Hello my name is Heather I have just been diagnosed with brest cancer last week for the first time (and last I hope) Both my sisters have had cancer,one died seven month ago Im a bit scared of what to expect with the chemo. Can anyone tell me how soon after the treatment do you start to feel ill? How soon do you lose your hair?
I wanted to ask you about the DLA bit - hope you don't mind. I thought about trying to claim this before but as I'm still working full time I kind of felt a bit reluctant to go there (you know, if you can work surely you won't qualify). Because of my diagnosis I was told that I'd probably be able to claim something but as I can generally care for myself and can walk around freely (just a bit breathless if i go too fast or carry something too heavy) so wasn't sure if I would qualify as that's the main two components isn't it? Sounds like I'm a defeated soul before I start! I suppose it feels wrong because i don't feel unwell most of the time, that It feels wrong to try and get something for nothing. Any help/advice very gratefully received.
it's been lovely reading everybody's posts - such a great support to everyone - keep going folks, Sue, xxx
Hi coppertop, of course I don't mind, DLA is for everyone and it depends on your level of fitness, Di"s cancer was aggressive and they knew how long she had and thats why she was given the full amount, where as my mum's was well to be honest I don't think they quiet knew how serious it was and thats why she got the minimum amount about £40-60 per week. You are entitled to this money so if you work or not go and get it and don't be proud, we felt a little like that because we had never claimed anything before, but I tell you what it helped. Just phone them and get the form at least because you have four weeks to claim and it's back dated from when you asked for it, the form will be stamped. Don't for get to mention your breathlessness, if your not sure what to say or how to fill your form in (it's about 20 pages long)(and don't be put of with that as I think they are designed like that to put you of)make an appointment with you mac nurse and she will help, our cancer dept had a CAB person there to help with things like that. Well thats about it on that but if when you get the form your still not sure please ask on here. There is another form but I don't want to say on here so if you want to know what that is request me as a friend and I'll tell you. All the best to everyone.
Hi again Coppertop and everyone, up date on DLA, just found Di's form (photocopy, always photocopy the forms you send),this is what the form says: DLA is a tax free social security benefit for people with an illness or disability who need help with: getting around,personal care or both,you can claim DLA even if you:do not actually get the help you need,live alone,or (and your case) work, it's not affected by savings, not usually affected by any other money you have coming in and not usually counted as income when working out Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance, so come on get on that phone first thing tomorrow, they open at 7.30 am.
Well great news, despite my bunged up nose and my hacking cough chemo went ahead yesterday as planned – my Oncologist is determined I’m not getting out of it that easy!! Lol
So far I’ve been just fine. I keep sitting here waiting for a side affect to kick in!! lol Just to be on the safe side though at the mere thought of nausea I’m off into my self hypnosis trance to convince myself otherwise J
At what point does your taste tend to go and the sore mouth develop?
Camilla, you’are spot on, my second dose is Taxotere.
JayLyn, Welcome, sorry to see you here but your in great company J
Jean – Nice to see you again. It’s funny isn’t but when someone asks a question you know you can help with, your work head clicks in and you go into work mode, lol. I work in HR (or should I say worked, by the time I get back to it I’ll have been off work for a year!! Yikes). Beautiful hat by the way x
Kev – Hello. You’re right about the Disability Allowance I had forgotten about that one. Great advice you give my friend. I’ve been to the citizen advice for help on what I could be entitled to if I were to come off Job Seekers Allowance and go on to sickness benefits, but I’ve drawn a blank as they wouldn’t tell me. Looks like I’ll have to talk to the Job Centre plus people and risk losing out financially. Gulp! Not something I can afford to do really.
Hi to everyone else. I hope you’re all enjoying this weather we’re having and I hope your health/treatments are going well.
well last night i hit the chemo coma :-( . I spent all evening asleep and woke up this morning feeling better. I'm keeping everything crossed that it doesn't come back again later!!.
Kev thanks for those tips and that DLA info i'm gonna phone them shortly. Jean and i Have been having Epi CMF. We are now half way through the CMF but would appreciate any advice on this. The CMF has been much kinder than the Epirubicin...yuck!!
Sam I'm really pleased that your chemo went ahead. Is the hypnosis keeping nausea at bay? It's such a shame citizens advice wasn't much help. I should get yourself down the job centre plus, they must be able to help you, good luck. My taste buds would go within 2-3 days on the epirubicin (i think). Mine are much better now i'm on the cmf but things still don't taste great, and again they go within a few days..boo!
Sue thanks for your lovely comments. Keep posting x
Jean thanks for that. I guess different hospitals do different things. I've also got to reduce my steroids by one each day to combat going to sleep!! Only because (as you know) it raises my sugar levels and that makes you sleepy. So you're reducing them to go to sleep and reducing them to stay awake!! Do the doctors really know what they are talking about!! Lol...we are an odd bunch lol :-D
I think it's a combination of the amount of anti-sickness drugs I'm on and the hypnosis. I really believe in it, and that's what's going to get me through this. I hate the feeling of nausea more than actually being sick, but I'm a baby when it comes to that so if I beleive the hypnosis is working then that's good for me lol.
Thanks for the tip on the taste, I look forward to that tomorrow then!! :)
Mmmm against my better judgement, I think I will speak to them on Monday when I go and sign on see what's what and everything.
Kev i've just made that call and my application pack is on its way. Do they always give this benefit to cancer patients and do they back date it to the date of the claim or when you were first diagnosed?? Sorry!! Thanks very much x
Sam i just missed your post, we posted at the same time!! If i wasn't 3/4 of the way through chemo i would definately consider hypnosis. It's great that it's helping you through it. You'll think i'm mad but i prefer the sickness to the tiredness!!! I don't know why i'm finding the tiredness such a killer but it does my head in! Definately speak to the job centre, you have nothing to lose. Chelle x
Hi Chelle, my application on its way too. Can't see I am eligible though as I still manage to cover a fair few hours in the hotel, albeit sat down work lol
If I remember correctly most of us were OK after the 1st chemo (except Chelle who got really tired, because of her blood sugar levels)
The side effects kick in after the second dose. They affect all of us differently. My taste buds started to get knackered after the 3rd one. I didn't have mouth ulcers until the 4th dose.
But really, I think you will just have to wait and see, as we are all different. Your hypnosis may also help, as you are the first one having this as well. Keep as posted
