Community News - Macmillan Online Community

Oesophageal Cancer Awareness and Fear

February is oesophageal cancer awareness month and we're taking some time today to highlight some of our recent content relevant to people affected by an oesophageal cancer diagnosis, treatment or side effects. We also want to talk about fear. We know that many people affected by cancer face fears around cancer treatment options and how the side effects can impact quality of life. We are here as an open and frank space where you can express your fears. They may be fears for your own cancer or that of a family member or loved one. You might be a carer and have fears about the impact of cancer treatment on someone else. Whatever your fears, our online support groups are here for you to let it all out. Discussions about fear Our members often express fear in relation to Oesophageal cancer and…

Tom C - Macmillan
Being a partner and a carer: how cancer can affect relationships

A loved one being diagnosed with cancer can have just as big an emotional and practical impact as a personal diagnosis. This can have a greater impact if you also become a carer. Many members here on the Community team who are supporting a partner might want to do everything they can to help. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t need support too. Here in the Community News blog, we often say every diagnosis and experience can be different. That’s true for relationships too. For some people, a partner having a cancer diagnosis might not impact your relationship at all. For others, a cancer diagnosis can cause additional worries and difficulties in a relationship. You aren’t alone in what you’re going through, no matter how you feel. A cancer diagnosis can affect relationships in many ways…

Eliza -Online Community Team
Stoma series: tips from others living with a stoma

In the first part of the Stoma series , there was lots of reassurance offered in the different discussions and information of how to find further support. In this blog, we’re highlighting some of the practical tips that our members have shared to manage their stoma. It’s natural to have questions about stoma care and the Online Community has supportive spaces to get guidance from others who are also living with a stoma. “It’s very early days for you and it’s great you’ve found this group. There’s so many experts in managing a stoma here and I have found great tips. My Stoma nurses were amazing and really got me sorted with the right products and advice.” Community member, Bowel (colon and rectal cancer forum), ‘ rectal cancer’ discussion thread “So pleased I’ve found this group. I had…

Megan- Online Community Team
January 2022 - Finding peer support from the Online Community

Now we've nearly reached the end of January 2022, we're looking back on the last few weeks and sharing some of the amazing emotional support you've been offering each other. So far in January, we've seen 1,568 new members join the Community looking for peer support. Although we're always sorry that circumstances have brought you here, we wish you all a warm welcome to the site. If you're new to the Community, it's a collection of online support groups, divided into separate forums. You can find forums dedicated to your specific cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment. We also have forums for anyone supporting loved ones or family members with cancer. If you're looking for more general chat and support, you can also find forums where you can talk about your pets, spirituality or even share…

Steph - Online Community Team
Protecting your mental health on the Online Community

The Online Community is a big source of support for lots of members. It can be a comfort to read that other members are going through a similar experience to you. However, it’s important to look after yourself online. Sometimes we may need different types of support depending on how we’re feeling. Sometimes it can be difficult to read posts where other people are talking about their experiences, even if those experiences are similar to yours. We want you to feel you can be honest and use the Online Community in the best way for you. We’re here today to talk about how you can look after your wellbeing online. We’re also going to talk about ways you can be mindful of other members’ mental wellbeing. “Everyone can be affected by a cancer diagnosis in so many ways.” Ask a nurse How can you…

Eliza -Online Community Team
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- Online Community Team
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 - Online Community Team
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 - Online Community Team
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- Online Community Team
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 -Online Community Team
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 -Online Community Team