New community support group launched to help blood cancer patients

A new community support group has been set up to help people living with blood (haematology) cancers such as leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma, who are under our care.

Lead Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist Kerry Michelsen and Haematology Clinical Support Workers (CSWs) Sarah Blizzard and Lauren Cain, host the monthly group which meets at Star Meadow Sports Complex, Darland Avenue, Gillingham, between 2pm and 4pm.

Launched in April, it provides emotional, practical, and social support to anyone who lives in Medway and Swale who is affected by haematological cancers, including patients, families, and carers.

So far more than 45 people have attended the group. Feedback includes:

“I found it useful listening to other people’s stories, it’s useful to know we aren’t alone.”
“It’s good to talk to others on the journey with cancer.”
“Good group chat. Everyone was easy to talk to.”
“Group has great value for carers, friends etc.”
“Good facility, easy parking.”

Some of the Macmillan Cancer Support Group team standing behind an awareness display

Kerry said: “We created the group because we wanted to provide people with a positive, safe and supportive environment where they could share their experiences openly with other people who are going through the same as them so they know they are not alone.

“We also wanted to ensure patients living with a haematology cancer, and their loved ones, have access to the latest information and resources that are available about the treatment options and to be able to signpost them to professional medical and psychological support services at the earliest opportunity, if required.

“At the same time, we also hope the group will help to raise awareness in the community of haematological cancers such as leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma.”

The hospital’s Cancer Services Team also run support groups for patients diagnosed with the following cancers:

Lung and upper gastrointestinal (GI) (such as stomach and liver)
Urology (such as bladder and prostate)
Head and neck (such as vocal cord, mouth and thyroid)

To help even more people, the team are working towards setting up a support group for lower GI cancer patients as well as those with metastatic breast cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer.

Louise Farrow, Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse, said: “I am very proud of the commitment and dedication Kerry has had in fulfilling her aspiration to set up this support group.

“For haematology patients to have access to a safe and supportive environment, which can help improve their emotional and social wellbeing, will be an invaluable resource for the residents of Medway and Swale.”

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