I live alone and I’ve been struggling with the side effects of my treatment and the stress of trying to support my elderly infirm parents. I’m just struggling to cope tonight.
Hi Sutilia and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but I am so sorry to hear about your challenges.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 26 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable), Asbestosis and Prostate Cancer 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.
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 Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)………… but you don’t say what type of cancer you have but if you tell me your type of cancer I can direct you to the best groups…….. but 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 members who are navigating the exact same journey.
Have a look through the LIST above and once you find the support group for your cancer type....... 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.
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 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.
Hello Sutilia
My name is Steph and I’m part of the team who look after the Online Community here at Macmillan. May I wish you another warm welcome to the site, I hope you will find it to be a safe place of comfort and support.
How are you feeling today? I hope you will return to the Community to let us know.
I was sorry to hear that you are struggling with the side effects of your treatment alongside caring responsibilities. There are lots of people here on the Community who understand how you might feel, because they have been there themselves. It can also be good to talk, share experiences and support.
We also have a Macmillan Support Line if you would like to talk things through with someone who is there to listen. Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.
Is your GP or your team at the hospital aware of how your side effects are impacting you alongside the stress of caring? You could make an appointment with your GP, or you may have been given a 24 hour hospital telephone number to call with any concerns. You can also contact NHS on 111 to be assessed (24 hours a day).
Our blog about living alone with cancer has some suggestions about the kind of support you might want to access.
Your GP should be able to help you access some further support as a carer. Especially whilst you're going through cancer treatment you may want to look into taking a break from caring if you can. You might also access some practical support as a carer through your local council.
I hope this is helpful and we hope to hear from you again soon.
