Welcome
1
Welcome Hello. And welcome to our handbook. We’ve put it together, along with Macmillan Cancer Support, to give help and information to young people aged 12–18 who are caring for someone who has cancer.
Why?Becausewe’vedoneitourselves.
Itmaybeyourmumordadwhohascancer.Oryourbrotherorsister.Itcouldbeafriend,grandparent,auntoruncle.
Youmaybeangry,shockedorfrightened.Youmaybethinking,‘Whyme?’or,‘Whythem?’
We’vebeenthere.Andwecamethroughit.That’swhywewantedtoshareourexperienceswithyou,soyouknowthattherearelotsofpeopleyoucanturnto.Andthattherearethingsyoucandotolookafteryourself.
We’vesplitthisguideintochapters,soyoucandipinandout,oryoucanreaditallinonegoifyoulike.Ifthere’ssomethingyou’dliketoknowmoreabout,there’sahugelistofwebsitesandorganisationsinchapter13thatcanhelp.
Wehopethishandbookanswerssomeofyourquestions.Andremember,therearelotsofpeopleyoucantalktowhenthetimeisrightforyou.
FromAphra,Sara,Eve,DavidandtheArdenCancerNetwork’sYoungPeople’sGroup;Jess;theyoungcarersfromtheOxfordCityYoungCarers’Forum;andtheyoungpeopleatSpiralChildren’sBereavementServiceinNottinghamshire.
1.Whatiscancer? 5
2.Whatisayoungcarer? 15
3.Feelings 21
4.Relationships 29
5.Whataboutschool? 35
6.Workandmoney 39
7.Wherecanyougoforhelpandsupport? 43
8.Lookingafteryourself 49
9.Talkingtodoctorsandnurses 55
10.Copingwithdeath 61
11.Lifeaftercancer 69
12.Glossary 73
13.Furtherinformation 79
14.Yournotesandquestions 95
co
nTen
ts
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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The big C word. Cancer. It’s probably ruling your life right now. You may be blaming yourself.
‘IfonlyI’dspokenupaboutsmoking.’‘IfonlyI’dencouragedthemtobehealthier.’‘MaybeIcouldhavestoppedthemgettingcancer.’
That’swhatwethoughttoo.Butthefactis,anyonecangetcancer.Andit’snotyourfault.
About cancer
Everypartofourbodyismadeupofcellsthatfittogetherlikebuildingblocks.Cellsofthesametypegrouptogethertomakedifferentkindsoftissue,forexamplefat,muscle,bone,nervesandblood(aliquidtissue).Cancerisadiseaseofthesecells.
Normal cells Cells forming a tumour
Whatiscancer?
7
Cellsgetwornoutanddie,butnewcellsarebeingmadeallthetimeinthebody.Anormal,healthycellwillsplittocreatetwonewcells,andthencarryondividinginacontrolledway.Ifthisprocessgetsoutofcontrol,thecellsdevelopintoalumpcalledatumour.Thiscanbein:
• anorgan,suchastheliverorkidney
• abone
• theblood(whichcausesatypeofcancercalledleukaemia)
• thelymphaticsystem(whichcausesatypeofcancercalledlymphoma).
Therearemorethan200differentkindsofcancer,eachwithitsownnameandtreatment.Peoplewithcancerhavetohavetests,scansandinvestigationstofindoutexactlywhattypeofcancertheyhave,andtofindoutwhetherithasspreadinthebody.Thishelpsthedoctorsplantherighttreatmentforeachperson.Somecommoncancertreatmentsincludesurgery,chemotherapyandradiotherapy.
Ifsomeoneinyourfamilyishavingtreatmentforcancer,youmightwanttoknowmore.Youcouldasktospeakwiththeirdoctors(aslongasthepersonwithcancergivestheirpermission).
Tomakethingsevenclearer,inchapter12we’veincludedalistofcommonmedicalwordsandphrasesthatthedoctorsandnursesmightuse.
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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Are you worried about getting cancer because your family member has it?
Manypeopleworryaboutgettingcancer.Sometimestheyworrybecausesomeoneintheirfamilyhashadcancer,andtheythinkitwillbepassedonfromonegenerationtoanother(inherited).Infact,fewerthan1in10cases(lessthan5–10%)ofcancerhasbeenshowntobeduetoafamilyhistoryofthedisease.
Fewer than 1 in 10 cases of cancer has been shown to be due to a family history
of the disease
Whatiscancer?
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The A–Z of who does what
Asayoungcarer,you’reprobablygoingtomeetalotofdifferentpeople,bothinandoutofhospital.We’veputtogetherthislistofsomeofthepeopleyoumightmeetandwhattheydo.
Someonewhocanhelpyouclaimanybenefitsthatyouorotherfamilymembersmaybeentitledto.Benefitsarepaymentsfromthegovernmenttohelppeopleinneed.
Anursewhocaresforpeopleathomeandgivesthemanymedicationtheyneed.
Someoneyoucantalktoaboutyourfeelingsandworries.
Youmaymeetthefollowingkindsofdoctorsduringyourtimeasayoungcarer:
• AnaesthetistAdoctorwho’strainedtolookafterthepersonyoucareforwhenthey’rehavinganoperation.They’llgivethemtherightanaesthetic(seepage74)forthesurgery.
benefits or welfare rightsadviser
communityor disTrictnurse
counsellor
docTors
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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• ConsultantTheseniordoctorwho’sinchargeofapatient’streatment.Theywillcheckthepatient’sprogress,plantheirtreatmentandbeinchargeoftheiroverallcare.(Seealsomultidisciplinaryteamonpage11.)
• GP (general practitioner) Thedoctoratyourlocaldoctors’surgery.Youmayknowthispersonalready.They’lllookafterthepersonyoucareforwhenthey’rebackathome.TheconsultantwillkeeptheGPinformedabouttreatmentandprogress.
• OncologistAdoctorwhospecialisesinlookingafterpeoplewithcancer.Mostareeithermedicalorclinicaloncologists.Amedicaloncologististrainedintheuseofdrugstotreatcancer.Aclinicaloncologististrainedtogivebothdrugsandradiotherapy(seepage77).
• PathologistAdoctorwhoteststhebloodtocheckthataperson’sbloodcountisokay.Theyalsolookatbiopsysamplesunderamicroscopetocheckthedifferentcells.
• RadiologistAdoctorwho’sspeciallytrainedtolookatx-raysandscans.
• SurgeonAdoctorwhocarriesoutoperations,suchastakingabiopsyofthetumour.
• University medical studentsThesearetraineedoctors.Theymaycomeroundwiththequalifieddoctorswhoaretreatingthepersonyoucarefor,sothattheycanlearnaboutwhathappens.
Whatiscancer?
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Someonewhocleansthewardsandsometimesgivesoutdrinksandmeals.
Anursewhowillcloselywatchtheprogressofthepersonyoucareforandgivethemanyextrasupportorinformationtheyneed.
Anursewho’sspeciallytrainedtocareforpeoplewithcancerwhoaredyingandwanttostayathome.
Thenamegiventothegroupofhealthcarespecialistswhowillbelookingafterthepersonyoucarefor.Theconsultantwillbeamemberoftheteam.Theconsultantwilldiscusstheperson’scarewiththeteamandgettheirexpertadvice.
Someonewhocanhelpthepersonyoucareforcarryouteverydaytasksorfindnewthingsforthemtodowhilethey’refeelingunwell.
Anursewhocomestopeople’shomesandcoordinatesactivities.
domestic
macmillanor specialist
nurse
marie curienurse
mulTidisciplinaryteam (or mdT
for short)
occupaTionaltherapist
oncology outreach nurse
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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Someonewhogivesoutmedicinesthatdoctorshaveprescribed.Theycanalsogiveinformationandadviceaboutstoringandtakingmedicines.
Someonewhocanhelpthepersonyoucareforwiththeirabilitytomovearound(theirphysicalmobility).
Ifyou’refindingithardtocope,thisissomeonewhocanhelpyoucometotermswithyoursituationandmanageyourfeelings.
Someonewhotakesx-raysanddoesscans.Theyalsogiveradiotherapytreatment,whichisplannedbytheradiologist.
Someonewhocanhelpyouandyourfamilywithfinancial,workorsocialissues.
Anursewhowillmakesurethepersonyoucareforislookedafterwhilethey’reinhospital.Theywillgivethemanyregulartreatmentstheyneed.Thiscouldincludetakingbloodsamplesandgivingmedicationsorchemotherapy(seepage75).
pharmacist
physiotherapist
psychologist
radiographer
socialworker
Ward nurse
Whatiscancer?
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YoucangetinformationaboutdifferenttypesofcancerandtheirtreatmentsfromMacmillan.Call0808 808 00 00tospeaktooneoftheircancersupportspecialists.Theycanrecommendleafletsandsendthemtoyouthroughthepost.Callsarefree.Oryoumightliketoreadtheinformationonlineatmacmillan.org.uk/cancerinformation
Andremember–anyinformationtheysendyouwillarriveinplainpackaging,sonoonewillknowyouhaveaskedforit.
2What is a young carer?
Are you a young carer? 16
What does being a young carer mean? 17
Looking after yourself 19
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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Are you a young carer?
Youmaynotthinkyouare.Butifyou’reunder18andyouspendanyofyourtimelookingaftersomeonewhoisill,thenyou’reayoungcarer.
Asayoungcarer,youmightdoextrathingstohelpyourfamily–stuffthatyourfriendswon’tnecessarilybedoing.Thingslike:
• makingdinner
• washingthedishes
• cleaningthehouse
• doingthefoodshopping
• washingclothes
• lookingafterbrothersorsisters.
Youmayalsobeaskedtodothingsforthepersonwhohascancer,likehelpingthemgetdressed,givingthemtheirmedicinesorchangingtheirbandages.
Youmaycomfortthemwhenthey’reupset,orbetheretolistenwhentheyneedtotalk.
Whatisayoungcarer?
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What does being a young carer mean?
Beingayoungcarercanaffectyourlifeinmanyways.Itcanmakeyoufeeldifferent,butthat’sokay.Youmayfindthatyoucan’tconcentrateatschoolorcollege,andthatyoudon’thaveasmuchtimetostudy.Itcouldbehardtokeepupwithyourfriends.Youmayhavetocancelplanstolookafterthepersonwhohascancer.Sometimesitcanfeellikebeingacarerhastakenoveryourlife.
Youmayalsobeworriedaboutwhat’shappeningathome.Youmayfeelangrywiththepersonyou’relookingafter.Youmayfeelneglected,andthenfeelguiltyforfeelingthatway.
Beingayoungcarerisabigresponsibility.Andthatcansometimesbereallyhard.Butpositivethingscanalsocomeoutoftheexperience.Thingslikebecomingclosertothepersonyoucarefor,learningnewskillsandfeelingmoremature.
‘At least when I got to uni I knew how to work a washing machine!’Aphra, 18
Whatisayoungcarer?
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Looking after yourself
It’sveryimportanttoremembertolookafteryourself.Youmayfeellikeyouhavetheweightoftheworldonyourshoulders.Butyoushouldonlyevertakeonasmuchasyoucanhandle.
Herearesomeofthethingsthathelpedus:
• Ifyou’refeelingstressedout,talktosomeone.Itcouldbeafriend,ateacheroranotherfamilymember.Oryoumaywanttojoinasupportgroup.Youngcarers’projects(seepage45)cansupportyouandgiveyoutimeoutfromcaring.Theyoungcarers’workerscanalsotalktoprofessionalsandyourschoolonyourbehalf.Theyhavegroupswhereyoucanmeetotheryoungcarers.Youcanchilloutandnoonewillaskyouwhyyou’reayoungcarer.Gotoyoungcarers.nettofindoneclosetoyou.Youcanalsochatwithotheryoungcarersandwithonlinesupportworkers,whocangiveyouinformationandadvice.
• Therearealsolotsofphonenumbersandwebsitesofotherorganisationsthatcanhelpyouinchapter13ofthisbooklet.
• Youmaywanttoletyourschoolorcollegeknowwhat’sgoingon.Theremaybetimeswhenyouneedextrahelpwithyourwork,orwhenyouneedtimeoff.Yourteacherscanonlysupportyouiftheyknowwhat’shappeningathome.
• Maketimeforyourself.Dosomethingthattakesyourmindoffthesituation,likeplayingsport,spendingtimewithfriends,painting,orwalkingthedog.Remember,you’restillallowedtoenjoyyourselfandyoudon’tneedtofeelguiltyforwantingyourownlife.
• Asayoungcarer,ifyoudon’tfeelcomfortabledoingsomething(forexample,helpingsomeonegotothetoilet),youcansayno.
Feelings
Coping with your feelings 22
Bottling it up 22
Feeling up one minute and down the next (mood swings) 24
Coping with other people’s feelings 24
Counselling (support if you’d like to talk about your feelings) 27
3
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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Coping with your feelings
Findingoutthatsomeoneclosetoyouhascancercancausemanyemotions.Alotofpeoplesaythattheirfirstreactionwas,‘What’sgoingtohappen,willhe/sherecover?’andthen,‘Aretheygoingtodie?’Thisuncertaintycanmakeyoufeelallkindsofthings.
Wefeltfrightenedaboutthefutureandupsetthatthiswashappeningtosomeoneweloved.
Youmayfeelangrywiththeworld,orwiththepersonwhohascancer.Youmayfeelguilty.Youmaybeanxiousorfeeldown.Whateveryou’refeeling,it’sanaturalpartofthecancerexperience.
Bottling it up
Trynottobottleupyourfeelings.Youmightdecidetotrynottogetupsetinfrontofthepersonwhohascancerincaseyouworrythem,andthat’sfine.Butmakesureyou’renotdealingwithitonyourown.Talktoyourfriendsifyoucan.Ortalktosomeoneelseinthefamily.Youmayfindthattheywanttosharetheirfeelingswithyoutoo.
‘I used to talk to my auntie. She was pleased, because she felt like she was supporting my mum by being there for me.’Sara, 18
Feelings
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Ifyoudon’tfeelcomfortabletalkingtosomeoneclose,thenmaybeayoungcarers’workeroranadultatschoolorcollegecouldhelp.Itdoesn’thavetobeyourformtutororevensomeonewhotakesyouforlessons–itmayevenbetheschoolnurse.Youcanalsochatonlinewithsupportworkersorotheryoungcarersatyoungcarers.net
Theremaybealocalyoungcarers’supportgroupyoucouldjoin.Askaroundatschoolorcollege.Orseechapter13forsomeorganisationsthatcanhelp.Itcanbeeasiertomakefriendswithotheryoungcarerswhenyouallhavesomethingincommon,likegoingtothesameschool.
Therearealsoplentyofpeopleyoucanphone.TheMacmillanSupportLineon0808 808 00 00isfreeandhasplentyoftrainedspecialiststohand.Theycanansweryourquestionsaboutcancer,orjustbetheretolistentoyouifyoufeelliketalkingtosomeoneabouthowyou’refeeling.
Youcanfindcontactdetailsforlotsmorehelpfulorganisationsatthebackofthisbooklet.
Ifyoudon’twanttodealwithhowyou’refeelingrightnow,that’sokaytoo.Dowhatworksforyou,andrememberthathelpistherewhenyoufeelreadyforit.
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Feeling up one minute and down the next (mood swings)
Everydayisdifferentwhenyou’recaringforsomeonewithcancer.You’llprobablywakeupwonderingwhetheritwillbeagooddayorabadday.
Becauseyou’regoingthroughsuchaconfusingtime,youmayfindthatyougetmoodswings.Oneminuteyou’llbelaughingwithyourfriends,andthenextyoucouldburstintotears.Thisisperfectlynormal.Itcanbehardtodealwitheverysituationasithappens,andoftenyourfeelingshityoumuchlater.
Itcanbedifficulttoexplainyourmoodswingstopeoplewhodon’tknowthatyou’reaffectedbycancer.Butyoudon’thavetoexplainyoursituationtoanyoneifyoudon’twantto.It’syourbusiness,andyoushouldonlytalktopeopleaboutitifyoutrustthemandfeelcomfortablewiththem.
Coping with other people’s feelings
Itcanbehardtoseeadultsgettingupsetinfrontofyou.Youmaynothavehadtodealwithitbefore.Youmayfeelweirdorhelpless,ornotknowwhattosay.Mostofusfeltlikethisatsomepoint.
Thebestthingwefoundwecoulddowastojustbethere.Betheretolisteniftheyneedtotalk.Betherewithacupof
Feelings
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teaiftheygetupset.Andit’simportanttobethereforthegooddaystoo.
Justasyouneedtotakeyourmindoffthesituation,sodoesthepersonwithcancer.WatchaDVDtogether.Playaboardgameifthey’reuptoit,ordoajigsaw.Theywillreallyappreciatejustdoingsomethingnormalandspendingtimewithyou.
Ifyouhavebrothersorsisters,they’llalsogetupset.Ifyouareolder,partofyourroleasayoungcarermaybetolookafteryoursiblings.Thiscouldincludetalkingtothemandcomfortingthem.
‘I’m definitely closer to my dad and brother since my mum got cancer. We always try to be there for each other. I appreciate them so much more now.’Laura, 14Oftenfamiliessaythatsomethinglikecancerbringsthemclosertogether.But,ifyouaren’tclosetoyourbrothersorsisters,itcansometimesmakeyoufeelalone.Cancercanalsocausealotofpressure,andyourfamilymaygetangryorfightmore.Trynottoletitgettoyou.Rememberthateveryoneisdifferent,andthereisnorightorwrongwaytofeelorbehave.
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‘My older brother went out a lot. He withdrew from the family. It hurt at the time, but I understand now that it was his way of coping.’ Michael, 16
Ifyoufeellikeyouneedtotalktosomeone,youcanalwayscontacttheMacmillanSupportLineortheotherusefulorganisationslistedinchapter13ofthisbooklet.
Depression
It’snotunusualforsomeonetofeelverylowafterbeingtoldtheyhavecancer,andduringoraftertreatment.Manypeoplefeelphysicallyandemotionallyexhaustedfromthetreatment,andthiscanmakethemfeellow.However,forsomepeopleaffectedbycancer,theirlowmoodmaycontinueorgetworseandtheymayneedspecialisthelportreatment.Somepeoplefindthattheirmoodislowmostofthetimeforseveralweeksormore.Thismaymeanthattheyhavedepression.
It’simportanttorecognisethatdepressionisn’tanybody’sfault.Depressionisanillnessthatneedstobetreated,justlikecancer.Ifyou’reworriedthatthepersonyou’recaringformaybedepressed,trytotalktothemaboutit.Ortalktoanotheradult.It’simportantthatthedepressionisdiagnosedandtreated.
Ifyouwanttoknowmoreaboutdepression,youcancalltheMacmillanSupportLineon0808 808 00 00.
Feelings
27
Counselling (support if you’d like to talk about your feelings)
‘Sometimes you don’t get time to think aboutwhat’s going on and you don’t realise that you’re trying to run past what’s happening. It was much later that I suddenly started crying and didn’t stop for a long time.’ Jenna, 17Ifyou’restrugglingtocopeorarefeelinglow,thenitmightbeagoodideatoseeacounsellor.They’retrainedtohelpyouunderstandyourfeelingssothatyoucancopebetter.
YoucangotoyourGPandasktobereferredtoacounsellor.Ortheremightbeacounselloratyourschoolorcollege.Ifyoudoseeacounsellor,youcandecidehowmuchyou’dliketosharewiththem,andanythingyoutellthemwillbeconfidential.
Youmayfeelembarrassedaboutneedingtotalktosomeonewhenitseemsasthoughotherpeopledon’tneedto.Butcounsellorsarejustpeople,andthey’retheretohelp.Youmayfindithelpstotalktosomebodywhoisn’tdirectlyinvolvedinyoursituation.Ifyou’reangrywithsomeoneorfrustrated,youcantalkaboutittothecounsellorwithoutupsettinganyone.
Ifyoudecidethatthecounsellorisnottherightpersontohelpyou,sayso.Perhapsyoucouldspeaktosomeonedifferent.Havealookattheorganisationsinchapter13forideasonwhototalkto.
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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Relationships play an important part in all our lives. Think back to when you first started school. Who was your best friend? Is it still the same person today?
Youmayfindthatwhileyou’relookingaftersomeonewhohascancer,yourrelationshipswithfriendsandfamilywillchange.Trynottoworryaboutthis.Allrelationshipschangeanddevelopovertime.Somedriftaway,whileothersgrowstronger.You’llprobablyexperienceboth.
Friends
Talkingtofriendsaboutcancercanbescary.Weallreactedthesamewayatfirst.Wehidaway.Wewereinshock.Weneededtimetothinkthingsthrough.Youmighthavedonethattoo.
Whenwedidtalktoourfriends,wethoughttheywouldn’tunderstandwhatweweregoingthrough.Butwewerewrong.
Ifyoudecidetotalktoyourfriendsaboutyoursituation:
• you’llhavesomeonetotalktowhenyou’restressedwithoutfeelingguilty
• youwon’thavetomakeexcusesifyoucancelonthem
• they’llknowtobackoffifyou’rehavingabadday
• you’relesslikelytobottlethingsup.
Youmaynotwanttotellallyourfriendsstraightaway.Buttalkingtooneortwoveryclosefriendsisagreatplace
Relationships
31
tostart.Yourbestfriendsshouldacceptyounomatterwhat.Andtheywillhelpyoufeelnormal,whichisreallyimportant.
Bepreparedthatyourfriendsmayreactdifferently–notwopeoplearethesame.Somepeoplewilltakeitintheirstride.Othersmaynotknowwhattosaytoyou.Theymayneedtimetotakeitin,justasyoudid.
‘Some friends never knew. They couldn’t support me because they didn’t realise anything was wrong. Looking back, I think I should have talked to them more.’ Sapna, 16
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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Family
‘No one mentioned it in the house at all. I think we didn’t want to upset each other.’ Sasha, 12It’slikelythatthepersonyou’rehelpingcareforisyourmumordad,yourbrotherorsister,oroneofyourgrandparents–someonewholivesinyourhouse,orwhoyouseeoften.
Itwilltaketimeforyoualltocometotermswiththecancer.Themostimportantthingistotrytoworkthroughittogether.Wefoundtalkingtoeachotherandspendingtimetogetherasafamilyhelped.
Trytodoallthenormalthingsyoudidbefore.Don’tfeelbadifyouhaveargumentswithyourfamily,includingthepersonyou’recaringfor.Thisisanormalpartoffamilylife.
It’salsoimportantnottodoeverythingforthepersonyou’recaringfor.They’llstillwanttobeindependentiftheycan.
Othermembersofyourfamilymayalsowanttohelp,sodon’tfeellikeyouhavetodoeverythingyourself.Therearelotsofwaystheycanlendahand.Iftheytidythehouseordotheshopping,itwillgiveyouabreakandhelpthemfeelthatthey’resupportingyou.
Relationships
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Boyfriends and girlfriends
Ifyouhaveaboyfriendorgirlfriend,theymaybesomeoneyoucantalktoaboutyoursituation.Spendingtimewiththem,forexamplegoingtothecinemaorlisteningtomusictogether,canalsogiveyouabreakfrombeingayoungcarerforalittlewhile.Youcouldevenaskthemtohelpyouwiththeextrastuffyouhavetodoathome.Theymighthelpyoucarrytheshopping,mowthelawn,ortakethedogforawalk.Don’tbeafraidtoaskthemforsupport.
Beinginarelationshipcanbecoolandsomethingjustforyou.Butitcanalsobepainful.Ifthingsaren’tgoingwell,orifyousplitup,itcanreallyhurt.Thiscanbeanaddedpressureifyou’recaringforsomeonewhohascancer.
Youmayfeelguiltyforgettingupsetaboutyourrelationship.Youmayfeelthatyoucan’ttalkaboutitathomebecauseitseemsunimportantcomparedwithwhatyourfamily’sgoingthrough.Butwhathappensinyourlifeisstillimportant.You’reallowedtohavefeelingsaboutthingsotherthancancer.Cancermaybeahugepartofyourliferightnow,butit’snotyourwholelife.
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For some of us, going to school was a welcome relief. It meant that we could see our friends and forget about our problems for a few hours. For others, going to school meant that we were away from the person we were caring for, and it made us worry.
Someofusgotbulliedatschool,whichwashorrible.Butallofusagreethatifyoutellyourschoolthatyou’recaringforsomeonewithcancer,itwillbefareasiertogetsupportifandwhenyouneedit.
Homework
Asayoungcarer,youmayfindthatyoudon’thaveasmuchtimetodoyourhomeworkasyoudidbefore.Afterschool,youmaybecookingmealsordoinghousework,oryoumayjustnotfeeluptoit.Trytotakeeachdayasitcomes.Ifyou’refindingithardtoconcentrateathome,isthereanotherplacethatyoucangotodoyourwork?Perhapsarelativeorfriend’shouse?
Ifyou’reworriedthatyoumightbefallingbehind,youcanaskayoungcarers’worker(seepage45tofindone)orafamilymembertotalktoyourschoolaboutyourhomework.Itmaybepossiblefortheschooltolookattheamountofworkthattheygiveyou,tomakeiteasiertohandle.
Whataboutschool?
37
Teachers
You’llprobablyhaveafewfavouriteteachers.Andyoumayhaveafewthatyoureallydon’tlike.Youmaynotwanttotellyourteachersthatyou’rehelpingcareforsomeone,butiftheyknow,theymaybeabletohelpyou.Forexample,ifyou’restrugglingatschoolorwithhomework,oryouneedtimeoff,they’llunderstand.
Missing school
Findingthetimetobalancecaringandgoingtoschoolcanbehard.Sometimesyoumayfeellikeyouneedtotakeadayofftolookafterthepersonyoucarefor.Oryoumaystruggletogetintoschoolontime.Ifthesethingshappenoften,speaktoateacherorsomeonewhoworksatyourschool.Theyshouldbeabletoarrangesupportforyouorthepersonyoucarefor,sothatyoudon’tneedtomissschool.Ifyoudon’tfeelcomfortabletalkingtotheschoolyourself,youcanaskafamilymemberoryoungcarers’workertodothisforyou.
Bullying
Bulliespickonpeoplewhoaredifferenttothem.Ifyou’reayoungcarer,youmayfindthatyou’rethetargetofbullying.
Ifyou’rebeingbulliedbecauseofyoursituationathome,it’simportantthatyoudon’tblameyourself.Talktosomeoneaboutit.Tellyourschool.Perhapstheycouldarrangetoteachalessonaboutcancer.Itmayhelpyourclassmatesandteachersunderstandmoreaboutyoursituation.
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Telling your boss
Ifyou’reworking,evenifit’sjustpart-time,youmaydecidetotellyourbossorsomeoneelseatworkthatyou’rehelpingcareforsomeonewithcancer.
Herearesomereasonswhyyoumaywanttotellthem:
• Ifyougetupsetatwork,theywillbebetterabletosupportyou.
• Theywillunderstandifyouhavetomisswork.
• Theymaybeabletogiveyoutimeoff.
• Ifyouworkshifts,theycouldarrangeyourshiftstofitaroundyourchoresathome.
• Dependingonwhatjobyoudo,youmaybeabletodosomeworkathome.
Youmaybeworriedabouttellingyourboss,incasetheythinkyoucan’tdoyourjobproperly.Youmaythinkthatyou’llgetthesackifyoutellyourbossthatyou’reacarer.IntheUK,ifyou’rethemaincarerforsomeonewhohascancer,it’sagainstthelawforanyonetotreatyoubadlyatworkbecauseofyourcircumstances.
Ofcourse,youmaychoosenottotellanyoneatworkthatyouareayoungcarer.Someofusdidn’t,becausewewantedtogotoworkandjustbenormal.Wefoundthathavingapart-timejobwasagoodchancetogetoutofthehouseanddosomethingforourselves.Wewantedworktobesomewherewherewedidn’thavetothinkortalkaboutcancer.
Workandmoney
41
Time off work
Ifyou’rethemaincarerforsomeonewhohascancer,youcouldbeentitledtopaidorunpaidleavefromworktolookafterthem.Youcanfindoutmoreaboutyourrightsatmacmillan.org.uk/legalrights
YoucouldalsocalltheMacmillanSupportLineon0808 808 00 00tospeaktoacancersupportspecialist.They’llbeabletotalkyouthroughwhattimeoffyou’reentitledtoatwork.
Benefits
Ifyou’reover16andayoungcarer,youmaybeentitledtocertainbenefits,includingCarer’sAllowanceorCarer’sCredit.
Ifyou’dliketoknowmoreabouttheseandotherbenefits,youcancallMacmillan’scancersupportspecialistson0808 808 00 00andtheywillbehappytohelp.OryoucancallthefreeBenefitsEnquiryLine(BEL)on0800 882 200ortextphone0800 243 355.
Where can you go for help and support?
Support groups 44
Young carers’ projects 45
Social workers 46
Charities 46
Online forums 47
7
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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When we were helping care for someone with cancer, we weren’t too sure how to get information about cancer, or about being a young carer. We went on the internet and searched for things, but we often ended up on random websites that gave us no information.
That’swhyatcollegeafewofusstartedourownsupportgroups.Wewantedawaytoshareinformation,andtohelpeachothercopewiththedifferentfeelingswewerehaving.
Support groups
Thesegroupsareareallygoodwaytorelaxandchillout.Theygiveyouachancetomeetupwithotheryoungpeoplelikeyou–peoplewhounderstandyou,andwhowillbethereforyouonthebaddaysaswellasthegoodones.
Yourschoolorcollegemayalreadyhaveasupportgroup.Oryourlocalcouncilmighthavesetoneup.Askaround,orlookonlinetoseewhetherthere’soneinyourarea.Therearesomewebsiteaddressesthatcanhelpyoudothisatthebackofthisbooklet–seechapter13.Supportgroupsaren’tscary–they’refun.Mostofthetimewesitaroundchattingandbeingridiculous.Sometimeswetalkaboutcancer,butnotalways.
Ifthereisn’tasupportgroupthatyoucangotolocally,youcansetoneup.That’swhatwedid.Andnowsupportgroupslikeoursarebeingsetuprightacrossthecountry.
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Macmillancanhelpyoustartyourownsupportgroup,withadvice,trainingandgrants.There’smoreinformationaboutthis,andasearchtooltofindlocalsupportgroups,atmacmillan.org.uk/supportgroups
Youcouldalsoencourageyourschooltosetupasupportgroup.YourteacherscangethelpdoingthisfromtheCarersTrustwebsite–professionals.carers.org/young-carers
Young carers’ projects
Theseprojectsareheretohelpyou.Theyarerunbyyoungcarers’workersandoffer:
• achanceforyoutohaveabreakanddosomethingfun
• opportunitiestotalktootheryoungcarers
• thechancetospeakwithsomeonewho’lllistentoyouandwhoisonyourside
• help,informationandadviceforyourwholefamily.
Gotoyoungcarer.com/young-carers-servicestofindayoungcarers’projectnearyou.OrtofindyourlocalChildren’sSocietybranch,visitchildrenssociety.org.uk/in-your-area
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Social workers
Yourfamilymighthavebeengivenasocialworker,tohelpyouallcopewithcaringforsomeonewhohascancer.Socialworkersareareallygoodsourceofinformation.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorworries,youcantalktothem.
Yoursocialworkeristheretomakesurethat,asayoungperson,you’rebeingprotectedandsupportedathome.
Youmaybeabletohaveanassessmentwithyoursocialworker.Thisisn’tatest–it’sjustachattofindoutwhatkindofextrasupportyoumayneed.Itcouldbeuseful,forexampleifyou’restrugglingtofindtimetogotoschoolormeetupwithyourfriends.ThelawthatsaysyoucangetthisassessmentiscalledtheChildrenAct1989.Visityoungcarers.netformoreinformationaboutassessments.
Charities
TherearelotsofcancercharitiesintheUK,andtheycanallgiveyouinformationandsupport.Herearesomeofthemainonesyoumaywanttogetintouchwith:
• Macmillan Cancer Supportofferspractical,emotionalandfinancialhelpforanyoneaffectedbycancer.
• Cancer Research UKfundsimportantresearchintothecausesofcancer,andcangiveyoulotsofinformationaboutdifferenttypesofcancer.
• Marie Curie Cancer Careprovidesfreenursingcaretopeoplewithcancerintheirownhome.
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Therearealsocharitiesforparticulartypesofcancer,forexamplebreastcancerorleukaemia,andcharitiesjustforyoungpeople,liketheChildren’sSociety.Allofthesecharitieswillbeabletohelpyouunderstandmoreaboutcancer,itstreatmentandsideeffects.Theycanalsoputyouintouchwithotherpeoplewhoaregoingthroughthesameexperience.Seechapter13formoreorganisationsthatcanhelp.
Online forums
Joininganonlineforumcanputyouintouchwithloadsofpeoplewhoareinthesamesituationasyou.Thebestthingsaboutforumsarethatyou:
• canbeanonymous
• candipinandoutwhenyouwant
• don’thavetotellpeopleanythingyoudon’twantto
• canmakenewonlinefriends.
Thereareplentyofforumsforcarersandforpeopleaffectedbycancer.Youcanchoosewhateverbestsuitsyoursituation.Justrememberwhenyou’reusingforumsthatyoumuststaysafe:
• Avoidusingyourrealname–makeupanicknameinstead.
• Avoidgivingoutpersonalinformation,forexamplewhichschoolyougotoorwhereyoulive.
• Itisn’tagoodideatomeetupwithsomeoneyou’vetalkedtoinaforum–theymaynotbewhotheysaytheyare.
Attheendofthisbookletwe’velistedlotsoforganisationsandwebsitesthatcanhelp–seechapter13.
Looking after yourself
Eating – food and feelings 50
Sleeping 50
Making time for you 52
Drugs and alcohol 52
Self-harm 53
8
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Eating – food and feelings
Yes,weknowit’sobvious,butyoumustremembertoeat.Andeathealthily.Someofusdidn’tfeellikeeating,becauseweweresoworriedwefeltsick.Andsomeofusatealotasawayofcoping.
Beingayoungcarercanbeveryhard,bothphysicallyandmentally.Youmaybehavingabadday,orbetoobusytobotheraboutfood.Butyourbodyneedsfoodforenergy.Andyouneedenergytocareforsomeonewhoislivingwithcancer.
Eating disorders
Sometimesfoodbecomesaproblemwhenit’susedtohelpyoucopewithpainfulsituationsorfeelings,ortorelievestress.Ifthisishowyoudealwithemotionsandfeelings,andyou’reunhappyaboutit,thenyoushouldtrytotalktosomeoneyoutrust.
Sleeping
‘My room became a sanctuary – somewhere relaxing just for me.’ Sara, 18Whenwewerehelpingcareforsomeonewithcancer,wecouldhavedonewithalotmoresleep.Thiswasforlotsofreasons,butthemainone,andtheoneweallshared,wasworry.
Itcanbehardtoswitchyourbrainoffatnight.Yourheadhitsthepillowandyourmindgoesintooverdrive.Thinkingabout
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thepersonwho’sill.Thinkingaboutwhatwillhappeninthefuture.Andallthatworryingkeepsyouawake.
Youmayalsofindthattherearepeoplecominginandoutofyourhomeatdifferenttimes,andthatcanbeadistractionifyouaretryingtogettosleep.Oritcouldbethatthepersonyou’recaringforishavingabadnight,whichthenkeepsyouawake.
Herearesomethingswe’dsuggesttogetagoodnight’ssleep:
• Readabook–itwillfocusyourmindonsomethingotherthancancerbeforeyougotosleep.
• Haveabath–ifyoulike,youcouldaddsomethinglikelavenderoilorbathsoak,whichcanhelpyourelax.
• Lightsomecandles.
• Haveawarmdrink.
• ListentoarelaxationtapeorCD.
• Writeadiary–ifyougetallyourthoughtsoutonpaper,theywon’tbequitesobusyinyourhead.
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Making time for you
It’seasytofeelguiltyorselfishaboutgoingoutandenjoyingyourself.Wealldid.Weworriedthatifwewentouttoseeourfriendsthensomethingmighthappentothepersonwewerecaringfor.Andwefeltguiltyforhavingagoodtimewhensomeonesoclosetouswasill.
It’simportant,foryourownsake,thatyoumaketimeforyourselftodothethingsyoushouldbedoing.Thismightincludecatchingupwithfriends,goingshopping,playingsports,doingsomeart,orgoingtothecinema.Thingsliketheseareanimportantpartoflife.
Ifyou’reworriedaboutgoingout,talktothepersonyou’recaringfor.Letthemknowhowyoufeel.It’slikelythatthey’llwantyoutogooutandhavefun.Theywillwanttoseeyouhappy,becausetheyloveyou.
Drugs and alcohol
Lotsofyoungpeopleexperimentwithdrugsandalcohol.Butifyou’restressedorupset,youmaybeusingdrugsoralcoholtoblockoutyourfeelings.
Ifyouthinkyou’redrinkingtoomuch,orifyou’retakingdrugstohelpyoucopewithwhat’shappeninginyourlife,youshouldtrytogethelpassoonaspossible.Trytalkingtofriendsandfamily.Orifyoudon’tfeelcomfortabledoingthat,therearelotsofhelplinesandgroupsyoucouldgotoforsupport.Theirphonenumbersareinthebackofthis
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bookletinchapter13.YoumayalsowanttogotoyourGP,whocanoffercounsellingandsupport.
‘I started doing solvents. From 11 until I was 14 I was looking after my mum and didn’t quite realise how much it was affecting me, because I just put it to the back of my head.’Frankie, 19Perhapsthereareotherthingsyoucoulddotohelpyouchillout,forexamplegoingswimmingorforawalk.Changeyourroutinesothatyou’renotthinkingaboutdrugsoralcoholatcertainpointsoftheday.Andifyourfriendsaredrinkingheavilyortakingdrugs,itcouldbetimetorethinkwhoyouhangoutwith.
Self-harm
Oneintenteenagersself-harms.Self-harmiswhenyoudeliberatelyhurtyourself.Self-harmislinkedwithdepression,anditusuallyaffectsgirlsmorethanboys.
Ifyou’rehelpingcareforsomeonewithcancer,youmaybeatriskofself-harming.Ifyou’vehadthoughtsaboutself-harming,orifyou’vestartedtohurtyourself,youmustgethelp.Tellarelativeorfriend.Orcalloneofthehelplinenumberslistedinchapter13.YoushouldalsomakeanappointmentwithyourGPortalktoyouryoungcarers’workerifyou’reworriedthatyoumayhavedepression.
9Talking to doctors and nurses
Asking questions 56
Feeling invisible 57
Who else can give you information? 59
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When you’re affected by cancer, you’ll probably meet a lot of doctors and nurses. This could be in the hospital, or at home.
Inchapter1weintroducedyoutoprettymucheveryonewecouldthinkof.Youcouldtakethisbookletwithyouwhenyougotothehospital,soyoucanrefertoiteachtimeyoumeetsomeonenew.Itwillhelpyouunderstandtheirjobandaskthemtherightquestions.
Asking questions
Ifyouwanttoknowaboutthehealthofthepersonyou’recaringfor,doctorsandnursesarethebestpeopletoask.Theyaretreatingthepersonwhohascancer,sotheyhavealltheirmedicalnotes.Iftheyhavepermissionfromthepersonyou’recaringfor,it’sverylikelythey’llbehappytotalktoyou.
Itcansometimesbedifficultapproachingadoctororanurse,becausetheymightseemveryimportant.Butdoctorsandnursesarepeople,justlikeyouare.
‘I used to take a pen and paper to the hospital. If the doctor was too busy to talk to me, I would write down my questions and ask an adult to pass them on.’Cerys, 13
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Wefounditusefultowritedownanyquestionswewantedtoaskinanotebook,sowehadthemallreadytoaskwhenwespoketothedoctorornurse.
Ifyoufeelshyornervous,youcanaskanadulttospeaktothedoctorornurseforyou.
Feeling invisible
Someofusfoundthatthedoctorsandnursestalkeddirectlytotheadults,nottous.
Thiswasreallyannoying,asitmadeusfeellikeourquestions,thoughtsandexperiencesdidn’tmatter.Herewewere,helpingcareforsomeonewithcancer,andwefeltinvisible.
Ifyoufindthishappeningtoyou,speakupaboutit.Talktoanolderfamilymember,sothattheyknowyou’refeelingleftout.
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Thatway,theycantrytoincludeyounexttimethedoctorornursecomesaround.
‘I had to learn how to change my dad’s dressings. When she was showing us, the nurse talked to my mum – she didn’tspeak to me.’Abdul, 12
Who else can give you information?
Thereareotherpeoplewhocantellyouabitmoreaboutcanceranditstreatments.Forexample,theMacmillanSupportLinehasqualifiedcancernursesontheendofthephone.Theycantalkyouthroughthingslikechemotherapy,andletyouknowwhattoexpect.Ifyou’dliketospeaktoanurse,call0808 808 00 00.
10Coping with death
Facing reality 62
When it happens 64
The funeral 64
What happens now? 65
Grief 66
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Not everyone who has cancer dies from their illness. Many people make a full recovery. But if someone you love does die of cancer, it feels like the end of your world. And it will take a long time for life to feel in any way ‘normal’ again.
Beforeyoureadthischapter,wejustwantyoutoknowonething.Itmaybetheworsttimeinyourliferightnow,butitwon’tlastforever.Youwillgetthroughthis.
Facing reality
Thoseofuswhocaredforsomeonewithterminalcancerfounditeasierifeveryonewashonest.Beinghonest–abouteverything–canmakeitlessfrighteningforeverybody.
However,ifthepersonyou’recaringforhasbeentoldthattheyaregoingtodie,itcanbehardtoaccept.Thisiscalleddenial,andit’sanormalreaction.
‘My mum drank because she couldn’t cope with the fact that she was going to die.’ Rhiannon, 16
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Ifthepersonwithcancerisindenial,itcanbeveryhardtocommunicatewiththem.Therearecertainthingsthattheymaynottalkabout.Whileitmaybeupsettingforyou,denialisastrongcopingtoolandneedstoberespected.Somepeoplewilleventuallyaccepttheirsituation,butsomestayindenial.Ifthathappens,trytoacceptit.
Beforetheydie,thepersonyou’recaringforwillgetveryill.Trytobepreparedforthis,asitwillbeupsetting.It’sagoodideatoasklotsofquestions,sothatyouknowwhattoexpect.
Iftheygetveryill,orifyourfamilydecidesthattheycan’tcopeorneedabreak,thepersonmaygointoahospice.Ahospiceisabitlikeahospital.Theyhavespecialnurseswhoprovidepainreliefforthepersonwho’sill,andwhohelpthepersonandtheirfamilycopewiththeirfeelings.
Somehospiceswillletyoustayovernightfromtimetotime.Ifyou’dliketodothis,askoneofthenurseswhetherthisispossible.
Atthisstage,you’llhavesomeverydifficultdecisionstomake,andtalkingtothenursesanddoctorscanhelpyouwiththis.Nurseswhoprovidepalliativecare(specialcareattheendoflife)topeoplewithcancerwillknowwhatyouaregoingthrough,andtheycanhelpyoumakesenseofwhat’shappening.
Peoplemaythinkthat,becauseyou’reyoung,theyneedtoprotectyouwhensomeonedies.Inourexperience,thatistheworstthingtodo.Someofusfeltourfamilytookawayourchoices.Weweren’tallowedtomakedecisionsforourselves,andthatwasreallyfrustrating.Ifthishappens,ayoungcarers’workercouldspeaktothehospiceorhospitalstaffforyou.
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Behonestwithyourfamilyaboutwhatyouwant.Ifyouwanttobethereattheend,makesurethatpeopleknowthatandthattheyrespectyourrighttodoso.
Ifyou’drathernotbethere,that’sokaytoo.
When it happens
Ifyou’vedecidedthatyouwanttobethereattheend,knowingwhattoexpectcanhelptoprepareyou.
Whensomeoneisdyingtheycanoftenstillhearyou,eveniftheycan’trespond,sokeeptalkingtothem.
Themomentofdeathisnotalwaysrecognisable,buttherearesomephysicalchangesoractionsthatyoumaynotice.Youwon’tknowhowyou’llfeeluntilthishappens.Somepeoplesaytheyfeelrelievedthatthepainandsufferingisnowover.
The funeral
Yourfamilywillusuallystartplanningthefuneralwithinacoupleofdays.Youmayhaveafuneraldirector,oravicarorotherreligiousleader,cometoyourhome.They’llwanttotalktoyouabouttheperson,andshareyourmemories.Youmayfindthatthishelpsyoufeelbetter,becauseyou’retalkingaboutthegoodtimesyouhad.
Ifyouwanttogetinvolvedwiththefuneral,makesureyoutellyourfamily.Itmaybethatyou’dliketoreadapoem,doa
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specialreading,orsimplytalkabouttheperson.Tellthepersonwho’sresponsibleforplanningthefuneralthatyou’dliketodothis.
Youcouldalsohelpchoosethemusic.Orperhapsthere’saspecialwishthatthepersonhadthattheytoldyouabout–makesureyouletsomeoneknow.
Ifyoudon’twanttogotothefuneral,oryou’renotallowedtogo,theremaybeotherwaysthatyoucansaygoodbye.Perhapsplantafloweroratree.Youcouldtieamessagetoaballoonandletitgo.Ifthere’saspecialplacethetwoofyouusedtogo,perhapsyoucouldvisitandsayafewwords.
What happens now?
Whenit’sallover,lifeathomecanfeelreallyflat.Thisisespeciallytrueifthepersonwhohasdiedwasbeingcaredforathome.
Beforethepersonwewerecaringfordied,someofushadnursescomingaroundtohelpout,orotherfamilymemberscomingtovisit.Soitfeltveryquietforawhileuntilweadjustedtothenewsituation.
Giveyourselfplentyoftimeandspace,anddon’tputtoomuchpressureonyourself.
Youmayworrythatyoucan’ttalkaboutthepersonwhohasdiedtoyourfamily,incaseitupsetsthem.Makesurethatyoudofindsomeonewhoyoucantalkto.Itcouldbesomeoneatacancersupportgroup,oratrustedfriend.Maybeyoucouldtalk
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toayoungcarers’workeroracounsellor.Justmakesureyoudon’tbottleyourfeelingsup.
Youmayalsoneedtosortthroughthebelongingsofthepersonwhohasdied.Thiscanbeveryupsetting,andfeelveryfinal.Youmightnotwanttodothisforawhile.That’sokay.Makesureyoutalktotherestofyourfamily,andtrytocometoanagreementaboutwhenwouldbeagoodtime.
Ifthere’sanythingyou’dliketokeep,suchasawatch,aringorphotographs,thenspeakup.
Grief
Themostimportantthingtorememberaboutgriefisthatitaffectseveryoneindifferentways.
Somepeoplecryalot.Otherpeoplekeepthemselvesbusy.Trytounderstandthateveryonewillcopeintheirownway.
Yourgriefisuniquetoyou.Itmaycomeandgoinwaves.You’llhavegooddaysandbaddays.
Someofusfoundithelpfultogetbacktoourusualroutinequitequickly.Butafewofustookalongtimebeforewewerereadytofacetheworldagain.
Trytomakesurethatyoudon’tcutyourselfofffromlife.Itcanbehardertoadjustifyou’vebeenoutofschoolorcollegeandawayfromyourfriendsforalongtime.
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Ifyoufeelthatyouwanttostayconnectedtothepersonwho’sdied,therearelotsofwaysyoucandothis.Writethemaletter.(Itmightsoundsilly,butitworks.)Orperhapsyoucouldputtogetheramemorybox.Maybethere’safavouritephotothatyoucouldputinaframe.
‘I used to talk to my mum after she died. It helped me. I still talk to her now – I know she can hear me.’ Jamal, 15
Don’tbeafraidtotalkaboutthepersonyou’velost–youmightwanttotelllittlestoriesortalkabouttheircancer.Anddon’tworryifyougooverandoverthesamestories–it’sgoodtoremember.
Eventually,yourgriefwilllift.You’llhavefewerbaddays.Andyou’llstarttofeellikeanormalpersonagain.
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When you’ve been a young carer, it’s very strange when it comes to an end. For some of us, our situation meant that the end was immediate and final. Others had less certainty. But for all of us, our lives had changed forever.
Itmaybethatthepersonyou’vebeencaringforhasgotbetter,andtheydon’tneedasmuchsupportanymore.Itcanbetemptingtotrytokeeponcaringfortheminthesameway.Butyoushouldgiveyourselfabreak–youdeserveit.Andafterall,theywillprobablytellyouiftheyeverneedsomemorehelp.
Whenyoustopbeingsomebody’scarer,youmightfindthatyouhavealotoftimeonyourhands.Itmaymakeyoufeelquitedown.Oryoumaygetill,becausestresscatchesupwithyou.Giveyourselfsometimetorecover.You’vebeenthroughalot.
Youmightwanttofillyourtimewithanewhobby.Manyofusbecamevolunteers,sothatwecouldputourskillsandexperiencesascarerstogooduse.Wefoundthatwewerestrongerpeople.Wewereabletodothingsthatotherpeoplecouldn’tdo.Wewereemotionallymoremature.
Andsoon,ourlivesstartedtogetbacktonormal.Wesawourfriendsmore.Wetookupnewactivities.Wedidexams.Wemadedecisionsaboutourfuture.
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Moving on
Therewillcomeatimewhenyouconsidermovingawayfromhome.Youmaygotocollegeoruniversity,orgetajobawayfromhome.Andthat’sfine.
Youmayfeelguiltyaboutleavinghome.Youmayworryaboutthecancerreturning,orbesadbecauseyou’releavingsomeonewhohaslostalovedone.Thisishowwefelttoo.
Butyouhaveyourwholelifeaheadofyou,andyourexperiencewithcancershouldn’tstopyoudoingallthethingsyouwanttodo.
Letyourselfbeyoung.Letyourselfbehappy.Andmakethemostofallthewonderfulopportunitiesthatyouhave.
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Doctors often use unfamiliar and strange words that you may not understand. Here are some of the most common ones explained (in alphabetical order):
Anaesthetic (general) Adrugthatputspeopletosleepwhiletheyhaveanoperationorprocedure.
Anaesthetic (local) Adrug,creamorinjectiontomakepartofthebodytemporarilynumb.
BenignThismeansnon-cancerous.Benigntumoursusuallygrowslowlyanddon’tspread.
BiopsyThisiswhenadoctortakesasmallsampleoftissuefromthebodytobeexaminedunderamicroscope,toseewhetherornotthecellsarecancerous.
Blood count Thisisabloodtesttomeasurethenumberofplatelets,redbloodcellsandwhitebloodcellsintheblood.Plateletshelpthebloodclotifyouhaveacutorbecomebruised.Redbloodcellscarryoxygenaroundthebody.Whitebloodcellshelpdefendyourbodyagainstillness.
Cell division Theprocessbywhichcellsdivideintwo–doublingtheirnumbereachtime.Thisishowlivingthingsdevelopandgrow.
Glossary
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Central line Athin,flexibletubeinsertedthroughtheveinneartheheartforchemotherapy.Oneendstaysoutsidethebody.
ChemotherapyTheuseofanti-cancerdrugstodestroycancercells.
ConsentAgreementtotreatment.
CytologyThemicroscopicstudyofindividualbodycells.Thisisveryimportantinmakingadiagnosis.
DiagnosisWhenthedoctorsknowthekindofdiseasethepatienthas.
Infertility Whensomeonecan’tgetpregnantormakesomeonepregnant.
Intravenous (IV) Thismeansthatadrugorfluidisgivenintoavein.
Hickman line Athintubeinsertedthroughtheskinofthechestintoaveinneartheheartforchemotherapy.Oneendstaysoutsidethebody.
LesionDamageorchangetobodytissuethatmayormaynotbecancer.
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Lymphatic system Partoftheimmunesystem–thebody’snaturaldefenceagainstinfectionanddisease.Thelymphaticsystemismadeupoforganssuchasbonemarrow,thethymus,thespleenandlymphnodes.
LymphomaThenamegiventocancersthatdevelopinthelymphaticsystem.
MalignantThismeanscancerous.Malignanttumourshavetheabilitytospreadtodifferentpartsofthebody.
MetastasisWhenthecancerhasspreadfromonepartofthebodytoanother.Cancerthathasspreadissometimescalledmetastaticdisease.
OncologyThestudyandpracticeoftreatingcancer.
PaediatricsThemedicalcareofchildren.
Palliative care Treatmentthat’sgiventohelpimprovequalityoflifebutnottocurethecancer.Palliativetreatmentaimstomeetthephysical,spiritual,psychologicalandsocialneedsofapersonwithcancer.
PortacathAthin,flexibletubeputintoavein.Ithasanopening(port)justundertheskinofthechest.
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Primary cancer Acancerthatstartsinasingleareaofthebody(site).Mostcancers,otherthanleukaemiasandlymphomas,areprimarycancers.Seealsosecondarycancer.
PrognosisThewayadiseaseislikelytoaffectsomeoneinthefuture.
ProsthesisAspeciallymadereplacementforapartofthebodythathasbeenremoved.Forexample,anartificiallegorbreast.
RadiotherapyTheuseofhigh-energyx-raystodestroycancercells.
ScanAcomputer-generatedimageoftheinsideofthebody.
Secondary cancer Acancerthathasspreadtoanotherpartofthebody.
SteroidsAtypeofdrugthatcanhelptreatcancer.
SurgeryAnoperation.
TerminalThisiswhennomoretreatmentcanbegiventocontrolthecancer,andtheendoflifeisnear.
TumourAgrowthorlumpthatmayormaynotbecancer.
13Further information
How Macmillan can help you 80
Other useful organisations 84
Further resources 90
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Cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face. But you don’t have to go through it alone. The Macmillan team is with you every step of the way.
Macmillan Support Line Thefree,confidentialphonelineisopenMonday–Friday,9am–8pm.Macmillan’scancersupportspecialistsprovideclinical,financial,emotionalandpracticalinformationandsupporttoanyoneaffectedbycancer.Call0808 808 00 00 oremailviathewebsite,macmillan.org.uk/talktous
Information centresMacmillan’sinformationandsupportcentresarebasedinhospitals,librariesandmobilecentres,andofferyoutheopportunitytospeakwithsomeoneface-to-face.Findyournearestoneatmacmillan.org.uk/informationcentres
Get in touch
Macmillan Cancer Support 89AlbertEmbankment,LondonSE17UQQuestions about cancer? Callfreeon0808 808 00 00 (Mon–Fri,9am–8pm)www.macmillan.org.uk Hard of hearing?Usetextphone08088080121orTextRelay.Non-English speaker? Interpretersareavailable.
Clear, reliable information about cancer
Macmillancanhelpyoubyphone,email,viaitswebsiteandpublicationsorinperson.Anditsinformationisfreetoeveryoneaffectedbycancer.
How Macmillan can help you
Furtherinformation
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PublicationsMacmillanprovidesexpert,up-to-dateinformationaboutdifferenttypesofcancer,testsandtreatments,andinformationaboutlivingwithandaftercancer.Itcansendyoufreeinformationinavarietyofformats,includingbooklets,leaflets,factsheetsandaudioCDs.MacmillancanalsoprovideitsinformationinBrailleandlargeprint.
Youcanfindallitsinformation,alongwithseveralvideos,onlineatmacmillan.org.uk/cancerinformation
Review Macmillan’s informationDidyoufindthisguidehelpful?Macmillanwouldbeinterestedtoknowsothatitcanimprovethenextedition.Youcouldevengetinvolvedbybecominganinformationreviewer,orbysharingyourstoryorphotosifyou’[email protected]
Need out-of-hours support? YoucanfindalotofinformationonMacmillan’swebsite,macmillan.org.ukFormedicalattentionoutofhours,pleasecontactyourGPfortheirout-of-hoursservice.
Someone to talk to
Whenyouorsomeoneyouknowhascancer,itcanbedifficulttotalkabouthowyou’refeeling.YoucancallMacmillan’scancersupportspecialiststotalkabouthowyoufeelandwhat’sworryingyou.
Macmillancanalsohelpyoufindsupportinyourlocalarea,soyoucanspeakface-to-facewithpeoplewhounderstandwhatyou’regoingthrough.
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Professional help
Macmillan’snurses,doctorsandotherhealthcareandsocialcareprofessionalsofferexperttreatmentandcare.Theyhelpindividualsandfamiliesdealwithcancerfromdiagnosisonwards,untiltheynolongerneedthishelp.
YoucanaskyourGP,hospitalconsultant,districtnurseorhospitalwardsisterifthereareanyMacmillanprofessionalsavailableinyourarea,orcallMacmillanon0808 808 00 00.
Support for each other
Nooneknowsmoreabouttheimpactcancerhasonaperson’slifethanthosewhohavebeenaffectedbyitthemselves.That’swhyMacmillanhelpstobringpeoplewithcancerandcarerstogetherintheircommunitiesandonline.
Support groupsYoucanfindoutaboutsupportgroupsinyourareabycallingMacmillanorbyvisitingmacmillan.org.uk/selfhelpandsupport
Online communityIfyou’re16orover,youcanalsoshareyourexperiences,askquestions,getandgivesupporttoothersinMacmillan’sonlinecommunityatmacmillan.org.uk/community
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Financial and work-related support
Havingcancercanbringextracosts.
Ifyou’vebeenaffectedinthisway,Macmillancanhelp.CalltheMacmillanSupportLine,andacancersupportspecialistwilltellyouaboutthebenefitsandotherfinancialhelpyoumaybeentitledto.
Ifyouwork,theycanalsogiveyouinformationaboutyourrightsatworkasanemployee,andhelpyoufindfurthersupport.
Macmillan Grants Moneyworriesarethelastthingapersonneedswhentheyhavecancer.AMacmillanGrantisaone-offpaymentforpeoplewithcancer,tocoveravarietyofpracticalneedsincludingheatingbills,extraclothing,oramuch-neededbreak.
Findoutmoreaboutthefinancialandwork-relatedsupportMacmillancanofferatmacmillan.org.uk/financialsupport
Learning about cancer
Youmayfinditusefultolearnmoreaboutcancerandhowtomanagetheimpactitcanhaveonyourlife.
YoucandothisonlineonMacmillan’sLearnZone–macmillan.org.uk/learnzone–whichoffersavarietyofe-learningcoursesandworkshops.There’salsoasectiondedicatedtosupportingpeoplewithcancer–idealforpeoplewhowanttolearnmoreaboutwhattheirrelativeorfriendisgoingthrough.
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Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
Support for carers
Carers Direct Tel08088020202(Mon–Fri,9am–8pm,Sat–Sun,11am–4pm)www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/young/pages/young carershome.aspx Offersfreeandconfidentialinformationforcarers.Givesinformationabouthowtoaccessfinancialhelp,gettingabreakfromcaring,goingtoworkandmuchmore.Itswebsiteincludesasectionforyoungcarerswithinformationandvideos.
Carers Trust (Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Scotland) 32–36LomanStreet,[email protected] www.youngcarers.net Supportscarersofanyage,includingyoungcarers.Helpsyoungcarersthroughspecialisedservicesacross
theUKanditswebsiteyoungcarers.netwhichprovidesinformation,advice,emailsupport,supervisedmessageboardsandchatsessions.
Carers UK 20GreatDoverStreet,LondonSE14LXTel (England, Scotland and Wales) 08088087777Tel (Northern Ireland) 02890439843(Wed–Thu,10am–12pmand2–4pm)[email protected] OffersinformationandsupporttocarersacrosstheUK.Canputpeopleincontactwithsupportgroupsforcarersintheirarea.
Other useful organisations
Furtherinformation
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The Children’s Society’s Include Programme GroundFloor,Unit4,WessexBusinessPark,WessexWaySO211WPTel01962711511www.youngcarer.com Thisprogrammesupportsyoungcarersandtheirfamilies.Fromthewebsiteyoucansearchforlocalyoungcarers’projectsintheUK,andalsoaccessinformationforyoungcarers.TocontactTheChildren’sSociety,youcancall020 7841 4400orvisitchildrenssociety.org.uk
Crossroads Caring for Carers (Northern Ireland) 7RegentStreet,Newtownards,NorthernIrelandBT234ABTel02891814455www.crossroadscare.co.uk Acharityofferingrespiteforcarersbyprovidingthemwithamuch-neededbreak.
Crossroads Caring Scotland 24GeorgeSquare,GlasgowG21EGTel01412263793www.crossroads- scotland.co.uk Acharityprovidingshortbreaksforcarerswithintheirownhomes.HasservicesthroughoutScotlandthatprovidepracticalsupportforcarersofallages.
Help with money or work
Benefit Enquiry Line (England, Scotland, Wales)WarbreckHouse,WarbreckHillRoad,BlackpoolFY20YETel0800882200(Mon–Fri,8.30am–6.30pm)[email protected]/benefit-enquiry-line Providesadviceandinformationfordisabledpeopleandcarersontherangeofbenefitsavailable.
NI Direct (Northern Ireland) Tel 0800220674www.nidirect.gov.uk/money-tax-and-benefits
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Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
Citizens Advice Providesfree,confidential,independentadviceonavarietyofissuesincludingfinancial,legal,housingandemployment.Findcontactdetailsforyourlocalofficeinthephonebookoratcitizensadvice.org.ukFindadvicefortheUKonline,inavarietyoflanguages,atadviceguide.org.uk
Citizens Advice Scotland www.cas.org.uk
Getting help with your feelings
Childline Tel08001111www.childline.org.uk ChildrenandyoungpeoplecancontactChildlineiftheyfeelworried,scared,stressedorjustwanttotalktosomeoneaboutanyproblem.Itoffersinformationandsupportthroughitshelplineandwebsite.Onthewebsiteyoucanwriteemails,postonmessageboardsandhavea1-2-1chatwithacounsellor.
Get Connected Tel08088084994(daily,1–11pm)Free text service80849(Mon–Fri,7–11pm)Emailthroughthewebsitewww.getconnected.org.uk AUK-widehelplineforyoungpeopleunder25whohaveaproblembutdon’tknowwheretoturn.Alsoprovidesanonlinedirectoryofhelp.Youcangetincontactbyphone,email,textandwebchat.
National Self Harm Network (NSHN) POBox7264,NottinghamNG16WJTel08006226000(Thu–Sat,7–11pm,Sun,6.10–10.30pm)[email protected] Acharityofferingsupport,adviceandadvocacyservicestopeopleaffectedbyselfharmdirectlyorinacarerole.Hasanonlinesupportforum.
Furtherinformation
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SamaritansChris,POBox9090,StirlingFK82SATel08457909090Emailjo@samaritans.orgwww.samaritans.org Providesconfidentialandnon-judgementalemotionalsupport,24hoursaday,forpeoplewhoareexperiencingfeelingsofdistressordespair.
YoungMindsSuite11,BadenPlace,CrosbyRow,LondonSE11YWParents’ helpline08088025544(Mon–Fri,9.30pm–4pm)www.youngminds.org.uk Acharityofferinginformationtoyoungpeopleandchildrenaboutmentalhealthandemotionalwell-being.Alsoprovidessupportandadviceforanyadultworriedabouttheemotionalproblems,behaviourormentalhealthofachildoryoungperson.
Support after the death of someone close
Childhood Bereavement Network 8WakleyStreet,[email protected] bereavementnetwork.org.uk Thisnationalnetworksupportschildrenandyoungpeoplewho’vehadsomeoneclosetothemdie.Ithasanonlinedirectorywhereyoucanfindlocalservices.
RD4U Tel08088081677(Mon–Fri,9.30am–5pm)[email protected] Designedforyoungpeoplebyyoungpeople,RD4UispartofCruseBereavementCare.Itsupportsyoungpeopleafterthedeathofsomeoneclose.
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Winston’s Wish 3rdFloor,CheltenhamHouse,ClarenceStreet,CheltenhamGL503JRTel08452030405Emailinfo@winstonswish.org.ukwww.winstonswish.org.uk Helpschildrenandyoungpeoplere-adjusttolifeafterthedeathofaparentorsibling.
Support if you have a disability
DIAL UK [email protected] Anindependent,UK-widenetworkoflocalDisabilityInformationandAdviceLineservices(DIALs)runbyandfordisabledpeople.
Support for families
Family Action 501–505KingslandRoad,LondonE84AUTel02072546251Grants service02072546251(Tue–Thu,2–4pm)www.family-action.org.uk Offerssupportservicesforchildrenandfamilies,includingsupportprojectsforyoungcarers.Providesgrantsforpeopleandfamiliesinneed.
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Online support
Alotofinformationaboutcancerisavailableontheinternet.Somewebsitesareexcellent;othershavemisleadingorout-of-dateinformation.
Thesiteslistedhereareconsideredbynursesanddoctorstocontainaccurateinformationandareregularlyupdated. Macmillan Cancer Support www.macmillan.org.uk Findoutmoreaboutlivingwiththepractical,emotionalandfinancialeffectsofcancer.Macmillan’swebsitecontainsexpert,accurate,up-to-dateinformationaboutcanceranditstreatments,including:
• alltheinformationfromtheir150+bookletsand360+factsheets
Further resources• videosfeaturingreal-lifestoriesfrompeopleaffectedbycancerandinformationfrommedicalprofessionals
• howMacmillancanhelp,theservicestheyofferandwheretogetsupport
• howtocontacttheircancersupportspecialists,includinganemailformtosendyourquestions
• localsupportgroupssearch,linkstoothercancerorganisationsandadirectoryofinformationmaterials
• ahugeonlinecommunityofpeopleaffectedbycancersharingtheirexperiences,adviceandsupport
• asectionwrittenspeciallyforcarersatmacmillan.org.uk/carers
Furtherinformation
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The Northern Ireland Regional Young Carers Service www.youngcarersni.com Aninteractivewebsitethatallowsyoutosignupforactivities,informationandhelpandsupportservicesinyourregionofNorthernIreland.
Riprap www.riprap.org.uk Asiteforteenagerswhohaveaparentwithcancer.Youcanconnectwithotherteenagersandfindoutabouthowtheydealwiththeirsituations.Youcanalsosendanemailwhichwillbeansweredbyspecialists.
Siblinks www.siblinks.org Anonlineforumandinformationresourceforyoungpeopleaged13–25whohaveorhavehadafamilymemberaffectedbycancer.
Youth Access www.youthaccess.org.uk YouthAccessisthenationalmembershiporganisationforyoungpeople’sinformation,advice,counsellingandsupportservices(YIACS).FindyourlocalYouthAccessserviceviathewebsite.
Youth Health Talk www.youthhealthtalk.org Acollectionofinterviewswithyoungpeopleabouttheirexperiencesofhealthissuesorillness.Youcanwatchvideos,listentotheaudioorreadtheinterviews.
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Helpful books
Hello, and how are you?MacmillanCancerSupport,2012,freeThisisaguideforadultcarersofpeoplewithcancer.Itcouldbeusefulforanyadultswhoarehelpingsupportthepersonyoucarefor.It’swrittenbycarers,forcarers.Theycanorderitbycalling0808 808 00 00orvisitingbe.macmillan.org.uk
Out of the blue: making memories last when someone has diedWinston’sWish,2006,£8.99(plusP&P)Thisbookaimstohelpyouifsomeoneclosetoyouhasdied.It’snarratedbyteenagers.Ittalksaboutwhatyoumightbefeeling,andincludesactivities.
Stories about surviving cancerFranklinWatts,2010,£12.99Thisbookhasstoriesaboutyoungpeoplewhofacedcancer,aseitherapatientorafamilymemberofsomeonewith
cancer,andwhoallcameouttheotherside.Italsoincludesbasicinformationaboutcancer.
Straight talk about death for teenagers: how to cope with losing someone you loveGrollmanEA,BeaconPress,1999,£15.50Thisbookwaswrittenaftertheauthorspoketothousandsofteenagersandfoundtheyoftenfeltforgottenaftersomeonehasdied.Ittalksabouthowyoumayfeel,givesadviceandreassuresyouthatgriefisnormal.
Taking care of ourselves: the young carers’ recipe bookTheChildren’sSociety,2005,freeAvailablefromyoungcarer.com/sites/default/files/imce _user_files/Resources/E-bulletins/ycirecipe_book.pdf
The secret CStokesJ,Winston’sWish,2000,£5.95(plusP&P)Thisbooktriestoanswersomeofthequestionsandworriesyoumayhaveaboutsomeone
Furtherinformation
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inyourfamilyhavingcancer.Itcanhelpyou(andanyadultsclosetoyou)talkaboutanydifficultfeelingsyoumayhave.
The selfish pig’s guide to caring: how to cope with the emotional and practical aspects of caring for someoneMarriottH,LittleBrown,2009,£9.99Hasachapterforyoungcarers.
What’s up with Bridget’s mom? Medikidz explain breast cancerChilman-BlairK,Medikidz,2009,£6.99AcomicbookbasedonBridget,who’sanA-gradestudentandstaroftheschoolsoccerteam,andherrelationshipwithhermum.Youcanalsoorderthiscomicandothersfromtherangeforfreeatbe.macmillan.org.uk
When your brother or sister gets cancerChildren’sCancerandLeukaemiaGroup,2009,freeThisbookletisfor9-to
16-year-oldswhohaveabrotherorsisterwithcancer.Itdescribeswhatcancerisandhowit’streated.Youngpeopledescribetheirexperiences,howtheyfeltandhowtheycoped.It’savailabletodownloadfromcclg.org.uk/products_files/CCLG-WhenYourBrotherSister GetsCancer.pdf
Young carersHelptheHospices,2008,freeThisisasectionoftheHelpforHospicesCarers’Pack.It’sdesignedtohelpyouifyoucareforsomeonewithaseriousillness.It’sfreeandcanbedownloadedfromhelpthehospices.org.uk/hweb/get_Document.aspx?id=3910
Young carers’ poetry bookTheChildren’sSociety,2005,freeAvailabletodownloadfromyoung-carer.com/sites/default/files/imce_user_files/Resources/E-bulletins/poetry_book_2005.pdf
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You could use these pages to write down any questions you want to ask, and then to write down the answers you receive.
Disclaimer,thanksandsources
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Disclaimer
Wemakeeveryefforttoensurethattheinformationweprovideisaccurate
andup-to-date,butitshouldnotberelieduponasasubstituteforspecialist
professionaladvicetailoredtoyoursituation.Sofarasispermittedbylaw,
Macmillandoesnotacceptliabilityinrelationtotheuseofanyinformation
containedinthispublication,orthird-partyinformationorwebsitesincluded
orreferredtoinit.Somephotographsareofmodels.
Thanks
ThisbooklethasbeenwrittenandeditedbyMacmillanCancerSupport’sCancer
InformationDevelopmentteam.Itisbasedoncontentoriginallyproducedwith
supportfromtheArdenCancerNetwork’sYoungPeople’sGroup;theOxford
CityYoungCarers’ProjectForum;andSpiralChildren’sBereavementService
inNottinghamshire.IthasbeenapprovedbyCharlotteArgyle,CarersSupport
ProgrammeManager,andbyMacmillan’smedicaleditor,DrTerryPriestman,
ConsultantClinicalOncologist.
Withthanksto:Aphra,Sara,Eve,DavidandtheArdenCancerNetwork’s
YoungPeople’sGroup;Jess;theOxfordCityYoungCarers’ProjectForum;
SpiralChildren’sBereavementServiceinNottinghamshire;KarenAylward,
MacmillanFamilySupportWorker,EastbourneDistrictGeneralHospital;
JuneHindmarsh,CASTMacmillanSchoolAwarenessCoordinator,
SouthTynesideYoungCarers’Service;DanielPhelps,DevelopmentandPolicy
Officer(YoungCarers),CarersTrust;andthepeopleaffectedbycancerwho
reviewedthisedition.
SomecarerquotessourcedfromYouthhealthtalk–www.youthhealthtalk.org
Let’stalkaboutyou:supportforyoungpeoplecaringforsomeonewithcancer
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Sources
GatesMF,LackyNR.YoungstersCaringforAdultswithCancer.Journal of Nursing
Scholarship.1998.30(1):11–15.
ThePrincessRoyalTrustforCarers,TheChildren’sSociety.Supporting Young
Carers: A Resource for Schools.CarersTrust,London.2010.
YoungCarers.Social workers: how they could help.www.youngcarers.net/who_
can_help_me/86/97(accessedSeptember2012).
5 waysyou can help
someone withcancer
Share your cancer experience Supportpeoplelivingwithcancerbytellingyourstory,online,inthemediaorfacetoface.
Campaign for change Weneedyourhelptomakesureeveryonegetstherightsupport.Takeanaction,bigorsmall,forbettercancercare.
Help someone in your community Alifttoanappointment.Helpwiththeshopping.Orjustacupofteaandachat.Couldyoulendahand?
Raise money Whateveryoulikedoingyoucanraisemoneytohelp.Takepartinoneofoureventsorcreateyourown.
Give money Bigorsmall,everypennyhelps.Tomakeaone-offdonationseeover.
Call us to find out more
0300 1000 200macmillan.org.uk/getinvolved
Can you do something to help?We hope this booklet has been useful to you. It’s just one of our many publications that are available free to anyone affected by cancer. They’re produced by our cancer information specialists who, along with our nurses, benefits advisers, campaigners and volunteers, are part of the Macmillan team. When people are facing the toughest fight of their lives, we’re there to support them every step of the way.
We want to make sure no one has to go through cancer alone, so we need more people to help us. When the time is right for you, here are some ways in which you can become a part of our team.
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Pleasecutoutthisformandreturnitinanenvelope(nostamprequired)to:SupporterDonations,MacmillanCancerSupport,FREEPOSTLON15851,89AlbertEmbankment,LondonSE17UQ
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Cancer is the toughest fight most of uswill ever face. If you or a loved one hasbeen diagnosed, you need a team ofpeople in your corner, supporting youevery step of the way. That’s who we are.
Wearethenursesandtherapistshelpingyouthroughtreatment.Theexpertsontheendofthephone.Theadviserstellingyouwhichbenefitsyou’reentitledto.Thevolunteersgivingyouahandwiththeeverydaythings.Thecampaignersimprovingcancercare.Thecommunitysupportingyouonline,anytime.Thefundraiserswhomakeitallpossible.
Youdon’thavetofacecanceralone.Wecangiveyouthestrengthtogetthroughit.WeareMacmillanCancerSupport.
Questions about living with cancer? Call free on 0808 808 00 00 (Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm)
Alternatively, visit macmillan.org.uk
Hard of hearing? Use textphone 0808 808 0121, or Text Relay. Non-English speaker? Interpreters available.
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©MacmillanCancerSupport,2013.2ndedition.MAC13009.Nextplannedreview2015.MacmillanCancerSupport,registeredcharityinEnglandandWales(261017),Scotland(SC039907)andtheIsleofMan(604).