I've just been diagnosed with a rare type of aggressive bladder cancer. My symptoms are very manageable at the moment, but I'm terrified of what's coming my way. I'm in my forties and this came of nowhere. I'm not in any of the high risk categories for this cancer.
I'm not sure if I have weeks or years, but either way I feel that I've lost control of my future and I constantly think about the cancer now, which is detrimental to my quality of life right now.
I'd like to regain control of my mind, even if only partiality so I can enjoy life a little better.
I hate to burden my partner (who has been exceptionally supportive) and my 2 year old boy with the state of my mind. I want to escape it.
Imagine there's a bus coming your way and you're in the middle of the road with no exit. You know it will hit you at certain point. You just don't know how, when, or how badly. How do you stop your mind thinking about that bus when you know it's there? Sometimes only sleep helps.
Any help is appreciated.
Thank you
Hi ForestGreen80 and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend consider joining our supportive Bladder cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To join a group click on the “Bold Link” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can put up your own post and introduce yourself to the group by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
Macmillan have also teamed up with Bupa to offer up to 6 free counselling sessions for people struggling emotionally because they are living with cancer. Clicking on the link will give you more information about this.
Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat where you will find one of team there to help you out. 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 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.
