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Family cancers

Rosielee0c348f
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I don't know if  am in the right section, but here goes.  My family seem to be riddled with cancers.  My three brothers have all had prostate cancer and survived .  The eldest is now given months to live as amongst other illness he is dying of blood cancer. The middle brother had bowel cancer 18months ago and was operated on and obviously under observation now. The youngest is now suffering from stage 4 lung cancer and a life expectancy of months.  He has also had two other cancers in the last 3 years.  My daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time this year. I had cancer many years ago, but I'm fine.  I know there is probably no explanation why all this has happened to them, I just don't know how to deal with all this and support them.  I am 86 and my brothers are all in their 70s, and don't live near me.  I just sometimes need to be able to say how angry and helpless I feel sometimes.

  • Dear  ,

    I'm sorry to hear about the impact that Cancer has had on your family in recent years, it must have been and continue to be a very difficult time for all of your Brothers and their families, and as well as your Daughter too.

    As we're not medically trained on our part of the Support Team so I would not be able to give any further insight in to the history of cancer within your family, but our Nurses would certainly be more than happy to have a general conversation about things if you may find that helpful in any way - you can speak to them by phone every day of the week, between 8am and 8pm by calling 0808 808 0000 and choosing option 1 and then 3. Also by livechat on our website by choosing 'questions for a nurse' or also through our other ask an expert section 'ask a nurse' here.

    Sometimes, although it can be very difficult not knowing the right way or the right things to do, the best way to offer support or help during these times is simply to be there for family and friends when they may reach out and ask for support. Even if that is just checking-in with them when you feel you can and listening to them too when they would like the space to talk.

    We're also here to talk too,  whenever you or your family would like to. Although we're not trained counsellors we are here to be that space when people may need someone to listen -  again on the same number and opening hours as above.

    You can also reach out to local support services too who may be able to offer face to face support. If you'd be happy to let us know what town or city you live in we can see what is available in your area, or also please feel free to call us on the support line and we'd be happy to check for you. You can also find out here through our In your Area search page on our website.

    Take care,

    Rebecca- Macmillan

    Cancer Information and Support Adviser

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

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