Who makes up your support system?
No one navigates a cancer journey in a vacuum. Whether it’s a spouse who attends every appointment, a neighbor who drops off meals, or a fellow survivor who answers your late-night texts, our "team" is what keeps us moving forward. This space is dedicated to identifying who is in your corner and the specific ways they show up for you.
- Who is in your support system?
- How have they helped you carry the load? Who is the person you call when you want to talk about anything except cancer?
Fighting for what I need is like a full time job! As far as cancer goes it is the team of me, myself, and I! Doctors don't talk to each other, nor do they talk to the patients. I have to call and leave messages for Nurse Patricia when I have a question or need a different pre-med before cancer treatment. I'm told that she has three days to respond. The nurses at the cancer center where I get the intravesical chemo in my bladder are not very experienced in inserting a Foley catheter into my bladder for the treatment.
My support team is made up of other patients who are also undergoing medical treatment and we help each other with rides to appointments, phone calls, and whatever other support we can give each other! The glue that holds us together is PRAYER!Thank you for sharing. Yes, having to advocate for yourself with your healthcare team is time-consuming! I am glad you have a cohort of other patients to offer mutual aid and support and prayers! All the best, Kathy (Team member)
My 3 dogs- Butters, Bruno and Leela
Pets make a most wonderful support system. Do you have a photo to share of your three dogs? Does each of them support you differently> Warmly, Kathy (Team member)
Family
Thanks for sharing. A loving, involved family is so wonderful when living with cancer. Did you have a difficult time sharing the news that you were diagnosed? All the best, Kathy (Team member)
I have no one
I am so sorry to hear that you are navigating your diagnosis alone. If you feel you need help, there are many available sources of support. You can reach out to cancer support groups, either online (like this one) or in your local community. Faith-based groups, such as churches, synagogues, or temples, often have an outreach committee that can give you a helping hand when needed. Your healthcare team also can connect you with counselors or social workers who specialize in helping people and their families cope with a cancer diagnosis. It might be useful to touch base with one of these groups to make a connection before you need their help. All the best, Kathy (Team member)
