New to the group

2 replies
22 subscribers
333 views

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on here so I thought I would just briefly explain my cancer story.

I was diagnosed in 2020 at the age of 19 and underwent intense chemotherapy. I am thankful to now have no evidence of disease but I am still heavily impacted from the treatment as it still affects my day to day life. I believe that only recently it has started to sink in the fact I had cancer and the treatment that I underwent and how much it has changed my life. I am really struggling to come to terms with everything and recently had to leave my workplace to try and focus on myself.

If anyone can help me with any advice or support that has helped along your journeys then I would be really grateful.

Thank you in advance.

Thehighlander over 2 years ago

Hi BPB and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about the challenges you are now facing.

The post cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but reaching out to the community will give you the opportunity to ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same journey.

The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend consider joining our supportive Life after cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others who are navigating the same journey, to ask questions and get support.

If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Bold Group Link I have created above then click join in the banner that appears, then click +new (or + on a mobile) to start a new post. You should see this at the top right of your screen.

Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

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.

Do get back to me if you need further help.

Mike (Thehighlander)

It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

My cancer story

Your eyes tell over 2 years ago

Hi,

Like you- I was diagnosed at 19, well just about, it was two days before my 20th birthday. I didn’t have chemotherapy, but I did have radiotherapy and surgery. I too still feel impacted by my treatment- not massively but still. I had radiotherapy to the area around my knee joint which has resulted in it becoming v stiff and can be painful at times, made worse by the surgery. I had physio which did help but I still have some discomfort. If you meant you’re physically impacted by your treatment on a day to day- maybe physio could help?

I’ve been given loadsss of leaflets for support groups specifically aimed at younger people- I haven’t been to any, but I’ve heard they’re really quite helpful and beneficial if you’re struggling: Teenage and young adult cancer service or Mind over cancer. Are there any support groups offered by your hospital or someone you can get into contact with there to find out if they can help?

I have my moments where I suddenly overthink what I’ve been through but I just remind myself how lucky I am and that stressing or worrying won’t change anything. I sometimes find watching YouTube videos about other people’s stories, especially those who are younger, comforting- it makes me feel like I’m not the only one.

I don’t know if any of that was helpful but you could post it in the group specific to your type of cancer and hopefully they might be able to offer better suited advice? I wish you all the best and hopefully you feel better soon : )