Just so sad for my son diagnosed in January. Long, long treatment plan and he feels different and worried about looking sick in front of his friends.
Hi Pegh and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your son’s diagnosis.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for 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 be it patients or family members.
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we try 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)……… but you don’t say what type of cancer your son has…….. if you can tell me this I can direct you to the best groups on the community…….. or you can have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups where you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
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 journey.
Whatever someone's experience and journey looks like this link Cancer Experiences Group will take to our groups covering all aspects of the cancer journey for Patients, Spouses, Partners, Carers, Family and Friends.
Have a look through the LIST(s) above and once you find a support group you would like to connect in with click on the link and when 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Glad to help….. did you find the support group that covers your son’s cancer type?
