There are many different words used to describe secondary cancer, including metastatic ('mets') or stage 4 cancer. If a cancer spreads and becomes secondary, we can support you to process the emotional and psychological impact of your diagnosis.
In addition, we can also offer you:​​
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support while you are making decisions on future treatment (including no further treatment)
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signposting to practical and financial suggestions to help you live the best possible life with your cancer diagnosis
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access to a private peer support forum for mums or birthing parents with secondary cancer
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memory making support: inc. ideas and planning, and a physical / virtual memory box if you wish
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referrals and signposting to additional sources of support
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articles and advice specifically related to secondary cancer in our Support Library​
Please note: we are not a counselling service or a crisis support service.
Living With Secondary Cancer
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Many people continue to live well with secondary cancer.
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Your medical team will discuss with you what treatment options could be available to you. Treatment aims to control and prevent further growth or spread of a secondary cancer and also help manage symptoms.
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4 Star Mummies​
Alongside our main peer support forum, we also host an additional private forum for mums and birthing parents who have a secondary or primary incurable cancer diagnosis.
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This forum provides the space to share and connect with people in a similar situation to yourself.
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Mums and birthing parents with secondary cancer are welcome to access either or both of our peer support forums.
Memory Making
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Memory making is a lovely thing to do, especially when you have a young family. Following a secondary cancer diagnosis, you may wish to focus more on this. The right time to do so will be different for everyone and it's important to note that memory making, whilst joyful, can bring up a range of emotions.
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Your Information & Support Worker can help you explore memory making. They can discuss and help you to plan memory making activities, including accessing funding to support this.
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They can also send you a physical or virtual memory box which you can fill with items to build a special keepsake of memories with your family and loved ones.
#CPAW2021 - 'When Cancer Cannot Be Cured'
For Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week 2021 we focused exclusively on the lived experience of secondary and incurable cancer as shared with us by the mums, parents and families we support.
The week's content covered topics such as:
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Language.
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Loss and change.
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The importance of connection.
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Supporting someone living with incurable cancer.
