Hello all, I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago. I had a mastectomy, with node clearance followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I am now on preventative medications. I suffer with neuropathy, lymphodemia, exhaustion, low self esteem, the list goes on.. I am not working due to side effects of medication and from treatment.
My husband and I practically live separate lives. We live together with our daughter. We have separate rooms and we do not spend much time together at all. The conversation is non existent and we have not been intimate for many many years. In fact he left the day after I started chemotherapy and only returned once it was over. (we had a big row and he left)
It is not a happy relationship at all. I am very lonely. My husband works and pays the bills (we are mortgage free, living in a home I inherited, solely in my name.
He refuses to leave and has a savings account which I have no access to.
I have no income, and rely on what little savings I have.. (as I said, he covers the utility bills and gives me a set amount for food shopping each week)
I really do not want to be in this relationship and as I have no income I feel very trapped.
I have recently applied for pip and now receive the lowest payment of £70 per week. I use this to pay for my daughters school bits, her lunches etc. Her clothes, and what I have left I put in petrol or buy things for the home.
I just feel kind of lost right now. My husband and I have not been happy for many many years, and when I try to talk to him he just intimidates me and argues.
I don't think I can afford to be a single parent. In fact I could not afford to keep a roof over our heads, and I really do not know what to do.
Has anyone else been in this situation x and can offer any support?
Hi there, I wanted to welcome you to the online community and say that it's good that you've found us and I hope we can be of some help. Your situation sounds very challenging and I can see why you would like some support. If I can suggest, a good place to start with some advice might be to have a chat with the lovely folks here at Macmillan. They provide a great listening ear, but can also point you in the right direction for financial advice and even some counselling, if that's something you might find useful. You can reach the, on 0800 808 0000 every day from 8am to 8pm.
There is also a specific forum for those who have had breast cancer, which might be a good place for you to connect to others in a similar situation. Here is the link for you to join that group. Breast Cancer forum link
I hope these suggestions are useful for you, best wishes
