I'm not sure how I feel about being so public, but as I don't like advertising to anyone that I have cancer unless necessary, maybe this is a good place to start.
My identity was very tied into being strong, fit and outdoorsy so my new frailties feel frustrating and rather humiliating..
Maybe I can learn to rise above those feelings here.
Hi Pollyfilla and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to see you joining us.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey coming up to 26 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable) that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
As you see the Community is kept anonymous to help free the space up to share and get support.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) and based on the information in your post can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated……..
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
…….. support group. This group is 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 above……. then once the group page opens 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.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
As always 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 and 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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
There is no specific group that fits that category but there are some overlaps.
This link Cancer Experiences Group has many groups covering all aspects cancer journey both Patients, Spouses, Partners, Carers, Family and Friends.
