Hi I am new here, Mum and I found out Friday that Mum has lung cancer. I am doing my hardest to stay strong and look at the blessings of having a chance of treatment but I don’t think I am processing it all in. I have kept strong whilst we broke the news to the family but finding I am now listening to everyone’s sadness when I feel like screaming “how is Mum feeling?” How am I feeling? I respect my family and how they feel I understand I just don’t feel myself right now I am full of worry for Mum, it’s hard watching her cry and holding her reassuring her just feel broken hearted right now and feel a way of reaching out and connecting may help me
Hi and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a stressful and challenging time but I do hope you will find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The Community has various support groups (chat rooms) so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Lung Cancer group. This will be a safe place 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 treatment pathway.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Then once the group 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.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
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
Macmillan have many support platforms so do check out 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.
These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
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 finally getting help with your emotions.
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.
All the very best.
Take a few deep breaths then a few more.
From my long 23 years experience living with and being treated with my incurable cancer I have seen how family members react differently in these circumstances. The main thing for you is to look after yourself and be assured that the medical professionals will look after your mum.
I am highlighting this part of my first post again as it is very important to look after yourself and leave the rest of the family to deal with this how they feel is right.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 for cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
And ‘talking’ to people 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.
Connect in with the groups as there is lots of help out there for both your mum and yourself ((hugs))
