Hi all, very new to this sight but hoping to utilise it for information and support. A bit about me, my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Oesophageal cancer in July 2020. I have two young children, 4 and 7 and would like to speak with anyone in a similar situation.
My husband has gone through 6months of chemo and now we are waiting on a scan to assess if any changes have happened.
The children do not know the formal diagnosis, just that daddy is unwell. I am unsure how best to support them in this difficult time and would value any advice or support.
thanks for your time in reading this, I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community but sorry that you needed to find us. I am also very sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis brings many questions, lots of confusion and stress but talking with other people who are on the same type of journey will help you navigate this rollercoaster.
The Community is organised into dedicated support groups so can I recommend you join our supportive Gullet (oesophagus) cancerrain tumour group, this will be a good place to connect with others navigating the support of a family member who are on the same type of cancer journey.
To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. Then you can introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones) you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
You may find our info pages about Talking to Children and Teenagers about Cancer helpful.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot but during these times it’s not that available but do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing and run various groups including children of cancer patients groups.... a lot of these services have moved onto online video support groups but some of the centres have moved back into their buildings.
Talking with others caring for family and friends will help a lot so do check out our Family and friends Group as you will connect with others walking the same journey supporting family and friends through their cancer journey.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section that I see you have found but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
((hugs))
