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Diagnosed with cancer but have no family Livingston Scotland

Calleyh
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Got diagnosed with bowel cancer today.  Have just moved to a new area (Scotland) and have had no time to build a support network.  No immediate family.  Old friends are in their 70s and Ill.  Wrote a whole essay on the Introduce Yourself section but can’t see it.  Very frightened. Nurses today suggested I look for help on the internet.  

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     Hello

    First of all I’m sorry for diagnose you have received recently. i have been diagnosed with bowel cancer this year at the age of 32. 

    I know how important is to have someone to talk to especially that bowel cancer treatment is not the easiest one to take and there might be lots of struggle.

    you can ask Macmillan to look for supporting grouos around your area, also there is a new line charity (opened for mens earlier this year) called Look Good Live Better - they can schedule one of the pampering day for you so you can meet someone there as well. it will be also good to try to arrange psychologist appointment - you can do this with yout oncologist.

     

    I wish you all the best with your treatment and remember to stay positive :) I know is not easiest thing to do but once done it really makes a difference :)

    Mal

  • Offline in reply to 86Mal86

    Thank you so much for this.  Looks to be just what I need at the start of this journey.  I just don’t know what to expect.  

  • Offline in reply to Calleyh

     

    Hi Calleyh,

    Welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reason that brought you here. There are a number of places to turn for support within Scotland. Your centre is an excellent place to start. You can pop in at any time for a cuppa and a chat, or you can make an appointment to see a counsellor or have some alternative therapies. Our centre also arranges gentle walks and yoga.  All of these are carried out free of charge.

    The Haven is another excellent resource in Scotland. Your GP or cancer centre should also be able to advise you of other centres in your area. There are classes run on pain management, gentle exercise and mindfulness, for example. You will find it useful to be able to speak to someone face-to-face, as well as on the internet. I would expect that a hospital the size of the Western General, will also have an information area, where you can look into finance if this is an issue. My surgeon also runs a class on  cancer management for his patients. As time passes you will find that you make friends from some of these classes.

    Not knowing what to expect and fear of the unknown are scary when you don't know what you are dealing with.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you for this. Another place to investigate. Hopefully I’ll also be able to find somewhere local (Livingston) as i expect that as things progress I won’t feel up to travelling.  I feel shell shocked this morning.  

  • Offline in reply to Calleyh

     

    Hi,

    You will naturally be feeling shell shocked this morning. You may also find that your emotions are all over the place and tears are never far away. Crying can be quite a good release for stress, so let the tears flow. It will become easier to deal with once you know exactly what you are dealing with and start treating it.

    I have just done a quick search on the internet for cancer support groups in your area. I also looked at Macmillan and  there are a number of support centres close to Livingston (Broxburn, Bathgate, Blackburn and Carmondean Livingston to mention some.If you keep on posting here, there is a strong chance that someone on the forum is more conversant with Livingston and can make some suggestions to you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you.  I phoned Macmillan this morning and they gave me the same information.  I’m certainly hoping that someone ( or two or six) see my posts and recognise that they are near me.  That would be nice.

  • Offline in reply to Calleyh

    Hello there!

    I`m so glad you have some trails to follow to look for the support - as a hint maybe you could edit your post title and include name of the city you live in - that way will be easier for someone on the forum to find you.

    Wish you all the best!

    Mal

  • Offline in reply to 86Mal86

    Good thought.  I’ve now done that. Thank you.

  • Offline in reply to Calleyh

    You are very welcome :) wish you luck with finidng someone close to you. 

    And remember head up and stay positive and strong :) 

    Mal

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