What support is available to my wife and family after I have been diagnosed with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL')
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Hello @Dutchman1967, welcome to the forum and I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. How are you holding up?
I think it’s great that you’re looking for resources to help support your wife and family. We have a dedicated section for family, partners and friends, covering both the emotional and practical side, including carers’ rights and financial support: My friend or family member has blood cancer. There’s more detail on practical support for carers too - things like Carer’s Allowance and how to talk to an employer about a caring role.
Our Support Services team is also there for her and your family directly, not just for you – you can reach them on 0808 2080 888 (option 1) or support@bloodcancer.org.uk. They’re welcome to join the forum too - we’ve got a lot of loved ones and carers here who can offer day-to-day advice and practical tips.
Beyond us, and as I can see you’re based in the East of England, Maggie’s Cambridge at Addenbrooke’s is a free drop-in centre for anyone affected by cancer, family included, no referral needed. Depending on where you are more specifically, it is worth checking their website in case there’s one closer to you. Carers UK is also a good source for broader carer rights and entitlements (0808 808 7777).
And for background on the condition itself, in case it’s useful to look through together, we have information on what CLL is and how it’s typically diagnosed and monitored.
Do take care, and let us know how you’re getting on.
Ceri - Blood Cancer UK Support Services
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Hello @Dutchman1967
Thank you for taking time to send your post into the forum
I’m sorry to learn about your diagnosis - my heart goes out to you and your family
I am also a Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL') patient - and I hope some of the experiences I have had to date may allow me to give you some ideas about what sort of things may support you, your wife and your family
I can see that @Ceri_BloodCancerUK has left you a very helpful and details response and I echo her words
Beyond that, none the less, I found that the best support I could give my wife and family was reaching out for support myself. Them seeing me supported - then gave them support as they knew I was in good hands. The type of thigs I’ve done so far are I have taken talking therapy not long post diagnosis via my employer’s employee assistance programme. I asked my GP for a gym referral to allow both the social aspect and physical wellbeing aspect of the gym to give me an outlet and support me. I have also gone to a local cancer charity coffee morning every week and taken some complementary therapy in the form of reiki etc. and also gone on a rest bite weekend that they offer at the seaside in north Yorkshire
Going forward - I am considering Tai Chi - again for the social aspect and health benefits.
A lot of the above is of course focussed on what I have done and I realise your question was about support for your wife and family - but again - a lot of the above can be enjoyed together (rest bites away / coffee mornings / Tai Chi / gym).
One other aspect of support that my family and I now enjoy together is ensuring my diet supports my wellbeing - enjoying a much improved diet that we are all benefitting from.
I do hope my experiences to date have given you some ideas.
Please do feel free to keep in touch and let us know how you get on
Take good care
Best regards
Mike
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Thank you for your reply
I’m surevthey will find some comfort in you reaching out
Kind regards
Simon
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