Hi I'm new to this sorry... I need to chat about my 43 year old Son.. diagnosed with cancer nearly a year ago now. I find it very hard to do and say the right things? Just thought if I could chat to someone in the same position as me it may help? I'm not coping very well and its difficult to talk to the rest of the family..
Hi Kalidaron and I see it’s your first post so a warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your son’s cancer diagnosis.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for coming up to 26 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable) that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot be it patients or family members.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)……… but you don’t say what type of cancer your son has…….. but if you can tell me this I can direct you to the best groups on the community…….. or you can have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.
Have a look through the LIST(s) above and once you find the support group for your son’s cancer type click on the link and when the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your son and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our general cancer…..
Carers only (if you are his/her caregiver)
Supporting someone with incurable cancer (If this is applicable)
……support groups where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.
As always the Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
