Hello I’m not sure this is the right group but I’m looking for support for myself and my family. My only aunt is going through palliative care following unsuccessful treatment for cancer. I want to support her daughter (my cousin) as best I can who is struggling and has a young child. I am a mum of two also and I feel it is better to be honest with these children who range in age from 5-13 despite their young age but am lost about the best way to address this with them. I want to get this right for these children so that they can express their own concerns and worries and not fear the time to come. Thank you for any advice in advance.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community.
I am so sorry to read about your aunt and the many challenges this brings to a family but I hope you will find the support available in the community helpful at this difficult and challenging time.
Talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer support path (my one is completely different) will help you navigate this unwanted journey.
The New to Community is like the Community Reception area and as there are many cancer types and experiences so likewise the Community has many support groups. Can I recommend you start by joining our supportive Family and friends and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
Navigating the community will depend on the device you are using. To join a group just click on the green link above then scroll down and choose 'click to join' or 'join' on the page that opens.
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You could just copy and paste the text from this your first post and you can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
You may find some of these Macmillan resources helpful on understanding childrens' reactions and also talking to children when an adult has cancer. You can also download, or order a paper copy, of this booklet.
There is lots of useful information produced by Macmillan and you might like to take a look at this on emotional support for family and friends. It gives helpful advice on how to support someone with cancer as well help on dealing with your emotions.
Talking to people face to face can indeed help a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if you have a local Maggie's Centre near you and the family as these folks are amazing. During lockdown a lot of their services moved onto online video support. But I see our local Maggie’s (Inverness) are starting to open up for all age family support.
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, emotional support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
All the very best ((hugs))
