4 years since breast cancer op but recent adult autism diagnosis makes some official things challenging!

Hello

I am sorry to hear things are feeling so challenging at the moment. It sounds like you have been coping with so much this past few years and have had a lot of change to adjust to. I am really glad you have got in touch.

Our Work Support Service is available on the Support Line to advise people on their rights as someone affected by cancer. Although their area of expertise is employment, they may be able to clarify whether your cancer experience would be classed as a disability and your rights as a result. They also work alongside our Welfare Rights Team who would be able to explore whether or not you would be eligible for any financial support at the moment if that would be helpful at all. Our Support Line is available 8am-8pm 7 days a week on:0808 808 00 00 or via web chat. (Just to note: our Work Support Service specifically are currently available 8am-6pm Monday to Friday).

With you mentioning you have been diagnosed with autism recently tynesidelass meaning certain things are feeling a challenge, I wonder if it may also be helpful for you to be in touch with an Autism specific organisation like The National Autistic Society so they can provide expert information and support relating to that diagnosis specifically. Are you in touch with any at all?

I hear you wanting to know if anyone else has experienced something similar which is really understandable. You may want to reach out by posting in one of our Online Community cancer groups such as our Cancer Chat or Breast Cancer Forum to connect with others who may be experiencing similar. The National Autistic Society also have an Online Community where you can connect with others diagnosed with Autism too.

Are your healthcare team aware of this fogginess you are experiencing tynesidelass and that mobility has become a struggle? Do speak to them if not, or if there have been any changes, so they can support.

If at all you struggle to access patient transport going forward and public transport is challenging, you may wish to explore alternative options such as St John’s Ambulance Non-emergency Patient Transport Services or Community Transport options through your local Adult Social Care Team and Community Transport Association site

I really hope this information is helpful. Please do just get back in touch if you have any questions or need further support.

Thank you Jenna I will keep your message to refer to and am going to contact these places soon when I get clear moments usually early afternoon and the suggestions you made are great some organisations I've never heard of before so will try them too.   So something to focus on in the coming days/weeks.  A big thank you again  xx

You’re more than welcome  I’m glad it’s sounding helpful.

I’m aware I gave quite a lot of information all at once in my last message, so do, as you say, just take your time and you know where we are if you need any more help.

It must be really hard coping with all of this with family being so far away. Please do know we are also here on the Support Line for emotional support too: if ever you need someone to talk to about how you are feeling or finding life following treatment, we don’t want you struggling on your own.