Living alone with a blood cancer

Living alone with a blood cancer. Living as an independent person is important for many young people, but it may be very challenging to keep the spirits up and continue to be positive, if you are living alone with a blood cancer. You may be someone who normally appreciates your independence; however being unwell may make you feel lonely and isolated.

The possibility of having to sacrifice your current living situation on top of the diagnosis of a blood cancer is all very overwhelming.  There are aspects of living with a blood cancer that can make it difficult to manage everyday life, such as grocery shopping and cleaning.

Some young adults may feel comfortable with temporarily moving home with family or whanau whilst they undergo treatment for their blood cancer. For many young adults this is simply not an option, and for those individuals there is support available to help them through this time and remain living independently.

Ask to speak to your social worker who will be able to help you to remain as independent as possible.

If you are living alone it is important that you:

•  • Put together a list of emergency contacts in case you do unexpectedly become unwell. 
•  • Let friends, family, whanau and neighbours know about what could happen so if you call them in an emergency, they will know what to do and who to call. Your doctors and nurses will also give you a list of 24 hour emergency contact numbers to use in such circumstances.

It is okay to accept help. Family and friends who care about you may want to help in any way they can, and it is sometimes difficult to accept this help when you have previously lived so independently.  Some family, whanau and friends may find it difficult to talk openly about your blood cancer, but would be happy to help in more practical ways, such as doing your shopping or helping with your house cleaning and transporting you to doctors’ appointments.

Accepting support offered may make living alone easier, and therefore enable you to retain your independence. Although you may want to stay independent for as long as possible, remember that it is okay to ask for help when you need it. Being independent is about finding the right balance between acknowledging when you need support and looking after yourself.