Oxfordshire resident, Chris McClement, believes that the support he has received from Macmillan has helped him  and his family to cope with his diagnosis of lung cancer.  He tells his story:

“I was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2010, and the wait from initial diagnosis until treatment  started  in September felt like the longest three weeks of my life. The shock  was  immense  but we were so busy as a result we just got on with  it all: I’ve always  played  the hand  I’m dealt and not dwelt on why I was dealt it.

“My diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy cycles, radiotherapy and their side effects tested the family’s resolve  but have  ultimately reinforced  the strong  bonds that there  are  between  us. However, we would have found it difficult to cope without the support of Macmillan.

“Macmillan have been one of the biggest sources of help”

“Macmillan nurses have been one of the biggest sources of help to me  and my  family throughout my cancer experience. I have been very fortunate to have the support of Hayley, my Macmillan nurse, right from start. She’s been available to me and the whole  family  both at the hospital and over the phone. It makes  a huge  difference  to know that  there  is someone who we can contact who can answer questions and provide reassurance and advice.

“My wife and I also go to the lung cancer support group at the hospital, which is run by the Macmillan  nurses.  It makes a real difference to us to be able to talk to people who  are  going through  the same  thing  –  we  can share experiences  and challenges and support each other. Not only  is it valuable,  but it’s surprisingly fun too.

Sharing experiences

“If anyone’s diagnosed with cancer, they really should get in touch with their local team. The NHS is brilliant, but with cancer  you  need all the support  you can get – and so do your loved ones. And that’s what Macmillan is there for.”

Macmillan is here for you in Oxfordshire

Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the toughest things that anyone can face. The Macmillan team in Oxfordshire is here to support you every step of the way.

If you have money worries as a result of cancer, then call the Macmillan Oxford CAB Benefits Service on Tel: 01865 225 689

If you have questions about cancer talk to your Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists at your local Boots store in Cornmarket, Oxford.

For more about Macmillan and the services we offer, call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk