Cancer, Covid and loneliness

Hi ,

Welcome and can I just say I can totally understand why you found that all overwhelming. Inside I am slightly horrified that people are isolated in hospital without Physical contact and support from friends and family . It is a vital role in recovery for some people and although we all understand the necessity of it emotionally and mentally it is disturbing. It can be traumatic to have that removed from you . From where I am standing you have done extremely well to endure all that . 

We have a helpline here 0808 808 0000 if you would ever like to chat to someone over the phone . It’s exactly this type of situation they are there for . We are here anytime you want reassurance or a friendly contact . And can I just say I was not the patient but I Was totally unprepared for my mum’s diagnosis. I reached out to my GP who I have to say was excellent, so understanding . I was jumping at my shadow and he kindly reassured me that I would be strong enough to be useful to my mum but he also gave me some beta blockers to slow things down a bit form me which let me get a handle on the situation and a step forward in so many ways . I can only encourage you to speak to your GP if you felt it appropriate. 
Some people have also found it a benefit to link in with their local cancer centre . 
What I want to reassure you of , a lot of people report this part in the process to be very difficult. The initially emergency is over and it’s as though the emotional side finds room to catch up . 
Other people will be along to share their experiences but we are most certainly here to reduce that sense of isolation and fear . 
take special care ,

Court 

of course you feel lonely snd scared. That is a huge thing to go through alone. So glad you joined the forum. You will get lots of support here. Covid has certainly made our experiences so much worse. You can always ring the Macmillan number if you need to talk to someone. If you need help with supplies/food etc you can get help via your GP from the community hub.

Sending hugs x

Seaspirit44 

Hi and sorry your going through it as well but I feel a bit like I can understand the lonely feeling and being bloody scared!!..like you I was fit and well before the diagnosis..I work in a physical enviroment and was out of the house all day dawn to dusk..I only mentioned my symptoms in passing the gp after I went with a hip pain that wouldnt get better after a fall from a horse before Christmas..I was referred just as covid started to become an issue and told I had cancer on the 9th April by phone...I have found the lack of mental support hard..i had to isolate totally prior to starting chemo and because ive had issues with my neutrophils ending me in hospital with suspected sepsis (which is wasnt fortunately) ive been told to be extra careful..I can get to my horses and yard whenI feel ok and lately been able to see friends int he open air up there but just missing human contact. The consulatant got the oncology nurse to chat to me as she said she felt I was struggling with managing uncertainty..i thnk thats probably quite common!!..the oncology nurse was lovely but not much she can say ..

I hope you get good news from the oncology team and hang on in there as it seems were all feeling the same right now..I think cancer is a lonely place one the initial outpouring of cheeryness from friends has stopped..Im definately finding who my real friends are and that helps loads .

I have emotional meltdowns which i think is the drugs in part but sometimes I sit and cry and all I can say to my poor husband, who like most men doesnt really know what to say or do..is im just bloody scared. and lost...

Im glad I ventured onto here..its made me realise that im not alone totally and good luck xxx