Hi all, totally new here, had a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma a couple months ago, start my treatment in around 3 weeks, so many things running around my head it's hard to know where to start
Hi and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses and the challenges you are facing.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer type journey can help a lot.
The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) but I do see that you have already joined and posted in our dedicated Anal cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
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.
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 and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community but in the meantime all the very best.
