I’m still finding my way after diagnosis. I’m waiting for a bowel resection with a full hysterectomy. Lots to take in at once and the waiting between appointments and phone calls is frustrating. Hard to get two departments to talk to each other.
Hi lemunch and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but I am so sorry to hear about your ongoing journey.
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 and having to be treated through 2 Scottish NHS Trusts and having a few other none cancer health issues……. so about 10 different departments…… that effective communication is actually down to how good and organised each department is and the joint-up-system that your hospital has…….
Internal communications can have it’s flaws so you may well have to keep checking as to how things are going….. so having the names and numbers of the people who makes the decisions on hand is important to be able to keep the kettle boiling
This 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)………… so if you have a look through this link…..
……. 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 ((hugs))
