I’m Kat my daughter (25) has just been diagnosed with throat cancer. Never did we expect an ongoing sore throat to turn out to be a tumour. She has a condition called Plummer Vinson syndrome which is linked to anaemia and webbing in the throat. The mdt team think that this has had some connection to the growing of the tumour. She is currently being tube fed but is having a procedure to have the NG removed and a RIG fitted. Then the following week chemotherapy will start. Any advice on how to further support her would be appreciated. It is rare for someone her age to have this so there’s no clear plan of how to treat this. She also has a 5 yr old son who is very energetic and she feels bad that she can’t give him 100% focus. I’ve said that he’s being scooped up by the family while she can’t do things and to not worry. I know how she feels as her brother is 16 and autistic and I feel that I’m neglecting him. It’s one big juggle and we are managing the best we can.
Hi Kat Kat Von P and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your daughters diagnosis and the challenges you are all having.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type or support challenges will help you a lot……. I have a completely different type of cancer and treatment journey.
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we try to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our……
……. support group. This group is a safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same support journey.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your daughter and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
Carers only (if you are his caregiver)
……. support groups where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same support challenges.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Italic Links” I have created above …… 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.
It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.
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.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 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 and support all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community ((hugs))
