Living alone with cancer

My daughter was misdiagnosed by her gp she has stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma 

Her chemotherapy treatment plan unfortunately isnt working, they put her on another treatment plan which is 5 times weekly chemo sessions then 1 session on week 2 with 1 week off this made her very poorly she ended up in hospital. She has an apt with her oncologist face to face but the week after she has a video call with her oncologist were not sure why can anyone help

Hi Lisa.H ,

My name is Dylan, and I’m part of the Online Community Team here at Macmillan.

I’m very sorry to hear about what your daughter has been going through. It sounds like you’ve both had a very difficult time, especially as her treatment has had to change and she has experienced difficult side effects.

Regarding your question about the face-to-face and video appointments with your daughter’s oncologist, it might be helpful to speak with one of our cancer information nurse specialists. They may be able to help you understand what these different appointments could be for and what questions you might want to ask your daughter’s medical team.

You can contact our nurses on the Macmillan Support Line for free from the UK on 0808 808 00 00, from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

If you would like to connect with other members supporting a loved one living with cancer, you are very welcome to join our Family and Friends forum.

I hope you and your daughter are able to get the support and information you need, Lisa. If you need any help finding your way around the Online Community, please feel free to get in touch with our team at community@macmillan.org.uk.

Best wishes,
Dylan

Hi Jane

Hope you're doing well. Just wondering how your gardening is coming along? Have you changed the space so you can sit out more?

Hope you've managed to enjoy this lovely weather over the last couple of weeks!

Hi

I'm alone. My family disowned nearly 4 years ago just after 1st cancer. Apparently I'm an evil mother and grandmother  speed on to now I have another breast cancer diagnosis they can't operate my pacemaker is in the way. It's too risky to move pacemaker. Can't have chemotherapy  or radiotherapy pacemaker is in the way. One silly little pill is supposed to stop it. Every day is a struggle.  Lots of tears

Hi Wayne,I haven’t done anything yet due to ill health and a rat problem in the garden.The pest controller is coming back on Monday.My next door neighbour hoards so it’s a difficult situation.I have planned the area in my head though plus another small seating area for the top of the garden.I’ll be planting a row of evergreens in the top part for a more secluded spot.The weather has been nice so that is a bonus.Have a good weekend.Best wishes Jane 

Hi Bli59,

I'm really sorry to hear about the situation with your family. It sounds like a very hurtful and difficult thing to go through. I'm also really sorry that you're not able to have surgery or radiotherapy for your breast cancer diagnosis.

If you have any concerns about your treatment plan, it might be helpful to speak with one of our experienced Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. They can help you work out who to speak to in your care team for further discussion about your treatment, and they may also be able to put your mind at rest regarding the treatment you're currently on. You can call them any time between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday on freephone 0808 808 00 00.

It's good to see that you've already jointed the Breast cancer forum. It can be so helpful to share how you're feeling with other people who have a similar diagnosis to your own. While getting support form the Online Community is a fantastic way to feel like you have a wider support network around you, I know that sometimes real-world support can be equally important. 

If you would like to learn about what in-person support groups are running nearby, you can always search our local cancer support database using the link below:

• Local cancer support - In Your Area

But do keep talking and sharing here, too. You've got a home in the Online Community.

Thank you, I am in a similar position, but haven't found anything therapeutic yet to get me over this stage – but I will look into it, thanks for sharing!

Hey everyone, recently been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and despite going through a hemithyroidectomy in the past few weeks and recovering alone, it looks like I will be back in soon to have the other half removed and possibly further treatment going forward.

Having found myself newly single in this time too has been hard mentally and physically but I have done well. Realised I am stronger than I thought and can cope although sometimes just want to be a princess and looked after but not right now. 

I hope this journey will be quick and I do have those around me who care but sitting with your own thoughts all the time isnt always good.

I am grateful places like this are here for support from like minded people.

Hello Lostgirl_dreamscapes 

A warm welcome to the online community although I am so sorry to find you joining us under these circumstances. 

I love this part of your post:

Lostgirl_dreamscapes said:

Realised I am stronger than I thought and can cope although sometimes just want to be a princess and looked after but not right now. 

and that's a brilliant attitude.

The Community is divided up into cancer specific groups and as well as this group for support there is this group for you:

Thyroid cancer forum 

just click on the link I have provided and once the page opens up, click on "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 of the group.

I wish you well on your personal journey and if you require any help in navigating the community please do get back to me.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you so much Millibob I will take a look. And yes got to stay positive havent we all. I mean not always easy but whilst I still can I am out for a walk tomorrow morning to see some friends horses. Take the good where it is x