Hi
My step mum has been diagnosed with bone and lung cancer. She has two sons and has been married to my Dad for over 20 years.
I'm looking for two groups, one for her so that she can access and talk about her journey. She isn't likely to do this online so I was hoping somewhere where people meet near uckfield would be ideal....or she may chat on the phone.
The other is for Dad who is finding a caring role tricky. My mum died of cancer in 91 so this is not the first time we have been through. He doesn't have a back ground in care or much experience and is finding the dementia related part of the her illness difficult to cope with and to know what to do to support. Think he would really appreciate speaking to others in a similar situation, especially men.
Any ideas or information would be most welcome. Many thanks and merry Christmas
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your step mum’s diagnosis and the challenges you are all facing.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but I do hope you will find the Community a safe place to get support and to ask your questions.
First….. the Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Bone cancer and Lung Cancer support groups. 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 you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) Group links 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."
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 family you may also benefit from joining our general Family and friends and Carers only support groups where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
For your step mum you may want to check out our Telephone Buddy Service where you step mum can be matched with someone who understands what she is going through, and they'll give her a weekly call.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you 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.
For your dad talking with people face to face may 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 aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
Thank you so much for all this information that's really reassuring. Thank you for taking the time to reply
It’s a difficult time to navigate but do take a little time to look though the various links and see if there is a ‘safe place’ for both your step mum and your dad to connect in with ((hugs))
