Living alone with cancer

Bowie is our latest rescue so he came with that name but my husband was called David and we did also have musical connections, so it was the perfect name! Dave and I have rescued a lot of animals over the years and also volunteered for the Newfie Welfare, so have managed to find quite a few, loving homes too, which is always wonderful

Take care.

Hi everyone. I just wanted to update you all from this post 7 months ago. I have finally found a new support network where I live. I started volunteering a few months ago to help with my confidence which has also helped with my emotions. Which then led me to starting a little craft business and now have my products in a community craft shop. I also found a new friend by simply chatting to someone at the bus stop. We had so much in common and now we support each other. And found a local cancer care group, which again has helped me feel less alone

So I guess this is a message to say, even if you are alone, it takes time. But never give up trying. I still have anxiety, pain and mobility issues, but finding real connections has made things feel less difficult xx

Hi vickyrob,

That is such encouraging news, thanks so much for sharing. It is amazing how many positive effects volunteering can have. Congratulations on starting your craft business!

I love that you met your new friend at a bus stop. Perhaps you'll make another two friends on the bus soon? As the saying goes, "You can wait ages for one to arrive, and then three come along at once!"

Hi everyone...I was told I have liver cancer yesterday @ liver unit Kings South East London...I must admit I am really concerned about how I will cope living alone as I do... I don't even know where to start regarding what I should be asking at forthcoming appointments... Any ideas? 

I live on my own too, and attend appointments on my own although a friend joins me for my chemo appointments. Try to find local cancer groups or social groups to join, as these will help with looking forward to meetings rather than being alone. Volunteering is a really good thing to meet people too.

Hello BigAl2 

A warm welcome to the Online community although I am so sorry to find you joining us. The Community is divided up into cancer specific groups and I would advise you to join our liver cancer group where you will "meet" others on the same or similar journey - here's the link you need:

Liver cancer forum 

Once you click on the link I have provided and the page opens up, click of "join" on the black banner at the bottom of the page. Once you have joined the group you can introduce yourself in the "New Here - Say hello" section.

As to questions for your team - here's a link to help you make a list of those to ask:

Questions to ask your team.

I hope the above helps - if you need any help in navigating the Community, please do come back to me.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Pollensa

Thank you so much for posting -  I hope you're doing well. It's lovely to hear that your friend joins you for your chemo appointments. Just in case your not aware of it - you can find local cancer support services to you on our cancer care map. All you need to do is pop in their postcode and it comes up with a list of services in their area.

Once the results have popped up you will see on the left-hand side that you can filter the results by category. E.g. Emotional support, groups and classes. You may see both Macmillan services and other local organisations that offer cancer support. 

Thank you so much Wayne. I will have look as I am not aware of these initiatives, so I am super grateful for your response. 

No problem at all - please do let us know if you need any advice. We've also got our macmillan buddies scheme which may be of interest too. 

Macmillan Buddies is a free support service for people living with cancer. Our amazing volunteer are trained to listen and offer support.  They offer a confidential, safe space for you to talk.

• 8 weekly telephone calls with the same volunteer. 
• Talk about how you’re feeling or simply chat. 
• Learn about other Macmillan services. 

Hope this helps!

Hello again Wayne. You are so kind and helpful. I knew about the buddy scheme but was originally worried that I would need to be entertaining! Now though, I think perhaps having given it more thoughit may be really helpful. I will have a look at this too. Thank you Wayne