Hello everyone! My mum was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour on her liver last week. This is likely a secondary cancer and they think the primary is in her lung, but we are waiting for further tests to confirm this.
I am 25, I moved out last year and live with my boyfriend, and I am absolutely terrified. She's my mum, my person, my best friend and I am so so scared for her I don't know how to cope with this. Other people in out family have had cancer, and I always thought it was something that happens to other people, its very sad, but it would only ever affect extended family. Yet here we are in 2024 and mum has it, she is going to have to go through more tests and scans and chemo. I don't know how to get through this, some days I'm able to talk about it, some days I burst into tears.
Has anyone got any tips on how to cope and process when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer.
Xeno
Hi Xeno1306 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your mum’s 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 look 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 groups.
These groups are 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 mum and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
Carers only (if you are their 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.
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 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.
