carol also tells us why she signed up to be a Macmillan volunteer and what the role looks like day to day. If you are considering signing up for support from a Macmillan Buddy or signposting someone to this service, this blog will be useful for you to read. Carol's experience My name is Carol and I’ve been a Telephone Buddy for several years. Before the pandemic, I volunteered at my local Macmillan Centre but, when it became impossible to see patients and families face to face, I applied to be a Telephone Buddy. The Macmillan Buddy Service provides emotional and practical support to people living with cancer for up to 12 sessions. To receive this support, anyone…

Megan- Macmillan