Hello, I was signposted to this site from my call to macmillan support.
Six months ago my family was happy and healthy but now it really is the opposite. In September my grandad (mum's dad) was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer. He underwent chemotherapy for treatment and finished in December. My family found out it was terminal cancer in January which of course was very upsetting.
Last week my grandma (mum's mum) went for blood tests and scans as a growth was identified near her liver. Yesterday we found out this was cancer and from the blood tests it may have spread to her bones too.
When I told my dad, who lives in Switzerland, about my grandma having cancer he then told me he also has blood cancer but he was going to wait until he has his prognosis to tell me.
I'm just so scared about the future and can't even begin to process what is happening to my family. I'm hoping that talking on this community page may help me process everything because right now nothing is sinking in.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about the journey your family is on, this must have all come as such a shock. This is such a stressful and challenging time for you all but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful and also cancer and your emotions and also this on getting help with your emotions.
The New to Community area is like our reception desk where we can signpost you on to our various cancer support groups and other services so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Liver cancer and Bone, secondary cancer groups. These groups will be safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions, get support and talk with others who are supporting family and friends on their journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
I was diagnosed way back in 1999 with a rare type of incurable blood cancer but I am still here 22 years later doing very well.
There are many types of blood cancer so once your dad finds out what type this is we do have a number of groups covering many of the blood cancers.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone on their cancer journey you may benefit from joining our supportive Family and friends, Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
