My Sister has problems eating and is often sick afterwards. Whenever we go she tells people that she has cancer especially when she goes out to eat i.e. Restaurants etc. Most people are sympathetic, but they often do not know what to say because they are strangers. I can understand how this is affecting her everyday life but it is upsetting to keep hearing her telling everyone about her cancer. I never say anything to her and neither does her Husband but I don't know how I can try and tell her that it can be embarrassing. Not for me but for her.? Is this normal for someone with cancer to tell everyone including strangers whenever we go out?
Hi Mouse007 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 and having been on my incurable cancer journey for over 25 years I have seen the various ways that people deal with their diagnosis and it can be ever so different.
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 look to 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 sister and indeed yourself and the rest of the family 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.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 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 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 give support for all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
