Double whammy
I was not prepared.
Nothing that came before had paved the way for a bombshell such as this.
The pedestal of my whole existence collapsed.
I faced all the tests and appointments alone.
Finally, the operation - an invisible amputation.
Seeing the word stump in my file brought it home to me.
Watching a couple my age walk into the hospital hand-in-hand broke me.
Alone. With cancer. After 30 years.
There are no words.
Hi Brighthing
It’s Wayne here from Macmillan’s Online Community team. I’ve just come across your post just wanted to offer you some additional support whilst you are waiting for other group members to reply.
I’m so sorry to hear of your lung cancer diagnosis and that you have had to face this alone. Please know that Macmillan is here to support you every step of the way.
We have recently put together a blog called 'Getting support when living alone with cancer' which you may find helpful.
You may find our Telephone buddying service a good way of getting some peer-to-peer support. Macmillan Telephone Buddies is a free service that connects you with a trained volunteer for regular phone or video calls.
With a Buddy, you can:
Have 8–12 weekly calls with the same person
It’s a confidential, supportive space for you. You can find out some more details about the Buddies service on this dedicated blog.
You may find that you prefer face-to-face support, and we want you to know that we have a range of local support services that you can access. You can find local support near you using our cancer care map. Just enter your postcode and see what’s available in your area. You can filter results by type of support, such as emotional support, groups or classes. You may find both Macmillan services and other local organisations. If nothing appears, try widening your search area — help may be closer than you think.
Please remember that if you would like to speak to someone, we also have our Macmillan Support Line when you want to talk things through with someone for advice, emotional support or even just a listening ear. Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00. If you would rather speak to them via message, you can also do so on our live webchat.
As well as our discussion forums, you can also contact a Macmillan Professional on our Ask an expert forum. Our experienced Cancer Information Nurse Specialists can answer questions about cancer treatments, side effects and more. Whilst you can also speak to our Information and Support Advisers who are here to answer any questions you might have. They can answer questions about the emotional, practical and financial impacts of cancer. The forum group is open from Monday to Friday. Once you have posted your question, a qualified Macmillan professional will respond within 1 to 3 working days.
I hope the above information is helpful. If you need any assistance using the Online Community or need some additional support, please don’t hesitate to email Community@macmillan.org.uk or send a private message to the moderator account.
Best Wishes,
Wayne
Macmillan Online Community Team
