Community News - Macmillan Online Community

How are you really?

Did you know there is a theory that when you ask someone how they are, you should to ask twice to get a truthful answer? Think about it, how many times have you been asked, ‘how are you?’ and you have answered with ‘fine thanks how are you? Sometimes replying with this is easier than explaining how you really feel if you’re struggling. If you ask ‘How are you?’ again, you may find you will get a different answer. Asking twice shows you care and are not asking out of politeness. If you answered 'I'm fine thank you' in the above poll, my question is, how are you really? Tell us in the comment box below. Benefits of talking Putting your thoughts into words will often help you understand what you are feeling and why. You may have lots of different emotions. Having someone listen to…

Megan- Online Community Team
What to pack for hospital?

Electronic devices , water bottle , lip balm , reading materials ... Just some of the items that might appear on helpful forum replies when someone asks, 'What should I put in my hospital bag ?' Lots of people find it can help to feel prepared when you're going for tests or going through cancer treatment . You might be planning your own hospital stay or helping a loved one with an appointment What would you put on your packing list if you were to share it today? It could be what to put in your bag when you go for chemotherapy treatment or what clothing to take into hospital when you have surgery. In this Community News Blog, we're sharing top tips from across the Community and inviting you to share your own. What should I take to hospital? Your healthcare team will usually provide…

Steph - Online Community Team
Toxic Positivity - Part Two

Last year, we published a blog on “toxic positivity”, including guidance on navigating conversations about cancer. The blog resonated with numerous Community members, prompting some to share their experiences dealing with toxic positivity in the comments. We wanted to share some of those insightful comments with you here, as well as some helpful links if you have been struggling with how to navigate conversations with family and friends. If you haven’t come across the concept of “toxic positivity” before, you can read the original blog by clicking here. Dealing with toxic positivity “Wow, I’m so happy to read this is a thing. I try really hard to be positive and occasionally feel angry or upset. I can’t believe the number of times I’ve been told I’ll be okay because I’m so positive, or…

Dylan - Online Community Team
National Love Your Pets Day - Sharing the comfort of pets with a Community invitation and interactive game

National Love Your Pet Day is observed on February 20th each year. It's a day to set aside some extra time to show your pets how much they mean to you and to reflect on the positive impact they have on your life. To celebrate all pets associated with the Online Community, we invite members to share a photo or story of their pet on the Community this week. You can share in your existing forums or pop over to our 'Animals are family too' forum and join in the conversations. We have also prepared a quick 'this or that' interactive game for some pet-related fun. Would you prefer to be curled up cosily like a cat, or bound round a field with other canine friends? Make your votes to see how you compare to the rest of the Community. An invitation to our 'Animals are family too' forum If you…

Steph - Online Community Team
Spreading love, hearts and hugs with the Online Community Cupid's Quiz

A big thank you for all the care you share It's Valentine's week and we're sharing hearts and hugs across the Community to anyone who needs it. We understand that some of you like light-hearted content to enjoy by yourself, with your loved ones, or just to take your mind off things. To say thank you for all the care you share, we have produced a short valentine-themed interactive quiz for members today. Whilst we won't share individual scores, you will be able to see how the Community has done once you have selected your answer. Where can I find the answers? You can find the answers hidden at the bottom of this page. No peeking until you have completed the quiz! Spread some love, hearts and hugs Please use the reaction button to let us know once you've completed the quiz. On a computer…

Steph - Online Community Team
Allan’s story- living with oesophageal cancer and a feeding tube

Allan lives with his best friend in Eastbourne and shares his personal experience with Oesophageal cancer in this blog. He now has a feeding tube and is passionate about helping others who may also need similar treatment. In 2016 my right leg became blocked, and I couldn’t walk for long. After various visits to the hospital, it was decided for me to have a Femur Tibia Bypass. My leg was blocked from the groin to the ankle. I had 90 staples fitted and was left with a scar all down my leg. In 2018, lung cancer was found in my right lung, and then I was diagnosed with cancer of the Oesophagus in the same year. Regarding my cancer of the Oesophagus, I had trouble swallowing and had a massive bleed in the stomach. I attended the hospital on various occasions during 2017 & 2018 which led me to…

Megan- Online Community Team
A lighthouse in someone’s storm- Being an Online Community Champion

You may remember Jane2511 from her other blogs, ‘ Life one year later ’ and ‘ The importance of our pets during our cancer journey ’ . In today’s blog Jane is talking about her role as an Online Community Champion and why she gives back to the Community that helped her. “I became a Community Champion last year because I felt strongly that I wanted to give back to the community that helped me. ” "During my diagnosis and treatments for endometrial carcinoma sarcoma in 2022 one of the first places I turned to was Macmillan. I discovered the Online Community and never looked back. 24 hours a day I could post for support, share experiences with others and learn about my condition. Even reading other people’s previous posts help reinforce that with Macmillan you are not alone. Cancer is hard…

Megan- Online Community Team
If I could go back to the day of my cancer diagnosis

The moment of a cancer diagnosis can feel like stepping into uncharted territory, bombarded with unfamiliar terms and overwhelming emotions. As we approached the end of 2023, we posed some questions to the Online Community, inviting members to reflect on the day of their diagnosis. “If you could go back and speak to yourself at the time of diagnosis: What words of comfort, advice or encouragement would you offer? What lessons have you learnt that you wish you knew from the start? What wisdom or guidance would have made a difference?” Community members replied with some profound insights and reflections. Here are snippets from some of the members’ responses. Reflections from the Online Community “When you are first diagnosed with cancer you are plunged into a whole…

Dylan - Online Community Team
How can Macmillan help me? A guide to getting support for World Cancer Day 2024

World Cancer Day – knowledge is power Sunday 4 February is World Cancer Day , an annual event designed to raise awareness of cancer-related issues across the globe. By highlighting the challenges that people with a cancer diagnosis face, and by advocating for continual improvement in cancer information, treatment, and care, World Cancer Day aims to help get cancer issues prioritised by governments and healthcare bodies alike. The 2024 World Cancer Day theme is 'Close the care gap'. There are many complex factors that contribute to unequal outcomes for people with cancer across the globe. Perhaps the most fundamental barrier to getting support is also the most obvious – if you don’t know what support is available, you aren’t going to be able to take advantage of it! Spreading knowledge…

Matthew - Online Community Team
Finding reliable cancer information and trusted support online

There are lots of websites where you can find reliable health information and trusted support for yourself and your loved ones. You might also come across information online that is out of date, misleading or unproven. In this blog we will be sharing members experiences with the aim of helping you all find trusted information on the internet and keep safe online. Newly diagnosed or waiting for results? “I know I shouldn't google but I have done and now I'm really scared. “ Community member, Bladder cancer forum When you are waiting to speak to healthcare professionals about a cancer diagnosis it is often a very worrying time. Some people look for more information online, but don’t always find it helpful. You might initially feel like you will be more in control…

Steph - Online Community Team
Winter Picture Festival 2023 - Highlights

With just over 50 days left until the official start of spring, it might be a bit of a stretch to say that we're properly through the winter period just yet. Even so, with the shortest day now well behind us, it feels like a good time to look back at the winter like we're moving out of it. Perhaps that's wishful thinking, but I'm ever the optimist! What better way is there to review a season passed than with a selection of lovely photographs? Well, it just so happens that we have a wonderfully talented bunch of Community members in the Express yourself forum who submitted some cracking winter scenes to our Winter Picture Festival 2023 thread. For your viewing pleasure, I present you with some of our favourites! Above: Two beautiful shots from jane2511 capturing a frozen spider's web,…

Matthew - Online Community Team
Wellbeing 'This or That' quiz

Which do you prefer? This or that? Below are some 'this or that' questions to help you understand what your preferred resting type may be, so you can try some of the suggestions in our Helping You Rest Better blog . To join in, select your preference out of the 2 options in each question by clicking the 'vote' button. The links at the bottom of the page will take you to the relevant information for your preferred rest type. This is not in any way medical advice for your physical or mental wellbeing, but a fun way to help you find ways to get better rest and maybe try something new. If you answered: Hot bath - you may find sensory rest to be helpful. Hot yoga - physical rest may be helpful. Meditation - s piritual rest and mental rest may be helpful. Journalling…

Megan- Online Community Team