How others can help you when you're having chemotherapy

There may be times when you want to be alone with your thoughts. However, at other times being able to share your feelings can be a weight off your mind.

• Support groups
• Family and friends
• Counselling
• Cancerbackup

Support groups

Patient support groups can put you in touch with other people having similar treatment. Talking with these people can be a good way of discussing feelings that relatives or friends may not understand, and you can also pick up some useful coping tips. Cancerbackup can give you details of your local support groups.

Cancerbackup's section on talking about your a cancer will also help you to find ways of discussing your cancer.

Family and friends

Family and friends usually want to help you to cope. However, they may find it difficult at first to grasp exactly what it is you are going through. The key is to keep communication going. Just at a time when you think your friends and family should be rushing to help, they may stand back and wait for you to make the first move. This is often because they are worried they may say the wrong thing, or they think you may want to cope alone. They may even be feeling emotionally worn-out themselves. Be open and honest about how your treatment is going and how you feel about it. In that way, misunderstandings can be avoided and others are given the chance to show their love and support.

Cancerbackup has a section on talking to someone with cancer which looks at the difficulties people may have when talking about cancer.

Counselling

Many people find that counselling can help them to deal with the problems of living with cancer. Counsellors use their skills to help people talk through and sort out problems and confusion. Emotional difficulties linked to cancer are not always easy to talk about and are often hardest to share with the people you are closest to. Talking with a trained counsellor who is not personally involved in your situation can help to untangle thoughts, feelings and ideas.

Cancerbackup

Cancerbackup's Cancer Support Service can give you and your family information about all aspects of cancer and chemotherapy, including the practical and emotional problems of living with them. The specialist cancer nurses give information about research and treatment centres; cancer support groups; therapists and counsellors; financial assistance; and helpful organisations, to anyone affected by cancer, lymphoma or leukaemia.