Article by Chief Nursing Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, Claire Taylor (who has been a cancer nurse for the past 25 years).
- Even if you think everyone around you is busy, please don’t struggle in silence if you need support.
- Let people know what helps you, which might look different to the adverts. That might be calls instead of visits or asking friends/family to drop by for a quick chat.
- Talk with someone you don’t already know. Some say this creates less pressure to act in a certain way. You will find the support of thousands of other people sharing their experiences of cancer on Macmillan’s Online Community. The trained advisers on the Macmillan Support Line are also there to listen and answer questions.
- If you think the subject of cancer is going to come up in your conversations with friends and family over the festive season, then it can be helpful to prepare what you might say in advance to ease the pressure and focus on what matters.
- Ask them what they know already, so you don’t need to repeat information
- Try setting a time limit for how long you’ll talk – if you focus, you might find that there are really 2-3 things you want to talk to them about.
- Try not to be worried by silences as some people do not know what to say and acknowledging that may help.
- When social calendars fill up, plan ahead to celebrate in ways that suit your energy. Remember, you can always choose smaller, slower joy over energy-heavy obligations.
- A tea and a chat, a walk, or a shared movie night can be just as meaningful as larger, busier celebrations.
- Allow time before and after get-togethers to rest or recover. Even short breaks can make a big difference.
- The Macmillan website provides trusted and reliable information on living with cancer, including how to cope with low energy levels.
- Festive socialising often centres on food, but don’t pressure yourself to stray from what you’ve found works for your body and treatment.
- Manage others’ expectations in advance, so you can enjoy the festive season without compromising your routines.
- Plan your meals ahead of time to avoid overeating during gatherings.
- If you have a low appetite, have smaller meals and keep snacks handy between meals such as nuts, crisps, dried fruit or cheese and crackers.
- If you drink alcohol, then a small amount of alcohol just before, or with, food can help stimulate your appetite. Check with your doctor that you can have alcohol. Stay hydrated by drinking water or soft drinks to stay hydrated.
- If sharing how you’re feeling with large groups of people feels too hard right now, don’t try to go it alone. Reach out to one trusted person for a call or quiet visit.
- Use online or phone support: If in-person meetups are too tiring, phone calls, video chats, or online forums can keep you connected.
- Join local groups: There are self-help/support groups across the UK where people with cancer meet for peer support. Find local cancer support services | Macmillan Cancer Support
- Contact Macmillan’s Support Line to speak to our trained advisors, who can provide emotional support and information. You can also sign up for a weekly call from one of our trained Macmillan Buddies.