You are not alone - meet other young adults on the cancer journey in Sydney

[#1]

I hope you are travelling well, Cancer changed my life. My values and what I wanted out of life changed. Everything changed. Yet for most of my old friends everything kept on going as it was. Not drinking alcohol the weekly piss ups no longer appealed and when I needed to talk to someone, needed someone to understand, they didn't. I am looking to set up some face to face groups for young adults in Sydney (20's-30's) with a dream to eventually be able to run educational evenings and a week/weekend long retreat; where you are able to take a break from the stress of the everyday, meet others who have been or are going through the cancer journey and learn a bit about diet and ways to help cope. I have met many inspirational people on my journey. I also believe in surrounding yourself with those who support and nurture our beliefs. My belief is in health, and so I am putting the call out to any other young adults (or those who were once young adults with cancer) who are interested in a face 2 face group in sydney. My cancer journey still continues, I would be honoured to travel with you on your journey too. Astley

[maddie86]

i think this is a great idea, i find caring for my boyfriend has left me feeling very lonely and depressed... its something u really have to go through to understand..

[#3]

and often there is no one to care for the carers... To care for someone you love with cancer is hard and frustrating, but you do such an amazing job. I know one of the reasons im alive today is because of my girl friend at the time and the support she gave me through the worst of it

[maddie86]

thats what my boyfriend says.. its hard because we dont go out a lot, therefore friends have dropped like flies! i knw things will get easier its just frustrating that people expect me to be happy n cheery like i used to.. its like they dont wanna know anything unless im happy 😕

[#5]

That's because when you are happy and cheery you give to others, but when we're not we sometimes need others to listen or comfort or even just understand us. We need others to give to us, or just be more forgiving (when we're not in the mood to party). Be aware of those who do listen and stick around, who are willing to go the extra distance if you ask. Sometimes you find that some friends are better than you realised (and some great friends arn't that great) Also sometimes just because you havn't seen them in ages doesn't make them a bad friend, a txt or call just to have a chat can do wonders.. What would you (and can you ask your bf too) want out of a support group in syd? Useful information, a safe place to express emotions, a place to socialise with others and/or a place where you can learn ways to help yourselves on your journey?

[Phona]

Hi it's Patricia I met you on Saturday at the relay for life. I also met another woman Emily who is 31 and has breast cancer. She filled out a form and is also willing to help. Nick has her form. My heart goes out to the mother on the blogs with an 18 year old daughter who has cancer. I just want to help her daughter so much.

[butterfly1827]

this is a fantastic cancer i know since my diagnosis I have certainly being looking for a support network of people who actually do understand what its like to be the "person" diagnosed with cancer....particularly given the type of cancer (bowel) is not generally associated with young people (im 28) its hard to find away to relax and discuss my fears with people who really understand!

[#8]

Hi Butterfly, How are you going/feeling today? I wish I could say, come along to our meetings, but I'm still building momentum (and gathering the right support to make sure I do it right) for the support groups and will hopefully be able to set a date for our first meeting within a few weeks. However, if you would like I'm a regular at the general cancer meetings at the SAN hospital on wednesday mornings 10-12 and they are a beautiful bunch of people, plus I'll be there so you wont be the youngest :-) Surflife> thanks for the constructive comments 😉 random shot, but r u still coming to syd for your talk on surf n yoga?

[#9]

Hi Butterfly, How are you going/feeling today? I wish I could say, come along to our meetings, but I'm still building momentum (and gathering the right support to make sure I do it right) for the support groups and will hopefully be able to set a date for our first meeting within a few weeks. However, if you would like I'm a regular at the general cancer meetings at the SAN hospital on wednesday mornings 10-12 and they are a beautiful bunch of people, plus I'll be there so you wont be the youngest :-) Surflife> thanks for the constructive comments 😉 random shot, but r u still coming to syd for your talk on surf n yoga?

[Astrobella]

I think this is such a great idea and I would LOVE to be able to meet some other young adults with cancer in Sydney. Please let me know if you need a hand organising. All the best,