Some hospitals in England offer free car parking for cancer patients – I’d recommend asking to see whether you qualify, as costs can quickly add up.
Anonymous
"I tried to avoid Google – I’d ask my Team, or the Macmillan forum, and it got me better advice and I was less overwhelmed."
Anonymous
"I was able to get the Red Cross to take me to hospital – you might be able to too via the Red Cross’s Home Care Services."
Anonymous
“I'm forever grateful to cancer for jolting me into living in the now rather than always worrying. There can be positives.”
Anonymous
"Just take each day as it comes. Surrendering, dealing with the cards that you're dealt with, you just don't know what's around the corner."
Christeen | Breast Cancer Patient
"There was a lot of information to take in and so I made sure I took someone with me to write stuff down so I could recall the information later."
David | Oesophageal Cancer Patient
"I truly believe that understanding as much as I could about my cancer helped me get through the treatment and alleviate some of my fears, it also helped me have a more active role in my journey – I would encourage everyone to do this."
David | Oesophageal Cancer Patient
"I found keeping a pain diary very helpful. I used ‘notes’ app on my phone and shared it with my family and girlfriend, who could see my latest symptoms so I didn’t have to talk to them every day. It meant I didn't have to keep saying the same things, and some days I just had to be alone as I was in so much pain."
Max | Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patient
"I liked to organise day trips or holidays when going through chemo as it gave me something to look forward to!"
Max | Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patient
"Talk to a counsellor before you really need one! I wish I started earlier as it is someone who is new and knows nothing about you and it’s just good to rant."
Max | Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patient
"Get a list of recommendations for things to watch, and set up virtual watch parties if you can't see people in person. You can use group watch, or just press play at the same time!"
Max | Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patient
"Understand that everyone has different symptoms. Trust that you know how bad yours are, and tell your nurse - more often than not there is something they can do and keep on top of."
Max | Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patient
"You can get grants from places if you look for them! I got £100 from the Young Leadership Council (YLC) which I gave to my Mum for coming with me to appointments."
Max | Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patient
"Tangfastics or other sour sweets helped to reduce the metallic taste from the chemo."
Rosie | Rectal Cancer Patient
"Be aware that everyone reacts differently, even to the same chemo - your experience might not be the same as someone else's."
Rosie | Rectal Cancer Patient
"Be kind."
Rosie | Rectal Cancer Patient
“If you're a carer or parent, make it clear to medical staff upfront that people depend on you, and that this might make it harder when it comes to you accessing treatment.”
Sarifa | Breast Cancer Patient
"I’d recommend looking for peer support that is relevant to you in your local area. If you can’t find something that feels right, you might be able to start your own with some help."
Sarifa | Breast Cancer Patient