Lack of cancer support for women

Hello @Choirgirl,

How are you doing today? 😊

I must admit, this is a very interesting discussion, thank you so much for starting it! We need to break down stereotypes and have open and supportive conversations about cancer, regardless of its type.

Let's tag a few members of our community to see what they think:
@twincat1953 @Sabolw @Vickie8669 @Satariano123 @Lawton2025 @Kim761 @Jnutcurl @Sharcro248 @Amyk418 @Tammylh @Knapps5 @Mrbare @4diantha @Denise67 @BBeverly @PinkyS @Waynejunc @Mortman @Beth4mom @BlaqueSapphyre @MichelleRockholt @Libbylee @MamaWeez @Bs1020bs @DawnBush @Blevsey @Deeann @Tigermommajd @chrissy62 @Jbriede @gamboam92 @chelle031107 @Tootie @Shaybabii216 @Jules70 @Jenn79 @Sheiladatwood @Bgraff @Marcied @Wendypooh110 @Mellie77 @ZellRandle @Rdhbarbie @AlisaD @gakinolil @Deb268

Take care now,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

I agree! The stigma with a women and colon cancer is mortifying. I found myself saying to friends “it couldn’t have been some where else” it wasn’t. It is in my colon, the symptoms leading up were embarrassing and difficult to talk about. The recovery after surgery, while I am blessed with it going so well…..again was embarrassing. We need to normalize discussions about colonoscopy preps, food intake, symptoms to watch for. Bowl movements and gas are a normal part of life! Someone with colon cancer endures wearing diapers, fear of accidents, fear of socializing because of these.

I agree! The stigma with a women and colon cancer is mortifying. I found myself saying to friends “it couldn’t have been some where else” it wasn’t. It is in my colon, the symptoms leading up were embarrassing and difficult to talk about. The recovery after surgery, while I am blessed with it going so well…..again was embarrassing. We need to normalize discussions about colonoscopy preps, food intake, symptoms to watch for. Bowl movements and gas are a normal part of life! Someone with colon cancer endures wearing diapers, fear of accidents, fear of socializing because of these.

I’d love to hear from more of you, Don’t be shy. We’re all in this together !

I agree. I regularly see non profit groups on TV in Birmingham, AL (near me) who offer help with paying for things, support, providing or giving things for women with breast cancer. I have leukemia-AML & in a year & a half after being diagnosed, I haven’t seen ANY non profit groups or even churches offer help to leukemia patients (man or woman). Why is this not addressed. I spent 30 days in the hospital & had to board my 3 dogs because I had no one to keep them. Followed by 4 months of outpatient induction chemo. I haven’t had any family or friends to help me with anything-cooking, cleaning, housework, bring meals, check on my dogs, etc. etc. I spent all of my savings & maxed out credit cards to pay for everything since I was too weak, too sick to do it myself. Where were the nonprofits to help me?

Now I know you’re asking about national help: I contacted American Cancer Society but didn’t need rides to/from my appointments; I contacted Leukemia & Lymphoma Society & was told they had already used up the money they give to leukemia patients; I applied for Social Security for disability but was told my monthly SS & retirement checks were enough to cover my expenses; I applied for hospital financial aid through the hospital where I’m treated & where I get my bills from but they told me I made too much money (I wasn’t on Medicaid & received no government assistance). I didn’t mismanage my money-I spent all my money & even canceled so many services I was accustomed to having. It’s just horribly unfair that so many people with cancer (not breast cancer) have to struggle, especially if you have no help from family or friends.