Suggestions wanted

[Tolquist]

Haven't posted for a while but need some suggestions please, I have SCLC had chemo and SABR it responded well so now on 3 mth scans but this isn't really about the cancer

I did have a friend/partner half supporting me before but he has now totally gone and I am alone, no one nearby and despite looking I am unable to find any groups near me, well there is slimming world but I already lost 6st due to the cancer lol so I'm good

my local Maggie's is too far away unfortunately, I'm just stuck of ways to help myself I seem to be coming up again dead ends all the time so any suggestions would be appreciated

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

HI Tolquist

Sorry to hear you are feeling quite isolated and the loss of the support of your partner.

You may be able to check with your lung cancer nurse specialist if they run any support groups or you could check on our map via this link to see if there are any near you: roycastle.org/help-and-supp...

We have an online support group through zoom and if you are interested in this or any of our other support services, you can register through this link: roycastle.org/help-and-supp...

Cancer Care Map has a list of support services for the UK and you can search for your area through this link: cancercaremap.org/

Although the Maggie's centre is not local for you, you could ask them what services are available for you - maggies.org/cancer-support/

If you would like to discuss anything you can ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Hope you hear from others in the forum and find some comfort from their support.

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[sassassas]

Hey Tolquist Its good to hear you're responding well to the treatment, but appreciate how hard it must be when you are on your own.

As well as the cancer support groups, are you are interested in non-cancer related things? Are there any walking groups near you for example?

I don't know where you live but I find the NextDoor app really good (possibly it won't be if you live somewhere really rural!). I've seen people start book clubs and football clubs simply by posting to see if anyone else is interested, so that might be an easy way to meet people and get something new going. Or you could see if there are people in your area also looking for a support network.

Hope that helps, Sarah x

[Cockailschemocancer]

So sorry to see that, is there a gym local to you that does social things as well as any classes that you are able to do? Sometimes it’s nice to do and mix with non cancer peeps. I hope you find something with all the suggestions before me. Good luck xx

[JanetteR57]

well done on the weight loss by the way - maybe something health/wellbeing related? are there any yoga/pilates classes or ramblers groups? I have friends who have joined craft classes - one is a lawyer and found solace at the weekend learning how to burnish, dye and stitch leather and make a bag in a small group...another who had to retire with heart failure joined a rag rug making group. In the West Midlands we don't have any Maggie's centres but there are some community led cancer support groups. hope you find something - Roy Castle runs online group support. good luck.

[Tolquist in reply to JanetteR57]

lol the weight lose was from the cancer so no effort was required, not a diet i recommend

I've looked for art groups but none close by, my mobility is limited but I do like the idea of a ramblers group will have a look for something like that that allows me to go my own pace

[JanetteR57]

I've been a member of Birmingham Ramblers group since 1991 - not that I've walked with them for a good while but like many Ramblers Associations groups they have funding from elsewhere to improve fitness through walking for all ages and abilities. Our local group runs weekly rambles (by coach to destination) as well as shorter local walks in the week and at weekends... worth having a look what your local authority/public health are offering too. our local authority offers regular walking groups in our local parks for all ages and abilities. Most have different 'level' of walks and all leaders are trained to look out for all and ensure people are supported. good luck.