Hi, as the type that would never step into a pub alone, I’m curious about the MacMillan Centre at my hospital but far too scared to go near it 
No one in the BC unit has mentioned it. I know it’s apparently “on the second floor” of the hospital. I’ve tried googling what’s in it but it’s all vague. Is it like a different dimension when you walk through the door, or all very normal and friendly?! I worry if I went in I wouldn’t know what to do once in there either. I’m a strong, independent woman but I don’t want to go in on my own 
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The one at ours is very small so I can’t really compare but I’m betting the staff will be very friendly and used to dealing with people who are nervous / scared . If you see anyone coming out when you’re thinking about going in you could always ask them what it’s like. Xx
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The one at our hospital is on the ground floor near the main entrance. From what I can see from the glass frontage, its got some shelving with leaflets, a couple of desks and carpeted. Not been in, but I pass it most days as I work in the hospital.
If you are not sure what they can offer you or what support you’d like, just start by saying something like “Hi, I’ve come to see what support you can offer” and the rest will flow from there.
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The MacMillan centre at my hospital is there more for distribution of information than active support. If you have a Maggie’s centre anywhere near you, that’s the place to go if you want to sit and chat through things. As you walk in, someone will greet you and that’s all there is to it, you are suddenly in a safe space where you can decide how much interaction you want. Well worth seeking out.
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Hello @floss2
I know what you mean: I was very much the same. I didn’t go to MacMillan but I did go to Maggie’s: I literally collapsed through the door in floods of tears and they were wonderful
Breast cancer world is the kindest place I know and everyone in it is lovely.
Trust me you faced far scarier things so far!
AM xxx
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I walked in to the MacMillan Centre at my hospital after my pre-surgery appointment. It was a bright room, with lots of leaflets on display, but no-one present. After a few moments a woman came out of the back office. I explained why I was there and she handed me a paper carrier with lots of leaflets in it (I’d already been given most of the relevant ones). She pointed out the helpline number, and that was it, unfortunately.
On the other hand, when I walked into Maggie’s I was greeted warmly, and invited into a room where I had a long chat. I instantly felt supported, and Maggie’s has become my go-to place. I wish everyone had access to this wonderful charity.
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Hi, would agree what others are saying about Maggies. Macmillan are great and will give you loads if leaflets and books with brilliant help and advice. I went to Maggies for advice as my dad had terminal cancer and didnt have long. I went in and was given a cup of coffee. A member if staff came to assist and answered my questions. We then talked about my breast cancer.I was told I could go anytime and they arrange loads of activities to help. They are brilliant. Best wishes xx
Never needed to go into MacMillan but a few years ago after a retinal vein occlusion I really struggled because the Doctors and Nurses at the clinic seemed to think I should be able to do more / get better quicker than I could actually do. It took me ages to go into a sight support charity just up the road from me. I walked past the door many times and thought no I just can’t but when I eventually went in I found acceptance support and an understanding as to why I was struggling as well as some practical tips . I’ve been lucky enough to recover from that sufficiently to lead a normal life though there have had to be a few lifestyle changes but I will never forget their kindness and have left a bequest in my will. Xx
Thanks everyone! Maybe I could try a Maggie’s, although I’ve googled and nearest is a different county, but probably not a great deal further than my hospital. My friend is taking me to the hospital on Thursday now - she would go with me into the MacMillan centre so I might ask her, I’m sure I’ll get a gap between seeing four different departments.
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Good idea to have a friend with you if you go in. Or maybe she might go in first and do a little reconnaisance for you xx
Hi, just to say i walked into the macmillan centre
With my husband and there was a couple of
People around, we just collected some leaflets,
Then i lost it and just cried (don’t know why)
One lovely lady came over and had a little chat,
Made me a coffee and was a great comfort!
I understand how you feel it was my second
Attempt to get through the door! Go for it 
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Please take that first step - I was similar to you but one day I was really struggling and had to wait for a prescription so walked into Maggie’s to have a cup of tea and a sit down. I was greeted warmly and made to feel very welcome. I have since been back many many times over the past 15 months and have been supported by the staff there throughout my treatment.
I am now attending a course to help me move forward and find the new normal. Something I wasn’t at all sure about going to but on the first session I met some lovely ladies who made me feel normal.
I can’t recommend Maggie’s highly enough and suggest that it is well worth travelling for.
I wish you well with your treatment xx
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I did this exact thing. Thought id worked up nerve and then bottled it thinking i didn’t want the fuss.
The wig fitting was just off MacMillan room in the hospital and so had to go in and it was lush. Lovely sofas, little private places to chat or sit, tables and drinks, jigsaws, books. It was much like waiting outside a spa! There were people alone or together and a few ‘staff’ around. I could imagine going in for a breather if the walls of the hospital got too much and I didnt want to be in the public eye at the Costa - which is the only food area at my hospital. X
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Yesterday I had my first appointment at oncology and the macmillian centre is in the same building. As soon as I saw it this post came to mind 
so I went straight in before I could get nervous. A lovely lady came and spoke to me, just telling me what they can do & that I can pop in anytime. Glad I went in as I feel it will be easier to go in when I’m further into treatment and feeling more vulnerable.
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