Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your son’s cancer diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis in the family can be so stressful and challenging but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community area is our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various cancer support groups and other services. I have been living with my incurable blood cancer for over 23 years now, but I do understand in part the stress of supporting family as I have seen my wife do this for 23 years.
But the best way for you to understand how you deal with this is talking to people on the same pathway. We have many dedicated support groups where you can talk with others but you don’t say what type of cancer your sun has but if you care to have a look through this list you will find all our many dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions 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 (Bold) link I have created above. Then once you find the group for your son’s cancer type open the group then 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.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from joining our general Family and friends group 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 and our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section may be 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 so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
Wishing you all the very best.
