Hello All,
I'm hoping this website will help me as I prepare to take care of someone who is starting chemotherapy soon. There is no label on our relationship, but we have been together in the past and remain friends, but I just want to try and get some clarity on how much care he may need from me. I have offered to be there through it all, the appointments, the side effects, and even the next five years before he gets the all clear.
I suffer with my own mental health problems and I know I'll need to be strong throughout this, which I am working hard to do, this community, I'm hoping, will help me massively.
He buried his head in the sand a lot in the early stages, probably because our hospitals didn't really keep us informed and he was told of his diagnosis over the phone - he finally has a meeting tomorrow.
I don't want to force him to accept my care, but equally I know no one else can give him the support I can. He has a couple of male best friends, but I can't imagine he'd be comfortable with them seeing him if he were to have the types of side effects I've read about.
Has anyone else been in a similar position? Or does anyone have any advice? I don't really have anyone to talk to as I don't know anyone who is going through this like I am.
Thanks,
Lions86
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your friends diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis can be very challenging but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer journey (my one is completely different) will help you navigate this difficult time.
The Community has many cancer specific support groups and I see you have joined our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer group, I am assuming that this is the cancer he has, this group will be a good place to connect with folks on the same cancer treatment pathway.
To go to the group just click on the link above then 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'.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from talking with others caring for family and friends so do check out our Carers only group where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best.
