Family support

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Hi

I have secondary bone cancer. I recently had radiotherapy and have now started chemo at home. I'm 66 and living on my own. My problem is lack of family support. I have a son and daughter who are both local. My daughter takes me to my appointments. I have not seen or heard from my son for 2 weeks.  I'm struggling physically to manage on my own because of severe fatigue and pain. I feel like a burden. I'm ashamed to talk to my nurse about it but have realised I'm going to have to say something. Could you advise me how to go about this please.

  • Hi  and a very warm welcome to the 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 journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).

    You need to pick up the phone and talk with your medical team be it your CNS or your GP as you need all the help you can get.

    The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Bone Cancer support group. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.

    To connect in with the group please click on the link belowPoint down

    Bone, secondary cancer

    …… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.

    When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.

    You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.

    You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line 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.

    Talking to people can help so do have a look at our Macmillan Buddies initiative.

    Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

    Community Champion Badge

  • Thank you for the advice.