Hi everyone, i am new and just looking for the kind of emotional support that works for me and that is being able to share where i am at; they call it 'holding space' aan nd i went on chatgbt and it described it so well. I hope i can support others. I have Squamous skin cancer and waiting for an urgent date for removal while watchng and feeling it grow bigger every 3 days. its unnerving and in my voluntaed ry work i am very proactive and now i need to apply this to myself tomorrow morning when i call the hospital to try and get myself up the queue a bit. None of my family know of this very new diagnosis and this is better for me and only 3 close friends and one absolutely trusworthy colleague ; i dont want fake interest or 'puppy eyes' so i am glad i have made this decision but missing the emotional support today while talking about nonsense at work because my colleague is on holiday so i thought.. Macmillan helpline etc. so here I am. My name is Mary
Hi Mary goingtobeokay and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your SSC diagnoses.
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).
This New to Community area 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 Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Skin 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 below…….
…… 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.
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 give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
