Remembering People with Cancer at Christmas 

A cancer diagnosis affects people in many ways and often, times of celebration make the diagnosis harder to deal with. We at Ayrshire Cancer Support recognise this and the lead up to Christmas is our busiest time of year.  Whilst families and friends are busy buying gifts, going to parties and stocking up the fridge, someone affected by cancer may struggle.   One cancer patient said, “Having no immune system when everyone around me has the lurgy makes socialising at Christmas pretty hard. I’m stuck at home, in my pyjamas and slippers, contemplating Christmases gone by.” Ayrshire Cancer Support can support patients at such difficult times to explore their feelings and help develop new coping strategies if needed. We can share our knowledge and advise on how to conserve energy during the day so you have the energy for the things you feel are important. That’s where our trained counsellors can help.  Not only do they have the time to listen, but they help develop coping strategies / mechanisms when dealing with symptoms such as anxiety, over thinking, rumination, loss and grief.  They are available when others can’t be, or when patients and their families feel they don’t want to burden others at this time of year. Similarly our Patient Transport Service can help provide transport to hospital appointments.  Family are often busiest on the run up to Christmas and getting lifts and pick- ups to hospital becomes increasingly difficult for many of our clients.  Ayrshire Cancer Support provides valuable help at this time of year - made possible only by your donations.  So when you're out partying this Christmas - please remember others need our help!  Your support will make a difference to people living in Ayrshire affected by cancer.