Community News - Macmillan Online Community

New Beginnings

As we find ourselves somehow in 2022, people affected by cancer have been through an awful lot in the last few years. The coronavirus pandemic continues to change peoples’ plans and of course has impacted the health and freedom of many. After such difficult times throughout the last few years , finding fresh energy for the new year and hope for the future is arguably harder than ever. "I am trying to put it all into perspective but it’s hard." - Community member, Neuroendocrine cancer forum "I’m not sure if things ever return to the normal we knew before we were diagnosed but I guess we learn to live with the new normal and hopefully as distance opens up between past treatment and scans we get a new perspective and it isn’t as all consuming as it once was. Fingers crossed that’s the case."…

Tom C - Macmillan
Stoma series- Reassurance from the Community

Have you been told you may need a stoma after treatment or surgery? Are you already living with a stoma? This blog is a collection of supportive and shared experiences from members who have had, or currently live with a stoma. If you’re looking for some reassurance, you may just find it here. Even if you’re not looking for reassurance about living with a stoma, you’ll still find lots of warm peer support. It can be comforting to know there’s a whole Community of people who can understand what you’re facing. We see everyday how much support our members give each other by being there to listen, and talk about each other’s experiences. Being told that you need a colostomy, ileostomy urostomy or a laryngectomy stoma, can cause a range of feelings. You may have been given different options by…

Megan- Macmillan
Let's talk about cancer and hair loss

A side effect of some cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies might cause hair loss. Members often come to the Community looking for support or advice with hair and scalp issues. In this Community News Blog, we’ll be highlighting conversations in the Community around hair loss and hair re-growth. Your hair might feel like an important part of your appearance and identity. Often, when your hair looks good, you feel good. For some, losing their hair is one of the hardest parts of having treatment. For others, it is not as bad as they expected. If you’re worried about hair loss, or have questions around hair care, scalp cooling, wigs, hats, turbans and scarves the Community is here to help. You can find out what to expect from people who’ve been through it…

Steph - Macmillan
Let's talk about cancer and sex

Our recent Community News blog ‘Cancer and Fatigue – when will I start feeling less tired’ sparked off a conversation in the bladder cancer forum around sex after cancer treatment. It’s also a subject that many of you are talking about across the Community. Some people might find sex an embarrassing or tricky subject to talk about. Some are worried that it might be considered trivial or irrelevant to think about your sex life when you or your partner have cancer. Here in the Community, no subject is taboo. You can post completely anonymously and talk with others in similar circumstances. You can talk about any erections and penis pumps, vaginal dryness and lubricants, dilators or prosthetics. You can chat about how your cancer diagnosis, side effects or body image have affected your sexual…

Steph - Macmillan
2021 on the Online Community

In the spirit of the n ew year, we’re looking back at what’s happened on the Online Community over the past year. It’s been a challenging year for many with continued uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic and the impact this has on cancer patients and their loved ones. What has helped a lot of people get through is talking to others who can understand how you may be feeling here on the Online Community. We’ve welcomed around 21,901 new members since the start of 2021 and we’ve seen 161,844 posts, comments and blogs. There’s a lot of support to be accessed here on the Community and we hope all our new and existing members find it helpful to have a safe and supportive space to share personal experiences and offer support each other. "Thanks so much, I totally appreciate all the…

Megan- Macmillan
Winter Picture Festival 2021 - Creativity and crafts

Grasan 's a beautiful MDF painting. First of all, we’d just like to say a big thank you to everyone who shared a picture with the Online Community as part of our Winter Picture Festival. Your pictures brought the Community team, and our members, a lot of happiness this December. The Winter Picture Festival gave members the opportunity to share a picture they’d taken, or something they had made, on a winter theme. Something that we love about the Winter Picture Festival is that it is a celebration of creativity. Being creative can be fun and can also be a helpful way to relax. Mind , a charity which specialises in mental wellbeing, features an activity on their website called drawing calming circles . They also suggest trying a colouring book as a mindful activity. Anyone can be creative…

Eliza - Macmillan
Where can I find support over the festive season?

This week can be a difficult time and can sometimes cause some anxiety for those who need support. Services’ opening hours can change, public places can be hectic, family members and friends may be less available to talk due to preparing for the season. Our recent blog “What does the festive season mean to you?” talks a lot about the emotions you might feel. Many of you found this blog helpful to read and shared your thoughts in the comments section. Following on from this blog, we’re highlighting support services which are available for you during the festive season. Support from Macmillan Macmillan’s Information and support team, alongside our Clinical nurse specialists on the Support Line are available as usual throughout the festive period. Please remember our Support Line is available…

Eliza - Macmillan
Mealtimes during the festive season

During the festive period, there can be lots of celebrations and parties, including plans to see family and friends. This can often involve eating. When you’re dealing with symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, eating at mealtimes may look different than it did before. Everyone is different and we understand that for some people, you may feel uncomfortable about mealtimes and special occasions with loved ones. Below there are twists on traditional favourites and some suggestions of how to still take part in the celebrations at the dinner table. If you’re looking for some cooking and eating inspiration, this blog is the one for you. “I think it’s important to set some rules about the festive season. If you feel an occasion will be too much for you consider going later when people…

Megan- Macmillan
What does the festive season mean to you?

As the holiday season is in full swing, we know that this time of year can look different for different families. The traditions and customs that you follow can vastly differ from the ways others spend time with loved ones. The varying pressures and expectations at this time of year can lead to a mix of emotions for people affected by cancer. However you like to celebrate or honour tradition in your family during the holiday period, the Online Community is here as a source of cancer support. In today’s Community News Blog, we are talking about managing the festive period. We will be looking at the different ways people cope with difficult emotions at a time when others are often celebrating, or at least seem to be. Cancer support during the festive period Cancer can have a large impact at…

Tom C - Macmillan
November catch-up from the Community - 'This forum is a lifeline and keeps me sane'

As we move into December, it’s time to take a look at what’s been happening on the Community throughout November and share some of the valuable support you’ve been offering each other. We’ve welcomed 1,828 new members to the Community in November. Although we are sorry that circumstances have brought you here, we wish a very warm welcome to each and everyone of you. We hope that you find the site to be a safe place of comfort and support. 'This forum is a lifeline and keeps me sane, thanks to every contributor as they have all helped on the journey. Now 2 years on and things are much better...' - Community member, breast cancer forum We know that the Community can be a lifeline for some members. The Community team will do all we can to ensure we’re here for everyone who needs us. We…

Steph - Macmillan
The recurring fear of recurrence

"Whatever your prognosis, whatever your hopes, whatever your personality, the second that you know that you have cancer your life changes irrevocably." It seems to be a common experience that once cancer treatment finishes, the anxieties and fears around recurrence become heightened. We regularly see conversations about recurrence, or worries of recurrence, on the community and how much this can impact your wellbeing and mental health. It’s natural to worry about cancer coming back, and it’s something that our Community members support each other with here on the site. "The fear of recurrence is troubling me, I realise whole heartedly I’m so lucky and I’m trying to be positive but I don’t want to ignore the impact of the treatment had on my well-being." Community member "I feel worse…

Ellen - Macmillan
November is lung cancer awareness month - 'we're all here to support each other'

November is Lung Cancer Awareness month. When you or your loved one has lung cancer, it's important you can find the right emotional support. In this Community News blog, we'll be highlighting the support shared in the Community's lung cancer forum and sharing some other ways you can find help. The Online Community's lung cancer forum is an online support group. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and you can find support from people who understand. Because they've been there themselves. You might be looking for tips to help you get the best from your cancer nurse and healthcare team or ideas around coping with side effects and improving quality of life. You might just need to talk. Whatever support you're looking for, the lung cancer forum is here for you. “We are all here to support…

Steph - Macmillan