What supportive moments mattered to you?

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What Acts of kindness and moments of support made a difference to your cancer journey? We want to hear from you.

Cancer is one of the toughest things someone can go through. When cancer shows up, silence often follows. This is something Community members have called Cancer ghosting, and we explore this experience more in the Cancer ghosting blog.

People living with cancer tell us they don't want to be a burden but still need support. Sometimes loved ones, friends and colleagues can struggle to find the right words to say and not know how to best support you. 

What supportive moments made a difference to you?

We are asking you what your family and friends have done to show they care and be supportive. No matter how small or thoughtful the moments of support may be, sharing the meaningful acts of kindness may provide some useful suggestions to those who want to help, but may not know how.

We will feature some of your suggestions in an upcoming Community News Blog, but this thread will remain a useful resource for anyone who needs it.

Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences. If you have any questions, would like to be a guest blogger to share your individual story, or need additional support, please email community@macmillan.org.uk or send a private message to the Moderator account, and we will be happy to help.

Best wishes, 

Megan
Macmillan's Online Community team

  • Random acts of kindness from strangers show the kindness in people. So glad to hear the Awake all night discussion has been a source of support for you. 

    Happy Birthday for tomorrow Tada 


    Best wishes, 

    Megan
    Macmillan's Online Community team

  • Happy  birthday  have a wonderful  day.   Life worth  living 

  • Yes theyve all been amazing lovely bunch of peope. Very warm and friendly would recommend it to anyone. 

    Thank you so much

  • Thank you so much it is indeed xx

  • When I was diagnosed on 7th July my lovely young neighbour opposite ordered flowers for me along with a lovely note 

  • I was overwhelmed with the kindness of friends and family who always thoughtfully  texted first to see if I could talk.  One gift from 2 friends was a shoebox of individually wrapped little gifts to open when I felt I needed a lift.  Such fun and I rediscovered palma violets and love hearts which made me smile! 

  • That is so lovely   . Thank you for sharing! Green heart Did you ever ask your neighbours for support after they sent you this lovely message and flowers?

    Best wishes, 

    Megan
    Macmillan's Online Community team

  • That is such a lovely thing for your friends to do.Green heart

    Best wishes, 

    Megan
    Macmillan's Online Community team

  • Hi Megan

    I made the point of not hiding away from the truth when folks asked the usual how are you? This was rewarded by a great set of neighbours always checking up on me and offering assistance - which was gratefully received when I needed a lift to an appointment or two.  One neighbour made sure that I had their numbers particularly after I ended up at A&E with a high temperature after infusion.

    One very touching response was from the son of a great friend of ours who was booking a family holiday rental in this country for his parents (our friends) and his brother and his families - he said there is a room for me and my wife and did we want to join them?  All we had to do was get on a direct train for 3 hours and arrive at the holiday!!  It was so lovely to be asked and to have a great holiday with our best friends and their family (who we have known all of their lives).

    Best wishes to all

    KrisPy

  • Hi  

    Thank you for sharing the lovely ways the people around you supported you. It's good that you were able to be honest when people asked you how you were coping. How thoughtful of a family friend to include you in their holiday. Green heart

    Best wishes, 

    Megan
    Macmillan's Online Community team