I have just been diagnosed with anal cancer. I live alone in a Housing Association home in Manchester. All the friends I had up here have all passed on and I feel stranded up here. I am 79yrs old and live only on my pension and pension credit. My family and friends live in London and Ipswich and I would like to know if there is any help or advice you can give me to get help in moving down there. I don't know what will happen if I have to stay up here alone.
Hi Bill1944uk
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Being diagnosed with a cancer means having to deal with issues and situations that may worry you and cause uncertainty but there is support you can access to help. I am so sorry that you are feeling stranded, that must be very difficult for you right now.
Please speak to your team in Manchester about your situation as they can help you and put local support in place. The Macmillan Telephone Buddies is also a free service where one of our Macmillan trained volunteers can call you weekly for up to 12 weeks to listen so you don’t have to face this alone. Manchester also has a number of Macmillan information and support services you can access for help and support so have a look at the one which is closest to you.
Manchester Age UK are also there to offer a range of services to help people over the age of 50.
Our Macmillan Welfare Rights team are here to help advice you regarding benefits and financial support or pensions and cancer.
It is important to talk to your team about how you are feeling so they can support you.
If you do choose to move to Ipswich or London, you don’t want to delay any treatment and your team would need to refer your care to the appropriate team.
Talk to your family about possible solutions and if you wish to move you would also need to register with a local GP.
You can approach your housing association to seek support regarding a mutual exchange. Sheltered housing could also be worth exploring. Please see the Gov.uk link I have attached.
You may find joining one of our online community forums beneficial at this time for friendship with others going through similar experiences or for some support.
I hope that this helps.
Best wishes and take care,
Paula (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or webchat.
Ref: PL/AP
