Hi everyone, I’m joining here because I know I’m going to need support and advice in helping my brother through this. He lives alone in London. I’m his only relative but I’m in the North-West. His situation is made worse by the fact that he suffered heart failure last year so is on a lot of medication including warfarin. He is also suffering with prostate issues and presently has a catheter fitted. His mental health has not been good for a long time but is, understandably, worse at present. He’s worried about his job and what will happen if he can’t work. He’s started smoking and drinking again because of the stress even though he knows both things are not helping. I’m down with him now as he was discharged on Thursday. It’s very hard right now. He has a meeting with the oncology team in two weeks and I keep telling him to wait until then as we don’t know what is happening regarding treatment yet. Just all very difficult.
Hi Groovybrew and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your brothers ongoing diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis like this 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.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you look to join and post in our…….
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
……. support group.
This group is a safe place 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 brother and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
Carers only (if you are his 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 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.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so he can check to see if he has any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
