Hi, I am a carer for my sister who has just been diagnosed with cancer. We don't have any other family or friends and I really need support. Is there anyone in the Bangor area who would befriend me and be able to support me through this journey. I am so overwhelmed and exhausted by the whole thing. My sister has other health problems that demand alot of support and I am just so frightened and alone at the moment. I hope this message is allowed and I have not broken the rules. Thank you. She has bowel cancer.
Hi Teddy007 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your sisters diagnosis.
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……
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
……. 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 sister and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
……. support group 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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
I can understand in part, but I am the one with cancer….. as a family we have had to navigate the past 25 years with my rare incurable blood cancer….. it can be hard for the people looking in.
Do call the helpline and have a chat, also ask if they have any information about any local support in your area……. You should also ask at your GP or your sister hospital about support networks ((hugs))
