Cancer Support Thread

Gigervamp

I thought that I would start this thread in this part of the forum, rather than the health and beauty forum, because my aim is for it to be a place for emotional support.

I've noticed that a lot of forum members are having to deal with cancer, either their own, or a loved ones, so I'd like this to be a place where they can come to discuss any issues and get support.

As some of you know, I have terminal cancer and have found at times that I'd like to talk to someone, but don't like talking on the phone and would rather talk to people I *know*. I feel comfortable here.

Anyway, if you've been affected by cancer and need somewhere to vent, talk, cry etc, you're very welcome to use this thread.
I hope it helps people.

ETA some links that might be helpful.

Maggie's Centres
They give help and support to cancer patients, their families and friends.

Tenovus
Tenovus is a Welsh based cancer charity. They offer support and also have mobile screening units.

Macmillan
Macmillan do so much to help cancer patients. Benefits help, grants, counseling etc. The booklets they produce are excellent, there's even a recipe book which is free and has some lovely recipes in for those going through treatment which can affect appetite.

Also, the different cancer types have their own charities. If you know of one, let me know and I'll post it on this post so the links are at the top of the thread.

Jo's Trust
Cervical cancer.

candlelight_2013

Hi Gigervamp,

I am sorry your diagnosis is terminal that must have been a dreadful shock to be told that.

I had breast cancer almost 5 years ago and I have just been discharged by Oncology and hope to be discharged by the surgeon in January.

I was very lucky because mine was stage 2 so just needed a lumpectomy and 25 sessions of radiotherapy. My hospital were really good, which was just as well, because my brain was just a fog.

If I can be of any support to anyone, just by listening or advising how I felt at any particular time, I will be more than glad to help.

Thank you for starting this thread, like you I "know" so many people on here who either have cancer or their DH have.

Candlelightx

AubreyMac

Gigervamp, how do you want others to behave around you?

My 23 year old cousin has terminal cancer. I have not seen him in years, we were never close knit anyway. But I want to see him now as it could be the last time.

However, I feel a bit bad for wanting to see him now when I've not bothered in previous years. It feels a bit pretentious somehow.

If I imagine myself in his shoes, I would think 'didn't bother before then don't bother now' but it doesn't necessarily mean he feels that way though.

JadedAngel88

Hi Gigervamp

My 18 year old daughter was diagnosed last month with stage 2a Hodgkin's lymphoma, had her first chemo last Wednesday, going ok so far.

I was thinking of starting a new thread myself but was too scared.
Will be looking rather than posting so thanks for starting this thread.

JadedAngel

Indie_Kid

Thanks for starting this thread, Gigervamp. Sorry to hear your news. And yours too, Jadedangel.

I have a friend who is currently battling breast cancer. Not going to post it for privacy reasons; but she's currently doing a blog on how her treatment is going.

It's just over 18 months since we lost Granddad to cancer.

System

Gigervamp wrote: »

I thought that I would start this thread in this part of the forum, rather than the health and beauty forum, because my aim is for it to be a place for emotional support.

I've noticed that a lot of forum members are having to deal with cancer, either their own, or a loved ones, so I'd like this to be a place where they can come to discuss any issues and get support.

As some of you know, I have terminal cancer and have found at times that I'd like to talk to someone, but don't like talking on the phone and would rather talk to people I *know*. I feel comfortable here.

Anyway, if you've been affected by cancer and need somewhere to vent, talk, cry etc, you're very welcome to use this thread.
I hope it helps people.

I lost my best friend to cancer. She was only 17 when she died it will be 11 years in December since she died but i'm still unable to talk about it.

I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

Gigervamp

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll be back tomorrow to reply properly.

JadedAngel, (hugs)

AubreyMac

Spinkz wrote: »

I lost my best friend to cancer. She was only 17 when she died it will be 11 years in December since she died but i'm still unable to talk about it.

I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

Oh my, I'm sorry to hear this.

I find it incredibly sad that you feel unable to talk about it 11 years on.

I lost my partner a few years ago & find the lack of support to non blood relatives incredibly isolating. It's as though we don't matter as we will just one day move on & forget about it.

sillyvixen

thank you gingervamp for starting this thread.

my situation is that whilst working full time, i am also trying my best to help and support my parents through my mums illness.

mum was diagnosed with lung cancer just over 3 years ago. she was treated and kept stable for 3 years. 4 months ago i got married - my Mm was wonderful helping me arrange the wedding and it gave her much pleasure. 3 days after the wedding she started to go downhill. a family friend told me at the weekend she had spoken to my Mum about a year ago, and aked her how she coped with her diagnosis and my mum had replied as long as i am well for the wedding every day after is a bonus.
we have had 3 years of good luck - Mum is now at home receiving end of life care.

11 days ago she went so quickly down hill we did not expect her to last the night, the care given to her is amazing - the things my dad has done for her in the last 11 days have left me gobsmaked!! My dad does't do emotion he does practical or throws money at a situation.
every day this week he has let me hug him and cried on my shoulder (the first time he has hugged me since i was 7) today i told him that the care he has given to my mum has astounded me and i have the utmost respect for him and he is amazing.

I may be loosing my Mum but maybe I am getting my dad back!!

The support we have been given by the pallitive care team, district nurses, GP and the carers has been 2nd to none.

I wish everyone well in their own situations.

Mrshaworth2b

I think this will be a fantastic thread. Cancer touches so many peoples lives and to be able to help others in any way is a great thing.

I lost my mum to cancer 6 years ago, I was 20 at the time and I fumbled my way through life for a while after. I wish those going through treatment all the best wishes I can give and those that have also lost someone the strength to move on.

bouicca21

I'm one year further on than Candlelight, but otherwise pretty much ditto.

I remember how terrified I was when I got the diagnosis (as a result of routine screening - keep those appointments girls). I thought it was a death sentence and still think of myself as living on borrowed time.