Hi all, my mum is battling cancer for the second time in 18 years. Myself and my siblings, and our families are giving her as much support as is needed. That’s not the issue though. Actually, I’m reading this as I write and I feel really selfish. I just want to shout, this isn’t fair. I’m 55 and I feel like a little kid.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your mum battling cancer for the second time.
A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of stress and confusion on all the family so don't think you are being selfish. Talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot and will reduce the whirlwind wind that is rushing in your head.
You don't say what type of cancer your mum has but if you look through our Cancer specific Forums you will connect with people who understand the journey your mum is on. You can ask the folks questions about tests, treatments and what to expect during the months ahead.
Follow the link above and join the group by hitting the ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name and it is worth indicating how you want to receive email notifications when someone answers your posts.
Go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab just under the main group name and set up your own Discussion and introduce yourself to the group - you could just copy an paste what you have in this first post.
We also have these great supportive forums where you can connect with others supporting family and friends through their cancer journey: Carers Forum and Friends and Family Forum.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’. section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.
When you feel up to it try putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. Just click on YOUR username, select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.
All the very best.
Hi and a warm welcome to the online community
I'm sorry to hear that your mum has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time. It must be unbelievably hard for you all.
Please don't feel that you're being selfish. It's perfectly normal to have all sorts of feelings when you discover that someone you love is ill.
Could I point you in the direction of our family and friends group which is a safe and supportive place to express your feelings and to give and receive support to others who are going through this.
We also have a space called The Room where you can rant and rage all you like before shutting the door and leaving it behind.
To join either or both of these groups just click on the links I've created and then choose 'join this group' on the pages that open. You can then introduce yourself or ask a question after selecting 'start a discussion' or join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
If you want to tell me what type of cancer your mum has I could also point you to a cancer specific group where you can ask questions about treatment, etc and share experiences with others. Alternatively, if you click here you can look through the different cancer groups.
Sending a supportive (((hug)))
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
