If you’re a mum of a young family and have just been diagnosed with cancer, or you’re in treatment already, Mummy’s Wish is here to help.

But first, there’s a good chance you have lots of questions.

You may be struggling with fears about what will happen, uncertainty about who to tell and how to tell them.

You might be worried about what the hospital will be like or how your children will cope when you’re having treatment; when you’re sick from chemotherapy or when your hair falls out.

You may be wondering whether you’ll still be able to go to work and, if not, how you’ll make ends meet; pay the mortgage; pay for parking for all the hospital visits you’ll need to make.

Added to this, you’re probably feeling a whole range of emotions, some of which can be pretty overwhelming. It’s okay to cry, scream or even laugh a little hysterically.

It’s okay to take some time for yourself to come to terms with everything you’ve been told.

It’s okay not to be okay.

 

What to do next?

1. Download ‘Dealing with cancer: A guide for mums

Dealing with cancer: A guide for mums will provide you with some of the basic information you need to know including how to cope with their diagnosis; tell your children you have cancer; ask for help from family and friends; and it also includes ways to enjoy time with your kids, even when unwell.

2. Register with Mummy’s Wish 

You can self-register or you can be referred to Mummy’s Wish by a member of your medical team (a social worker, cancer care professional or oncologist). In order to be able to access the support of Mummy’s Wish, a mum must a) have a current diagnosis of cancer by an Australian Medical Specialist and be receiving specialist-approved treatment and b) have at least one child 12 years or under. Once registered, you’ll be put in touch with one of our Support Coordinators who will work with you to find a practical way to take the pressure off.

Click here to start the registration process for yourself or a family member. 

3. Connect with others 

Follow Mummy’s Wish on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and once you have registered with Mummy’s Wish you can apply to join the Mummy’s Wish Private Mum’s Group—a closed Facebook group for mums undergoing cancer treatment. Introduce yourself, have a look at our recent posts and ask questions—you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good it can be to share your thoughts, worries or even just funny memes with other women who are juggling motherhood with cancer treatment.

4. Contact us

Most importantly, remember that we’re here to help you. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions or need some advice on what services and support you can access for yourself and your family. You can email us at contact@mummyswish.org.au, phone 1300 045 741 or drop us a link through our Contact Us form.