Hello
Sorry if this is not the right area, my friend has recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer and we really want to get her a care package to help her get through treatment and side effects but not really sure what she is allowed to use and what she isn't, what would help her and what wouldn't and our main aim is to keep her spirits up and keep her comfy whilst fighting this horrible disease. Any advice would be gratefully recieved.
Thank you 
Hi Louise1
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Sherrye and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I’m sorry to hear that your friend has recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer, this must understandably been a worrying time for you both.
During cancer treatments the needs of individuals can vary so much, it’s difficult to predict what help and support your friend may need without knowing the treatment plan.
At Macmillan Cancer Support we don’t have any access to any NHS systems or anyone medical records, so we don’t know your friend’s individual plan.
Your friend’s medical team and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) will be the best placed professionals to have this conversation with as they will also include other factors that may impact how she manages her treatment such as, other medical conditions and her general health before being diagnosed.
In some hospital’s a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) is done then discussed before starting treatment. It’s a way to identify a person’s needs and to highlight their concerns. Following this a care plan is agreed and any necessary referrals are made to services the person may benefit from during their treatment.
If your friend has not been offered a HNA already it may be a good idea to encourage her to ask her CNS about having one.
Most people mange bowel cancer treatment’s well and are monitored closely by their teams. If any needs are identified, support and referral will be made.
It’s important your friend communicates with her team and is honest about how she’s feeling and coping.
In regard to a care package for support at home there may be some free help available to your friend or a paid carer can be arranged. It all depends on her needs at home, so asking for an assessment may be a good place to start, the GP can help with this.
If your friend needs emotional support at any time Maggie’s is a good service to access. There is also a cancer information and support NHS search tool available to help find local support and services.
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.
Best wishes,
Sherrye H,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm), send us an email or contact us through webchat.
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