Not living in a suitable house

To KaspianSce,

Thank you for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support.  My name is Kelly and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on our support line.

From reading your information it does sound complicated being able to get the support you are looking for.  Especially as your mum doesn’t feel comfortable letting anyone come to the house to do an assessment for you.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult for us to know what the best way forward is for you with your living situation.  Not all houses are always adapted to meet each person’s individual needs.

It sounds like further support from other health professionals such as  Occupational Therapists (OT), physiotherapists and even local adult social care services could be helpful at this time.  Even if it wasn’t possible to have a wet room installed just to find out if there were other ways to make things easier at home.

It's not clear if you have ever had input or have existing contact details for this type of support. 

I wondered if it may help to arrange an appointment with your GP to discuss your social circumstances.  They can make referrals to any local community and health care professional services such as those mentioned above. 

I’m not sure if they could be supportive and try and act on your behalf to speak with your mum to see if any compromises could be reached.

We’d also encourage you to get back in touch with your thyroid consultant or a named thyroid nurse specialist if you were introduced to one.  As they are directly involved with your care too, they may also be able to resolve any concerns specifically related to the practical aspects of preparing for surgery.

It’s not unusual to have a pre-operative appointment to talk through the planned surgery in more detail and a chance for you to raise any concerns.

You could mention that you are worried about trying to prepare yourself for the day of the surgery.   It would help for them to be aware of your concerns about being able to access suitable showering/bathing facilities for that day but also previous transport issues due to your accessibility issues.

Maybe asking about whether it is possible to be admitted to hospital the day before your surgery date to prevent any unnecessary stress.  This would allow you peace of mind at being able to access more wheelchair friendly facilities including bathrooms without feeling rushed.

I’m not saying that this would definitely happen but once they understand about your home circumstances hopefully, they would consider all potential options.

There’s such a lot to consider at this time and it’s important to look after your own wellbeing at this time too.

There are different ways of getting emotional support even when it is more difficult to get out of the house.

Our free remote led counselling sessions are also available for anyone living with cancer.

Penny Brohn UK, an online wellbeing charity has lots of supportive information too.

I hope this information helps a little .  Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch with us if you need any further support.

Best wishes,

Kelly (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.

Our ref: KA/JF

Hi Kelly,

Thanks for your reply, I was put in contact with an occupational therapist two weeks ago and they have arranged for me to have a perching stool which should help. I didn't go into detail too much with them about the lack of shower, I focused more on struggling to stand by the sink.

I think it would be worth me speaking to my GP, I am on a list for social housing so maybe they could write a letter outlining my needs.

I haven't met the thyroid nurse specialist yet but when I do, I will let them know my concerns and see what they suggest. I have an amazing friend who lives by the hospital so I may be able to stay with her.

Thanks for recommending emotional support, I often forget to take care of that side of my health.