Struggling

31, that’s so young to have a condition like this - I really feel for you. I was diagnosed around the same time as you with a Grade 4 astrocytoma (previously called a glioblastoma), and at 54 I’m balancing the tumour with menopause which is grim. 

did you have a craniotomy, chemo, radio? That’s awful that you’re in pain - is it headaches or something else? Do you want to talk about it? 

I’ve always struggled with anxiety so I understand some of the dark thoughts you’re having. But if you have friends you care about and love, then they must feel the same about you, and losing you would not make the world a better place for them. Sorry if I’m rambling,I just want to give you a huge hug, and I’m sending love xxxx

Hi Lj91 ,

My name is David, and I’m part of the team here at Macmillan’s Online Community.

I’m so sorry to hear about your glioblastoma diagnosis. I can hear that it’s a lot to take on and that you’re struggling with your mental health as a result. It’s completely understandable to feel the way you do, but it’s positive that you’ve reached out on the Online Community, and we’re here to help.

I’m sorry to hear about the thoughts you’ve been having, but please know there are people that are here to help if you’re feeling overwhelmed with your emotions whilst on your cancer journey.

I would encourage you to contact our support line, which is here for you 7 days a week from 8am – 8pm should you want to speak to someone for advice, guidance, or just someone to listen. You can call on 0808 808 0000, or if you’d prefer not to speak over the phone, you can reach out via email or live webchat.

I wanted to also let you know about a couple of pages on our website that might be able to help: cancer and mental health support, and our talking therapies pages might help you to consider places you can go to speak to others about how you’re feeling, sometimes just talking can make a world of difference.

Please also know there are organisations out there you can contact should you feel you are in crisis or need urgent or immediate support. The Samaritans can be called anytime on 116 123 if you think you need to talk to someone right away about how you’re feeling.

The Online Community can also help you, so please do keep reaching out and talking to us here. I’m sure many of the community can resonate in some way with your cancer experience and how you’re feeling, so talking here is a great place to start.

If there’s anything at all the online community team can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out, you can email us anytime at community@macmillan.org.uk.

Take care,
David