Counselling

Hi Oakwood51 ,

I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this diagnosis, just try & keep in the forefront of your mind that new treatments are being developed all the time so none of us know what the future may hold. 

Regarding your question about counselling there are a few different routes you could go down. You’ll possibly still be under the care of an oncologist, they could have information on cancer specific counsellors, another option would be any local cancer charities, they often offer counselling services as do the wonderful Maggies centres if you have one close enough to visit, we also have a counselling service here at Macmillan (telephone based), if you give the MacMillan helpline a call they will be able to give you all of the relevant information & of course you could ask your GP for a referral although I think this option would possibly entail being added to a waiting list. 

I hope this has helped a little. Know we’re here to support you however we can.

Nicola

Hello Oakwood51 

I think in your shoes, counselling is a really good idea.  Nicola has outlined some excellent routes to follow.  In the very early days I went to a branch of Maggie's where all the people who work there are specialists in the cancer field plus all sorts of other activities for people.  If you have one local to you and would like face-to-face contact it is definitely the place to go.  And there is nothing to stop you using one of the charity telephone services at other times as well, you deserve and need all the support you can get.

I remember your last post when you were struggling and hope very much that your shoulder pain has eased off with the steroids.  I am thinking of you, please let us know how you get on.

Irene xx    

Hi Irene

Thank you. I’ve still not got my pain relief under control and think it is now sensible to go down the counselling route

• Lesley x

 Oakwood51 

I am so sorry to hear that, Lesley.  That is really not good and can't be doing much to help your mental state - pain is so debilitating and affects everything that you try to do.  When do you see your oncologist again? 

Irene xx

I will be speaking with her next week, she did say that she may need to increase the dose of the steroids 

Lesley x

Hello Oakwood51,

Just to say that I’m sorry that you are in this situation and really hope that you’re able to access some counselling and support. The Maggies centres sound wonderful and I hope that you are near one.

If not then I hope you can access by one of the other routes described. 
I am also considering some counselling at the moment which is something I had never previously considered before so understand.

 I very much hope that you are able to get some support.

1. Big hug to you xx