Loneliness

I'm not sure there is any one way to fight the loneliness. I do feel that knowing that we are all going through the same emotions, is some solace.  Do you have a good support network of family and friends? Even though i push mine away most of the time, letting them in is really helpful at times.

I have a very supportive partner. Now I'm a bit stronger I'm trying to show him how grateful I am for all his support. I know he wouldn't have had it any other way, but it can't have been easy for him.

It's not been so easy with other people - family, in particular. It can be a steep learning curve. And knowing who can help when youre feeling vulnerable takes time. I certainly feel a bit let down by certain people. I think it's important to take one day at a time.

Cancer exacerbated problems that I had previously managed to ignore.

I am new to the diagnosis and treatment. I felt alone and afraid even though I have good support. I found these forums a great help. People who have also been on this journey it helped me so much theres always some one here to help as much as they can xxx

Over my 20 years living and being treated for my type of cancer I found the best way to overcome loneliness was surround myself with people..... yes this sound so simple but hear me out.

Venting your fears and frustrations to people close to you can be a wonderful way to release stress and gain vital support.......... However, if you have folks in your life who tend to exacerbate your worries or load you up with even more concerns (and really, who doesn’t have that one friend or family member?)......... avoid sharing too much with them.

Talking in our groups that 'fit' where you are at and the cancer groups that cover what you are going though can help a lot (look through the groups list near the top)...... but talking with people face to face is even better.

So do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing or any of the other many many local cancer support groups around the country.

I pulled hip my big boy pants up and went to a few Maggie's Courses and it was a life changer - I was not alone.... other people actual had cancer....... I was not the only one.

Doing this helped put some order to the battle between my ears.

Don't let cancer define who you are...... You define who you want to be regardless of the rollercoaster you are all on.

.....from a man that did cry in front of a room of ladies in a cancer support group ((hugs))