Hi. I myself have had breast cancer recently. I’m now doing well - I’m on long term medication for it. So as I have had some experience I have found a younger work colleague is confiding in me over the situation she is in having recently become a carer for her mum whom has stage 4 lung cancer. It doesn’t seem she’s getting any support or advice from anywhere and I want to help but don’t know how. I was so well supported by macmillan but have no idea if that same support is available to her? She has to give her mum her chemo injections and visit twice daily whilst trying to hold down her job which now it seems our employers are getting a bit angsty - about the flexibility they originally allowed us being questioned. She’s thinking she’s going to have to leave and then what? She has a carers passport. Her situation really upsetting and I want to help. Any ideas?! Thank you all.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your colleagues mum’s diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time for her but the community has a few support areas.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so she could join and post in our supportive Lung Cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis and treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.
If she would like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. 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."
She 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 family she could benefit from joining our general Family and friends and Carers only support groups where she will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where she can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so she can check to see if she has any Local Macmillan Support in her area, she should also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
