Hello.
I don't even know how to begin. If I could scream on this post, I would, because that's what I wish to do. Scream, cry, run away...Basically do things that I can't right now.
So I decided to join this community. I live in Italy and was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2020, when the pandemic was at one of its peaks, between lockdowns, and all the uncertainties we had those days. Had chemo and radio and something called brachitherapy. It was, the worst period of my life, my Italian wasn't too good those days, so the experience was even more confusing and exhausting. Due to covid restrictions, I spent most of the time alone and had very little contact with my husband or with my kids.
For now, I am ok. However, due to the radiotherapy, my left ureter and kidney have been affected and I currently have a nephrostomy, until I get called for surgery to fix whatever can be fixed.
I am afraid. Fear has been my companion since then and I am so tired. I don't know how to handle it.
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I think everyone here will recognise those feelings of wanting to run away screaming from a place we never thought we'd ever be. It sounds as if it's been extra hard for you living in a country where the language can prove a barrier between you and your hospital team.
The online community is divided up into different support groups where you can chat to others who have the same type of cancer as you to find out about their experiences and to give and receive support. To get to the appropriate one for you, you could either let me know what type of cancer you have or look through the cancer specific groups for the type of cancer.
It would be great if you could pop something about about your diagnosis and treatment so far into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi and a welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to see you joining us and to hear about your diagnoses
A cancer diagnosis can be such a stressful and challenging time but when it comes to support there is nothing better than talking with others who are in the same position.
The Community has various support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Cervical cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
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.
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 and when calling from outside of the UK you can contact us on+44 207 091 but we are unable to advise on healthcare systems overseas.
These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Give me a shout if you need further help.
Best regards.
