Hi

Papillon I know our circumstances are all different but this is a journey your on full of emotion, pain exhaustion and a lot more. When I found out I had breast cancer in September 2021 the breast clinic contacted my Dr and signed me off work until all treatment is finished..I contacted macmillan financial advice and they've been keeping me right all along with money, I had company sick pay for 26 weeks now I've applied for ESA which they helped me with..please give them a ring and I hope you get sorted..take care..xx

Dear Papalon, My circumstances are also different to yours; but what I do know is that when we hit these low, dark periods during treatment; or awaiting results from the various tests along the way words seem trite and trival; but I would encourage you to please please don't give up; keep fighting.

You only have 1 more Chemo session prior to surgery; having gone through what you have so far you will be like Frank Bruno punching your way through the surgery. 

Cancer is tough - but I have a feeling that you're tougher !!!   I'm not sure if you believe in God; but I do and I will pray for you.

Keep on fighting.....

There is a lot you are entitled to, talk to Macmillan or Maggie's, they have financial and benefit advisers. I have had, and still having, a lot of help from the one in Maggie's at my hospital. Thanks to her I was able to get everything I was entitled to, as well as some grants for travel and other things.

As for work, by law they are required to make "reasonable adjustments," and you are entitled to time off too. You can find out more about this right here, in the, "Ask the Expert," section, and the organisations I mentioned would have a lot of information, as well as help in filling out forms and applying.

I have spoken to McMillan, Maggies and cab in regards to financial support but they all say I’m not entitled to any benefits because my partner work full time. I’m awaiting from dwp about pip.