I was diagnosed at the end of March. Cant believe its august already. Ive been so busy with scans and appointments and a hospitalization with sepsis. Im now also diabetic after steroids for possible spinal cord compression. I have two children and a grandson. They are all in America, my husband is American and we are trying to get the home office to allow him to stay here. I came here to visit family. I had taken 2nd moderna vaccine in America before my trip to uk. We were planning making this a holiday between my jobs as much as able with covid and mostly to help my sister who was struggling with isolation and poor vision.After i was here about 3 weeks the lymphedema...swelling under my arm after the vaccine had not resolved and to my shock i was diagnosed with breast cancer, it haad already spread to my bones. Most people know that healthcare in America is expensive. Also that you dont get much time off work,like one week after a year! I had health insurance over there with my work but now i am not working i have lost it. If I return to America we will be destitute in a short time. So here I am. The NHS is amazing. I used to work for them and I am amazed at the quality of care I have been given. My heart aches. I was born in Yorkshire but in many ways my home is in Montana with my children. To return to America would be a financial disaster and unfair to my husband. I know he wants to go home. Ive even told him to leave me and just go. I feel Im ruining his life too.
Hi WallWalker and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the mountain of issues you are facing. I have no first hand experiences that I can bring to the table but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment journey may help you navigate this difficult time.
The New to Community is like the Community Reception area and as there are many cancer types and experiences so likewise the Community has many support groups but I see you have already joined and posted in our supportive Breast, secondary cancers and Bone, secondary cancer groups as these will be good places to connect with folks who may be on the same cancer treatment pathway.
It’s often good to talk things through so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best ((hugs))
