Just over a week ago I lost my best friend to cancer. She had only been diagnosed three weeks before she passed away. Personally, as a sufferer of health anxiety, I've always shied away from anything relating to what I always used to refer to as the 'c' word, but in her memory I've registered here as a campaigner, as well as making a donation at her family's request, instead of sending flowers.
Hi and a second welcome to the Macmillan Family but sorry to why you found us and my condolences for the loss of your friend.
A big thank you for taking up the challenge of supporting Macmillan - you will make a difference to so many people being touched by cancer.
Just this past few weeks I have also lost three good friends and two were from cancer. One was a poster on these groups who I never meet but feel that I have known her for years and a friend who leaves her husband with a 2 boys and the other was a long time good friend from a heart condition.
Cancer can indeed touch us all in many ways and we have to deal with it as best as we can. I have lived and been treated with my cancer for 20 years and there has been many bums in the road but for some reason I am still be around. It’s not without some guilt of surviving when friends don’t.
A few years back two very good friends died from their type of cancer. We meet for coffee weeks before they both passed and we all agreed that the ‘last man standing’ would live life to the full and by doing this was celebrating their lives..... and aI am doing this every day.
Cancer unfortunately is part of our wider life and I would be surprised if there is anyone around that has not be touched by it in some way through family and friends.
Talking with people who understand can help you unpack the emotions.
We do have lots of Cancer experience support groups. Have look at the link and if you see a group that catches your eye hit the ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name, then go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab 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.
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, and Practical Information mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
All the best.
