Cancer Patient Support Centre

The service can be accessed:

0191 5410122 or alternatively on 0191 5656256 Ext: 47657. There is an answering machine available when the office is unmanned. Messages left on the answer phone will be answered within 24 hours (or the next working day).

By email

macmillan.information@chsft.nhs.uk

In person

Drop into the information centre on B Floor next to the main lifts. We also have supportive information stands where you can pick up leaflets in Chester Wing Outpatients and the Chemotherapy Unit.

Volunteers play a vital role in the running of the service from listening to providing quality information, completing benefits and Macmillan grants and signposting patients/carers to other projects within the Sunderland/Washington area.

We help people with various worries; these are some examples of questions we have helped others answer:

• My cousin had breast cancer when she was sixty, could I also get it when I am 60?
• I have read in the news that stress can increase your risk of getting cancer is this true?
• What are the signs and symptoms to watch out for with bowel cancer?
• My daughter has been learning about cancer at school and wants to know more as her Grandad has bowel cancer, where can we look for further information?
• My friend had lung cancer a year ago and it has made me want to rethink my lifestyle can you give me any information on how to stop smoking?

Every experience of cancer is unique, but there are medical issues and emotions that many people share. Some people describe their experience of cancer as being like a journey. It is both a medical journey through treatment and an emotional journey through living with the uncertainties that cancer brings. When dealing with cancer you may have many questions, we hope to answer those questions and allay any fears you may have. We do this by providing emotional support, information and signposting you to other services.

The kind of questions we have been only too happy to help answer include:

• I have been told my hair will fall out with my Chemotherapy treatment -How do I get a wig?
• Will I always feel so tired?
• I've been asked to go on a clinical trial but I don't really understand the information I was given; can you help?
• Will complementary therapies make me feel better and do I need to pay for this
• My relative doesn't want to know anything at all about their cancer or treatment. Can I still find out as much as I would like to know?
• I don't qualify for benefits, but I'm struggling financially. Are there any other sources of funding?
• Who can help me cope with my feelings? I don't want to burden my family with my worries
• How can I explain my diagnosis to the kids?
• My family doesn't understand my treatment, and I'm not explaining it very well. Can someone help us all understand it better?
• I have prostate cancer and would like to speak with other men who are going through a similar experience, is there anywhere locally that can help?
• I am a carer of someone with cancer, what information and support is available for me?
• I want to go on holiday but am having trouble getting any insurance can you help?

Surviving cancer is all about living with the longer term emotional and physical effects of a cancer diagnosis. Relationship problems and financial difficulties are common effects of surviving cancer. The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service is here to help answer any questions people may have about the long term effects of surviving cancer.

Listed below are just some of questions we have answered for other cancer survivors.

• I finished treatment for breast cancer a year ago and am having trouble putting the washing out. How can I help myself?
• I had cancer as a teenager I am in a long term relationship, can I get pregnant and should I take precautions?
• I had cancer 5 years ago and am now going through the menopause, I have heard that I maybe more likely to get osteoporosis? What should I do?
• Since having testicular cancer a year ago I now want to try and give up smoking can you help?
• Hope Course

The Help Overcome Problems Effectively course runs for six weeks and is aimed at patients who have finished treatment. It looks at overcoming challenges and encourages, positive psychological and behavioural change by helping you focus on existing strengths and resilience's. The course explores anxiety, self-confidence, esteem and body image. This is delivered by trained staff and its aim is to help recurring admissions and appointments for cancer patients after treatment has finished and to help stop additional costs to the NHS.

Walking for Health is part of Survivorship Programme staff are trained to take people on walks in conjunction with the Macmillan Walking for Health Sunderland Council Fitness Class Monday evening we now have an exercise/Hydrotherapy Pool session as part of the Cancer Survivorship Programme which is continuing to increase and going really well. We are looking to develop a Men Only Session in the future.

Look Good Feel Better Workshops Monthly sessions for ladies going through Chemotherapy. City Hospitals Sunderland has now been accepted as part of the National Programme which has taken 5 years to achieve. Each lady receives support regarding hair loss, eyebrows, eye lashes and facial hair and the session helps to build their confidence and self-esteem, but also to talk to patients going through similar issues. They also learn how to look after their skin whilst going through treatment. Patients also receive a goody bag worth £200 of Clinique, and Loreal products. This service is an excellent acknowledgement for the Trust.

Though no two experiences of grief are the same, there are some common experiences that many people will share. The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service can provide you with practical suggestions to help patients and their families get through this difficult time. We can help to answer any questions or concerns they have and provide information on how to plan for a funeral, probate, contacting insurance companies and assistance accessing practical and financial support if needed. We can also direct you to other services in your area that you may be able to access via your GP.

Some questions we might be able to help with:

• My husband died six weeks ago, now that everyone has gone home I feel alone and isolated what support can I get?
• I have been caring for my wife with cancer for two years, she recently died and I don’t know what to do now, my life seems so empty, what should I do next
• My close friend that I have known since we were at school has recently died of cancer sometimes I feel so sad when I think about them, is this normal?
• My partner of six years has died, they were in debt and I am being asked to pay this; what should I do?

Although your finances may not be the first thing on your mind after finding out you have cancer, there may well be changes to your lifestyle which could mean changes in you or your family's finances. Macmillan cancer support provides a range of information for patients and carers.

The government can offer various forms of financial help to patients and their carers.

Macmillan Cancer Support has produced a guide titled “Help with the cost of cancer” Macmillan has also produced a range of materials relating to financial issues for those with cancer and their families. The titles are as follows:

• Financial planning
• Income
• State benefits and support
• Spending
• Everyday money
• Savings and investments
• Borrowings
• Pensions
• Insurance
• Sorting out your affairs
• Advice and complaints

We offer a range of Complementary Therapies carried out by trained therapists to help combat stress, and aid relaxation through the patient's cancer journey.

Many patients suffering from cancer make use of this service to help ease feelings of anxiety, reduce symptoms such as pain, nausea, constipation, insomnia and skin conditions. Call us to make an appointment.

Treatments offered are:

• Massage
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Auricular Acupuncture

This service is delivered by Sunderland Counselling Services and offers counselling to individuals who have been diagnosed with any form of cancer or are at any stage of treatment for cancer. Counselling enables the client to explore how their current problems are affecting then and what issues may need to be addressed.

It aims:

• To improve mental health and emotional wellbeing for adults with cancer and their carers
• To reduce mental and emotional distress experienced by clients
• To increase acceptance of illness by the client
• To increase the range of coping strategies available to the client
• To increase the level of support available to clients
• To increase the accessibility and timeliness of services
• To ensure clients receive appropriate services.

Referrals

Referrals are made by the Centre Manager/volunteers direct to Sunderland Counselling Services Admin Team at the office base. All referrals are made with client’s knowledge and explicit consent.

This service compliments the work of the Sunderland Macmillan Information Service, Specialist Palliative Care Team, AgeUK Sunderland and other community services.

It supports individuals who are living with cancer to feel more in control, improve quality of life and reduce social isolation.

The service accepts referrals from Health and Social care professionals (clinical nurse specialists, ward managers/staff, social workers and the Palliative Care Team). Patients and carers can self-refer; this will be followed up by liaising with a health or social care professional.

The Befriending Co-ordinator will arrange a visit to discuss the service and match them with a Macmillan Volunteer. They work with the person on a one to one basis.

Volunteers assist with ongoing support through visiting and also provide assistance to access community venues, hospital appointment and events as well as companionship.

If you require any further information please contact Mandy Humes, Befriending Co-ordinator, at the Macmillan Centre on ext47657.

Macmillan Cancer Support if you would like any copies of the publications please contact the Macmillan cancer information and support service on 0191 5410122 or alternatively ring the free phone number 0800 808 00 00

Cancer Research UK provides patient information as well as latest news on cancer developments

NHS Cancer Screening information about the national cancer screening programme and what is involved in a screening

World Cancer Research Fund provides funding for research into all types of cancer as well as education programmes on healthy living

North of England Cancer Network is a comprehensive site offering local information about support groups as well as information on treatments and clinical trials for cancer

NHS Direct - use the search facility to look for information and articles on all types of cancer

CRUK teaching resources - resources and publications for teachers relating to cancer

Government information for carers - provides information about all the support carers are entitled to

Carers Trust - vast information resource for people carers and professionals working with carers. Forums, latest news and information about your rights and entitlements.

Carers UK - information and support for carers

Babble - forum and support for carers aged 18 and under

Rip Rap - contains information for those who have a parent who has cancer. Support to cope and stories from young people going through similar situations