Community News - Macmillan Online Community

What do you wish people would say? Katy’s story

Lots of members here on the Community talk about how it can be difficult to deal with unhelpful advice and reactions from other people when you have cancer. Katy is here to reassure you that you’re not alone if you’ve felt frustrated by what people say. This is our latest instalment in our series with with Macmillan’s Digital Storytelling Project, where people affected by cancer have created their own videos to talk about their experiences. For August’s Story of the Month, we’re featuring Katy. Katy was diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer in early 2021. Her video is all about how people can use a “cheat code” to be more helpful when talking to someone affected by cancer. “I don’t need you to cheer me up. I need you to tell me ‘yes, this does suck.’” Katy’s video is called “Cheat…

Eliza -Online Community Team
Secondary cancer support from the Online Community - "I have found this forum so helpful and feel the support out there so thank you all"

Secondary cancer is one way of describing cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. We have lots of members in the Community who have been diagnosed with a secondary cancer or are supporting loved ones with a secondary cancer. Other members might feel concerned about secondary cancers throughout their cancer experience. The Community works as an online cancer support group and provides an opportunity for you to virtually connect with others in similar circumstances. You might like some support from someone who understands what you’re going through, or you might be looking for hints around how to talk to someone who has been recently diagnosed. Some members benefit from shared tips on how to occupy your mind when waiting for results, or how to manage side effects from cancer treatment…

Steph - Online Community Team
Travel Tips from our Cancer Forums

The neck pillows, the duty-free attendants waiting to spray you in the latest cologne or perfume, using your passport as a fan and the extortionate in-flight meal price. It seems like it’s that time again. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go abroad, a quiet break a few towns away is just as good to replenish and recharge. As we approach the tail-end of Summer, we take a look on the Community at how our lovely members provide their experiences to help others to try and have the best trip they can. Every person’s definition of holiday is different. You can go biking in a national park on a quaint family holiday, you can relax by the swimming pool at a hotel in Thailand or even explore some affordable staycations. Whatever the plan is, you can look to the Community for some summer holiday…

Syed - Macmillan
Supporting a Loved One Through Cancer Treatment

We often see conversations around cancer treatment on the Online Community. It can be concerns around treatment decisions for family members or other loved ones, dealing with side effects, or simply looking for emotional support and support groups. We know these situations can be a difficult time for people affected by cancer. However you want to talk about cancer treatment, we’re here to listen. “Today is an ok day. Just popping in to say hi, and express my gratitude to the existence of this forum.” Online Community member, Ovarian cancer forum "Thank you so much, your reply has really lifted me, it’s really helpful to hear from people who are going through it. Very grateful to have found this forum xx" Online Community member, Cervical cancer forum Making Treatment decisions We know from…

Tom C - Macmillan
"But what should I say?" Talking to someone who's been diagnosed

When someone close to you receives a cancer diagnosis, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to say. You want to reassure them, but you don’t want to minimise what they are going through, you may have questions you want to ask, but also don’t want to pry, you want to let them know you’re here for them but also give them any space they may need. It can seem really difficult to know how to start and can lead to some people avoiding the situation all together. When it comes to talking about cancer, there is no one script you can follow because, the simple fact is, ever single person is different and may want to talk about cancer in their own unique way. The most important thing is that you are open to having those conversations about cancer, as being open and available to talk can be a…

Former Member
Catching up with the Soft Tissue sarcoma forum

With the many different Community groups you can get support from here, it’s not always possible to keep up to date with everything that’s being discussed. This blog is highlighting some of the recent discussions from the Soft tissue Sarcoma forum to help keep our members connected with each other. Although you may not share the same cancer type, there will probably be some similarities with the questions asked from emotional challenges and practical needs. There may be some featured discussions that you relate to in this blog so stay and have a read, you may find some comfort from knowing you're not alone with how you are feeling. “I’m sure these forums will help as well to connect with those in a similar situation.” Community member, Soft tissue Sarcoma forum What are members posting…

Megan- 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
Feeling the heat? Here are some tips to help you stay cool

This week, parts of the UK will reach record-breaking temperatures. It's nice to be able to enjoy the summer weather, but wherever you are and whatever your plans are, we hope you manage to stay cool and be safe in the sunshine. This blog can be used as a useful resource if you're looking for some guidance on keeping cool in the heat. If you have any tips that you'd like to share, there's a comment box at the bottom of the page. Click here to add your comment The heat may affect you in different ways when your living with cancer. You may find that the side effects of treatment are making it difficult for you to stay hydrated and regulate your body temperature. On the Community, there are people who understand what you’re going through, so we’re sharing some tips to help you stay cool during…

Megan- Online Community Team
Managing cancer and side effects at work: Elvina’s story

Do you feel you have the right support at work? Lots of people affected by cancer, like Elvina, don’t always feel they have the support they need from their employer, manager, or from the sickness policies in place at work. Lots of people may feel worried about work when they are affected by cancer. Here in the Online Community, we’re featuring a new series working with Macmillan’s Digital Storytelling Project, where people affected by cancer have created their own videos to talk about their experiences. As July’s story of the month, Elvina is sharing her experiences of working while affected by cancer and what employers need to do better. “How am I going to get through this work shift today?” Elvina’s video, titled “You Look Well,” is about her experiences at work following her cancer…

Eliza -Online Community Team
Rebellious hope – Reflecting on the legacy of Dame Deborah James

Credit: Dan Williams / The Sun / News Licensing Here on the Community team, we were all very saddened to hear that Dame Deborah James had passed away from Bowel cancer at the end of June. After spending some time reflecting on what she meant to those affected by Bowel cancer, and thinking about her amazing legacy, we wanted to dedicate today’s Community News Blog to Deborah and all those who knew and loved her. Deborah was an incredible inspiration to so many and fought to raise awareness of Bowel cancer and the vital importance of breaking the taboo around talking about poo. Our Community members were understandably impacted by Deborah’s passing. Below are some of the many tributes for Deborah our members posted. We hope you will join us in keeping her family and loved ones in your thoughts…

Former Member
Representing the Online Community at Pride

I'm Eliza from the Community team. This year, I was able to represent Macmillan’s Online Community at York Pride 2022. It was an amazing day full of reflection, support and community. I wanted to share this experience with you all here on the Online Community, and let you know what the day was like and why it was important. If you’re not sure what Pride is, it’s a historic celebration with events and protests across the world to celebrate and recognise the LGBTQ+ community’s history and experiences. Pride is also about recognising the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing struggles and the need for equality. Pride events take place mainly across June each year. You can find out more in this BBC article about what Pride is and why people celebrate it . Why was I representing Macmillan’s Online Community…

Eliza -Online Community Team