Are you alone when living with cancer? Let's build a strong support network.

We know that living with a serious illness like cancer is not easy. Everyone faces this challenge in different ways. Maybe you think, "I'm strong, I can handle this on my own." But sometimes everything is difficult and there are times when you feel very alone. That's very normal. At times like these, it's very important to build a support group, a support network, that will be there for you through good times and bad.

Why join a support group?

Joining a support group with people who have been through the same things as you can be a great relief. There you can share your feelings, your fears, your sorrows, your hopes, all without fear. Because everyone there is going through the same thing you are.

Think about it, instead of telling your family about your post-treatment loss of appetite or hair loss, it's much more comforting to talk to someone who has gone through the same experience. They'll tell you how they faced those challenges, what treatments worked for them, and what they did to minimize side effects.

There are different types of support groups like this.

• Groups just for cancer patients.
• Groups where you can participate together with your main caregiver (perhaps your partner or a family member).
• Separate groups for families or children.

You can find out more about these groups by asking your doctor or the hospital where you are receiving treatment.

Don't be afraid to seek help from others.

We know, especially if you're someone who's been doing everything on your own and living independently, it can be a little difficult to ask for help from others. But the truth is, your family and friends are all waiting to help you. But they don't know what to do.

So if someone asks you, "What do you want me to do for you?", have an answer ready. Let them participate in your life, even in small ways. It's a joy for you and for them.

Things to remember when accepting help

When going to see the doctor: When discussing treatment, it can sometimes be difficult for you to remember everything at once. If you go with a friend or family member, they can write down important things for you and ask questions you might forget to ask.

Don't be afraid to say "no": Some days you may feel very tired. If someone asks you to come visit at such a time, never be afraid to say, "Today is a little difficult, can we meet another day?" The people who love you will definitely understand your situation. If someone brings you a meal, but you can't eat it right away, say, "Thank you very much, I'll eat this later" and put it in the freezer.

Say what you want directly: Don't expect others to guess what you're thinking or what you want. Even if they want to help you, they may not know what to do. So, say something like, "I need a little help...". They'll be more than happy to do it if you tell them what you need, whether it's a quick call or a text message.

Online support is also a good option.

Maybe you don't really want to join a group or talk about these things with people you know. In that case, you can join online support groups, that is, groups that you can connect with over the internet.

These give you the opportunity to share your thoughts with people from different parts of the world who have similar experiences to yours. There may be forums dedicated to topics that are important to you, such as chemotherapy or the various side effects of chemotherapy.

But remember, when joining an online group, you need to check how trustworthy it is. Some places may contain incorrect information. Therefore, it is best to ask your doctor about this and join a trusted place that he recommends.