Facing cancer alone

Hi Pippa1,It is hard on your own.I recovered from major surgery alone and it was difficult to stay positive It helped being part of this online community.I used to write down three small things I wanted to achieve each day which was useful for motivation.If I have something I need to tidy up in the house or garden and it’s a larger job I take before and after photos.I started this after my mother died and I was clearing the house.It was a huge job and I found it depressing.Taking the photos helped me to keep going.I don’t think people have much idea how hard it is when you don’t have lots of family and friends for encouragement.You will find an inner strength to get through.Keep posting in this community there are some lovely supportive people who will help.Love Jane x

Hi Jane

Thank you so much for your comment. Sorry you have had to deal with your mother passing.

I have started to make headway on my bucket list in little steps. 

But its incredibly isolating knowing what to do for the best. I'm in between surgery and scans following a rare mixed sarcoma diagnosis.

I get frustrated because I can't do what I used to do. In all honesty, I'm not sure how I got this far without support.

Finding strength when you feel like the world is going on without you while you spend so much time waiting is hard.

Thank you x

I can relate to the frustration.Have you found much support on these boards ? 

Thanks and yes I have. I think it's because my cancer is so rare that it's been hard to accept. Dr. Google isn't the best answer but when I have not had my questions answered ,that's where I have turned to

Hi Pippa1

You can phone the Macmillan helpline as often as you need to to get information and support, or simply to 'offload' if you need to! There is also, I think, a buddy service, where you can have one to one chats with someone who really understands what you're coping with, as they're going through it too.

I've become involved in a charity called A Listening Ear, which offers a phone and face to face befriending service for people who feel isolated....for a variety of reasons. You may find something similar exists where you live. Maggie's Centres are also an excellent place to visit! There is stuff out there to help us through this....sometimes it takes a bit of finding, but it's worth it for your mental wellbeing.

And keep posting on here! We all keep each other going!

xxxx Kate

Thank you Kate.

I have had a lot going on in my life as moved location plus had to make an official complaint to my old hospital. I have just started with a new Macmillan team where I live so hopefully that will help. 

Thanks for the support x

Thank you everyone.

Your support is really appreciated.

It's been hard trying to navigate things on my own, with my feelings and questions being totally disregarded.

Vicky xxx

I hope you get somewhere with your complaint Vicky and that your new team can help.Love Jane xx

Thank you Jane.

I feel so angry that my rare cancer was mis diagnosed and spread and my feelings we not taken into account.

I am a human being with emotions.

So many failings from the hospital teams. 

Vicky x

Hi Pippa, just read your posts, am sorry to hear how alone you feel.  Although we're all different, I feel I have some understanding of your situation - I developed cancer during an already isolated lockdown and it was tough.  Support on here - online, phone and the buddy system - was really great, also from breast nurses and medical staff.  Sometimes the scales shift and we feel we are a lone voice swamped by lots of negative ones, frustrated because we keep knocking on a door which remains shut in our face.  I find at those times it's vital to offload, seek support, practical advice, anything which helps, plus turning up the volume on the good things - where someone has understood, some positive feedback we've had.  I write down the good things and save supportive messages, cards etc to look at on the bad days.  Wishing you continued strength on your journey.