New to the site so hoping you can point me to the right place.
Yesterday it was confirmed that I have stage 4 bowel cancer that has spread to the liver, to say that this has knocked me sideways is an understatement.
Aged 55, I stopped work 3 years ago to be a F/T carer to my mother who has Alzheimer's & am seriously stressed about her future care, the financial costs involved & what happens during my treatment. As I only receive carers allowance as an income, which I will lose this when I am in hospital, what financial assistance could I get for my mother's care, will I be able to care for her when I am having chemo, can I drive once chemo has started? I understand that I will be having 5 weeks of chemotherapy / radiotherapy starting in the next few weeks & then an operation, what side effects etc can I expect?
As most men I usually don't open up about my personal life & problems, but this time I think I will need emotional support & pointing in the right direction from anyone who has been through a similar journey.
Thank you in advance
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
Although I didn't have the same cancer diagnosis as you I do recognise the feelings you're going through at the moment. I know what a worrying time it will be just getting your head around your diagnosis without having the added pressure of worrying about finances and what will happen to your mum while you're undergoing treatment.
I can see that you've already found and joined the bowel cancer group which is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support. You might also like to join the secondary liver cancer group and, if this is something that you'd like to do, clicking on the link I've created will take you straight there.
To post in either of these groups just click on 'New' and to join in with existing conversations click on 'reply'.
For information about what benefits you might be entitled to can I recommend that you give the welfare rights team a call on 0808 808 0000. It's free to call the Support Line and the welfare rights team are available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and from 9am to 5pm on a Saturday and Sunday.
It would be great if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi ItsMe, just wanting to say hello and offer a bit of support. Im new on the forum, and I had breast cancer which involved six months of chemo. I worked through the first four months and drove to all but two by myself. It can totally be fine if you’re otherwise feeling ok, but equally ask for help if you need it. Maybe get a lift the first time and see how you’re affected? All the best 
Hi and welcome to the online community
I can see that you've already found and joined the breast cancer group and I'm sure when you feel ready to post there you'll find it's a great place to give and receive support.
When you have a minute it would be really useful if you add some details about your cancer journey to your profile as it really helps others when they are looking for someone who has had a similar experience to themselves.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Thanks I’ve just done it 
x
