Feeling isolated or struggling financially?
Hi there What Now?-ers,I've been asked to see if any of you want to share your stories of feeling isolated by cancer, or of struggling with the financial implications of cancer. The team here at
Cancerbackup and Macmillan are keen to raise awareness in the press about the
cost of cancer and also how isolating it can be.
My colleague Rachel would love to
hear from you, if you have struggled with the financial cost as you or a loved
one have cancer. Maybe you couldn't pay the mortgage for example?
Or if you felt isolated on your cancer journey. Perhaps you were
far away from loved ones in hospital or felt no one understood how you
felt?
If you identify
with either of these please email rgarnett@macmillan.org.uk or rgarnett@cancerbackup.orgthanksthomas
financial support
Hi,
my mum she has just been diagnosed with secondary brain cancer originally ovarian cancer, 2 yrs ago. Long story (see my profile) how GP missed it twice, we do want to put in an official complaint so i need advice on that too at some point.
In reply to this topic i wanted to mention that my step-dad cannot give up work to support my mum because he wouldnt get any benefits as a carer, it seems so unfair he is not on a high salary as a cleaning supervisor yet he wouldnt get any financial support, they cannot get housing benefit either, seems so unfair because they have lost mums salary (she had a job in a cafe). His sister cares for her brother and works full-time and gets so much in benefits because its her brother. Very unfair i feel, carers should all get same benefits, Rebecca.
Rebecca - I think this is disgusting
and a classic example of paying in then not getting anything out when you need it. Have you had a word with your Mum's Cancer MacMillan nurse as they are very good with finding pots of money to help for a particular thing, or advising where your Mum might apply for extra help. I hope that something can be done to help your family. Please please give my very best wishes and a special Hug (I too am terminal) to your Mum. xxxx Penny
Struggling financially
I have come across these kinds of problems from two angles.
First as a property buyer, we are often approached by people with terminal cancer. They are usually trying to find a solution so that their partner can continue to live in their own home after their death. I think this shows the degree of financial difficulty cancer can cause, and how unprepared people can be.
Don't neglect to find out if insurance can cover payments before death.
I have also covered both financial difficulty and isolation in my book 'Their Cancer - Your Journey', which is designed for families and friends as they take a journey with another's cancer.
Anne
www.familiesfacingcancer.org
Another 'rat' in the maze!
Hi
I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma last month although been off work since original op on 29th July. Because it is in an "awkward and unusual place" according to my Consultant (my right inner ankle), he told me after the op that I was not to stand for too long and to elevate the foot whenever possible. This is very resticting to what I can do and obviously not been able to go back to work as I was standing for 7 hrs a day! Although theoretically I could sit down if offered another role I would still have to elevate my foot and using public transport would be a nightmare as I've been advised not to drive until all treatment finished,
So, this leads me to where I am today. I will only receive approx £75 a MONTH from my job. I was already in receipt of Council Tax Benefit and some Housing Benefit to pay towards my rent because of my low income. Now it's even lower so it was suggested by Benefits office to claim Income Support. After phoning them and telling them my situation they told me that I could also claim Incapacity Benefit because my cancer prevents me from working etc. I am in the process of doing this but everything takes time and the things they need to see for 'evidence' is never ending. I received a letter from the Tax Credit Office informing me that I was being taken to court next week for non-payment of alleged over-payments from 4 years ago -something my estranged husband and I have been fighting for the past 4 years and are still in dispute! So, with panic buttons all pressed I rang the Court and explained the situation, including the state of my health. They have agreed to halt the proceedings while they look into the case. Phew!
TODAY I have received a letter from the Letting Agents informing me that the Landlord is putting the rent up by £45 as of next month. I can't complain because he has kept it the same for the past 2 years but the timing sucks! I'm already having the third degree from the Housing benefit Dept on what I was paying before so this is going to throw a spanner in the works so probably more delays. My daughter starts Uni on the 22nd so I will no longer be getting Child Benefit as of next month (which is right but again the timing is all wrong).
So, all this worry and stress on top of waiting for an urgent admittance to hospital for further surgery/scans etc. On a form filled in by my GP where it said date of return to work he had written "not known". How am I supposed to keep a roof over my head and food on the table (and don't get me started on how much I am paying on my Gas Card to keep warm and have hot running water)AND cope with what I have??????
Sorry to have gone on but today has not had a good start with the post arriving -why is it always weekend's that you get the worrying letters when you can't do anything until Monday? Just leaves you stewing all weekend!
pheonix