Hello
I'm new to this community, although I know all about the amazing work Macmillan do for cancer patients, I never thought they might be able to support me.
My father in law was diagnosed almost 9 years ago with myeloma and he has coped amazingly well until very recently. He seems to be contacting more and more infections and is now in hospital for the 2nd time this month, retaining water and struggling to walk. We are not aloud to visit when he's in hospital, which I understand, but my Mother in law is so terrified of them contracting Covid-19, that we cannot go into her house at all. She is trying so hard to cope on her own and refuses to let any of us help her. We only get snippets of information and we don't want to push her as she is so fragile at the moment. I'm trying my best to be strong for my husband and my teenage son, but I don't know how to more support my family as we are starting to fear the worst now. I don't who or where to turn. I'm really hoping someone can help.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community.
I am so sorry to read about your father in laws Myeloma diagnosis and the challenges you are trying to navigate at the moment but I do hope you will find the support available in the community helpful at this difficult and challenging time.
Covid has indeed made lots of people very weary of being around other people and this in turn makes it hard for family to support.
Talking with others who are walking the exact 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 dedicated support groups to connect into so can I recommend you start by joining our supportive Myeloma group as this will be a good place for you to connect with other folks who may be on the same cancer support pathway.
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.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a post by clicking on ‘New Thread’ or ‘New here, say hello’ then hit the box with the X on the top right (phones).
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'.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from talking with others caring for family and friends so can I recommend that you join our supportive Family and friends (I see you have joined) and our Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends during these difficult times and you may well come t with others with experience of your situation.
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, practical advice, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
All the very best ((hugs))
