Hi, just getting to grips with this resource to see how it might help. I was diagnosed with cancer in August 2024 (terminal stage 4 lung, brain, spine and a few other places). I guess my question is how did others work out how to make the most of this resource? Not sure what help might be useful for me and my family or what else might be out there that I'm not already aware of. Interested in how others approached their journey. Is there an overview somewhere or is it a matter of spending some time looking around this site? My key issues at the moment are nausea, tiredness, swollen legs and loss of mobility (although this is starting to improve), so how others dealt with these issues using this site would be interesting. Thanks.
Hi Egg_Bucks and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Navigating a cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' 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 that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated……
Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only
…… support group. This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
You can also have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups where you will find all our dedicated cancer specific support groups listed for Patients, Spouses, Partners, Carers, Family and Friends.
Whatever someone's cancer experiences and journey is like this link Cancer Experiences Group has many groups covering all aspects cancer journey….. again for Patients, Spouses, Partners, Carers, Family and Friends.
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, 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 abd support all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
To connect in with any group in the community click on the links that take you to the specific group pages…..
……. and once the group pages open you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
You can then introduce yourself to the group by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
Always around to help out.
