Hello everyone

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Hello everyone,

I'm new to this group and wanted to introduce myself. I've been battling bladder cancer for four years now, and just had my sixth surgery last week along with antibiotic treatment.

My cancer journey has been challenging. Since my diagnosis in 2020, I've faced numerous setbacks:

  • Lost my regular job
  • Had to sell our house and move to Milton Keynes
  • Struggling to find work at 60 due to my illness and age
  • Unable to get insurance because of frequent relapses and surgeries
  • Currently relying on my wife's income, which is difficult for me

Despite working steadily for 24 years at my last job, paying taxes, and trying to be a good citizen, I haven't found much support. It's disheartening that no person, place, or institution seems interested in our family's situation.

I'm writing because I'm feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. While cancer is a formidable opponent, it's the feeling of powerlessness and inability to contribute that's truly weighing on me.

I'm not sure what kind of support I can expect here, but I hope to connect with others who understand this journey. Wishing everyone in the group success in their treatments and recovery.

Thank you for listening.

  • Hi tycek,

    Welcome to this group, but sorry to hear about your situation.

    Must be incredibly hard losing your job whilst battling cancer. I can only imagine what you're going through and how difficult it must be for you.

    Have you tried giving Macmillan a call to see if you're entitled to any financial support etc? 

    I know it's not the same as work (financially), but there are volunteers needed in my area hospital drivers etc, so perhaps your area is the same.

    There are lots of types of volunteering if you're up for something like that. I'm just thinking out loud.

    Sorry I haven't really offered any great advice or help but hopefully someone with more experience will be along soon.

    Take care.

    Trevor 

  • Hi Tycek, I can’t really offer much advice only to say my husband and I are retired and therefore work etc is not a problem, reading different posts on here it is very apparent that the earlier in life you are diagnosed causes problems with money/work/liabilities etc, I feel so much for those who are suffering and also have these problems to deal with.

    My husband is the one with bladder cancer, although before that he went self employed because of redundancy and it was my salary that was the main income, it was definitely a case of what’s mine is yours scenario, perhaps it’s you that have the concerns and not your wife.

    i just want to wish you all the best, life is hard sometimes but we are all here for you x

  • Hi Tycek, really sorry to hear about your situation. Its hard enough dealing with cancer , without all the other worries you have to contend with. I feel like i am very lucky having heard your experience, when i was diagnosed last year , my cancer specialist nurses macmillan team assessed my needs and developed a care package ( tbh i thought everyone got this) . Part of that assessment involved finances. They actually gave me a key worker to see if i was entitled to any financial help. I never asked, and i didnt expect that kind of help would be available to me. Macmillan were really wonderful . It may be worth contacting them . I hope things get better for you. Stay with the forum, you are among friends

    Much love Angela x

  • Hi tycek,I’m sorry you are having all these challenges.I hope you find the group helpful and supportive.Best wishes Jane 

  • Hi,

    I can’t help you totally but I can tell you that you’re not alone. In the last 8 weeks, I’ve lost my job, both my dogs have had accidents which has cost so much money.  I have been on the 2 week pathway for a scan and then a TURBT which took place today. Now I’ve got an immense pain in my side. Now I’ve got the worry of waiting for the results. 

    I totally understand how you’re feeling. This group has given me so much comfort. No judgements or telling us what to do so, share how you are here anytime.

    Adding some light hearted humour here, but if you ever want to play a game of “how I’m feeling” trumps, give me a shout. I also enjoy a good rant with the troubles in the world and laugh about the funny things in life. I’m sure there will be others joining the conversation Grinning

    Take care x 

  • PS - I’m 43 years old. 

  • Kitty ones so sorry to read your post, so young. Hopefully you get your results quickly and a treatment plan in place. So sorry to hear about the loss of job, more worry for you. Hang on in there, as you say we are all in the same boat and when it gets rocky there are kind people on here with words of advice

  • Morning kittybones, i was just wondering how you are today after the turbt. ? Hope you managed to get some sleep .

    Much love Angela x

  • I’m feeling a lot better today. The pain has reduced immensely - it was in my lower left abdomen and back weirdly. I was called back by a nurse and then by a GP today. It was likely pain after the op and trapped gas. It’s tolerable today. Thanks for caring Thermometer face xxxx

  • Hi Kittybones,I hope you will rest up a bit.I’m glad your pain is better.Take care.Love Jane xxx