Cancer survivor urges people to “try and get help” during Covid-19 pandemic
“A cancer diagnosis and treatment are difficult enough - the pandemic just added another layer of stress and anxiety,” he said.
A Belfast man who survived blood cancer has urged other patients to get emotional support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Brendan McKiernan (26) was diagnosed with acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2019.
He received a stem-cell transplant in October and was already self-isolating for 100 days when three weeks later, the first lockdown was announced, and he was shielding.
He said: “I live with my parents and we had three weeks of some kind of normality after my 100-day milestone and just before lockdown.
“Then, I was back in complete isolation again.
“It felt as though I’d gone backwards instead of forwards.
“I’d spent 16 weeks in hospital for chemotherapy, returned for more radiotherapy and chemotherapy, then came the transplant and the isolation that followed.
“A cancer diagnosis and treatment are difficult enough - the pandemic just added another layer of stress and anxiety.
“The things that were helping me like seeing my friends, taking small steps at the gym, and even getting out for walks with my local Move More group, all of that stopped.”
Statistics show over a quarter of a million people are living (270,000) with cancer in the UK.
According to the charity Macmillan 9% feel they have no one to talk to about their worries because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Figures show a 43% increase in the number of people contacting its helpline for the first time about pain and symptom management over the past six months, compared with the same time last year.
Mr McKiernan said reaching out to the organisation and speaking to someone helped him mentally recover.
He added: “Being told that you’re vulnerable is hard to deal with.
“My sleep was affected.
“My motivation disappeared.
“I just knew deep down that I needed to talk to a professional.
“Macmillan had been there for my family and I at different stages of my treatment so when I opened up to my brother about how I was feeling, he reminded me about the Support Line number and I picked up the phone.
“Thanks to Macmillan I had talking therapy sessions and worked through a lot of my feelings and fears.
“I got the help I needed, and I just want to encourage others like me to call the Support Line too.
“These are difficult times but there is so much help available.
“Although we’re all still dealing with the impact of the pandemic, I’m in a much better place now.”
The group said it is worried about the ongoing isolation and mental wellbeing of people, many of whom have been isolating since the start of the pandemic.
Paula Kealey, Strategic Partnership Manager at Macmillan said:
“Our information and support services are hearing from distressed patients and relatives every day and the deep sense of anxiety and isolation they are feeling at the moment is heart-breaking.
“Many people don’t realise that we have cancer information nurse specialists and other specialist advisors ready to help them on our Support Line and Online Community.
“Macmillan has long played a vital role in the health service - we will continue to do whatever it takes to support people with cancer and the health service as it continues to struggle against the pandemic and ongoing winter pressures.
“For anyone with questions about cancer, whether you’re worried about signs or symptoms or how to prepare for your next appointment, please give our support line a call.
“Please don’t think you have to go through this alone - we are here to help.”
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