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Cancer support
Finding out that you have cancer can be a devastating blow where your whole life is literally turned upside down. Whether you have good support can literally depend upon which department you are referred to. Whilst many places offer good physical support, many people are sent home emotionally unsupported. |  |
Even when you have been assigned a key worker who is a point of contact, many times they are away on holiday when you literally need them. It can be critical to have support when you need it. Emotional support is vital when you are facing very difficult times. Just having someone to listen and help you through this stage can make all the difference. Often you have fears that you don’t want to share with your family and friends, so counselling can help you express what you are really feeling. Online counselling is wonderful because you can write about how you feel at any time of the day or night. You don’t have to book an appointment or make a special journey to yet another appointment.
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| Ask for support from your medical team. When you have a doctor’s appointment, write a list of all the questions you want answered. The chances are that you will forget those questions when you actually go in for the consultation. It’s a good idea to take someone with you as there is more chance of remembering what has been said. |
Find out what local support groups are available for you. There are also support groups for specific types of cancer and even if you can’t attend the groups you could contact them and ask for specialised information. Ask about local hospice services that are available to you, as they specialise in the care of patients with cancer.
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You might want to find out about specific cancer books to help you understand your condition and how to manage your illness. Many people try to find out information on the Internet; however it is essential that you go to a reputable site where accurate information is kept. It is very easy to frighten yourself about your diagnosis and it is always best to ask your doctor to explain exactly what is happening. Most cancer specialists will be honest about your prognosis, although nobody can ever tell you exactly what will happen because complications can change things considerably. If you want to talk to someone the MacMillan Cancer support service have a telephone helpline:-
Freephone 0808 808 2020
Textphone 0808 808 0121
Monday to Friday 9am to 10pm
Email cancerline@macmillan.org.uk
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If you are aged 12 – 21yrs old call the YouthLine on 0808 808 0800
9am–10pm, Monday–Friday
If you need help at other times you can contact
The Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org.uk/
Telephone 0845 790 9090
NHS Direct http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
Telephone 0845 4647
If you have been told that you have terminal cancer you may find it helpful to work through your feelings with a counsellor and prepare for your death. You may find these articles about facing terminal illness of use. I would be delighted to work with you to help you make the most of the time you have left. Having supported my father, my father-in-law and a close friend through this, I also have a wealth of personal experience to draw upon; as well as my professional experience.
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| If you have been told that you have terminal cancer you may find it helpful to work through your feelings with a counsellor and prepare for your death. You may find these articles about facing terminal illness of use. I would be delighted to work with you to help you make the most of the time you have left. Having supported my father, my father-in-law and a close friend through this, I also have a wealth of personal experience to draw upon; as well as my professional experience. |
The diagnosis of cancer can have a major impact on both the sufferer and the family. If you would like support to come to terms with your illness or that of a loved one, I would be very happy to help you through online counselling.
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