How others can help you when you're having chemotherapy

Support groups Back to top

Support groups can put you in touch with other people having similar treatment. Talking with other people can be a good way of discussing feelings, and you can also pick up some useful coping tips. We can give you details of your local support groups|.

Our section about talking about your cancer| will also help you to find ways of discussing your cancer.

Family and friends Back to top

Family and friends often want to help you. However, they may find it difficult to grasp exactly what you are going through. Good communication is really important. Just at a time when you feel your friends and family should be helping, 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 also be feeling quite emotional themselves.

Try to be open and honest about how your treatment is going and how you feel about it. Misunderstandings can then be avoided and others are given the chance to show their love and support.

Our section about talking to someone with cancer| looks at the difficulties people may have when talking about cancer.

Counselling Back to top

Many people find that counselling can help them to face the problems of living with cancer. Counsellors 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 to a trained counsellor who isn't personally involved in your situation can help to untangle thoughts, feelings and ideas.

Information Back to top

Our cancer support specialists| can give you and your family information about all aspects of cancer and chemotherapy, including the practical and emotional problems of living with them.