SSP ending

Hi Tobi

Have a look here to see if there is anything for you

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/benefits-and-financial-support

My own experience reflects that of most of the others who have been through radiotherapy. 
The first two weeks are of little consequence but things ramp up after that and most of us are on morphine, significant pain unable to eat by mouth and very very tired 

Where is your radiotherapy being targeted and how much are you getting 

You need to get something organised 

Beesuit said:

Where is your radiotherapy being targeted and how much are you getting 

 Tobi Le Great 

Ah. I’ve just read your other post about your glossectomy. 

Thanks Dani

It's going to be targeted in my neck as I had a partial glossectomy which was successful but it had escaped to the lymphs. I have had a neck dissection but have been now referred for radiotherapy. 

I don't know the amounts yet as I've got my first appointment with Oncology in 2 weeks.

I also have been on immunosuppressive medication for 34 years as I have various connective tissue diseases.

The ulcers in the mouth is something I'm used to and I already have oesophagitus.

I'll look at the link you've sent as at this point I've got to return to work.

Much Appreciated 

Samantha 

Hi Tobi

The treatment is pretty tough. Everybody reacts differently to it however you should try to put some financial support into place as soon as possible just in case....to enable you to focus on your health without the financial worries.  Have you applied for Universal Credit ? PIP ? MacMillan nurses can help you with these formalities. Also, if you have a mortgage...do you have an insurance? 

Best wishes.

Fab1

I get PIP and thankfully the last mortgage payment went out November.

I've tried the benefit calculator but I'm not entitled to anything according to that. 

I do have insurance but it's for death only to cover funeral costs. 

I'm going to have to see how it pans out. Unfortunately it seems if you're a home owner and 'still' have a job to return to you're not entitled to help. 

Sadly our society does not favour sickness well.

Hi Tobi

Fortunately I had just retired when I was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, I would not have been able to work during chemoradio treatment, the treatment was very challenging.

Very little financial support out there for cancer sufferers.

2017 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer ....SSP was minimal...lived off savings until I could return to work.

Tough enough dealing with the cancer... financial worries can hinder recovery.

Best of luck

Peter 

I'll tough it out, it's not looking like I have a choice. I'm used to being an in/out patient for the past 34 years now so I'm quite used to having to push myself. It is what it is I guess.

Hi Tobi. sorry you’re in this position it’s so unfair that a cancer diagnosis is bad enough them having financial worries compound this.. Radiotherapy isn’t easy and I’m also struggling to think of anyine that’s managed to work through it apart from one girl who worked dorm home but even she ended up hospitalised towards the end. Try the link Danis put on and I really hope you can get some help..

Hazel x

Thanks Hazel. Luckily I work from home due to other health implications and had recently reduced my hours to part time because of health. I'm going to talk to my Manager on Monday to see if we can negotiate working over a couple of days combined with  annual leave to at least cover half my contracted hours. Sort of phased return. I don't have any other option unfortunately. 

Hi Tobi I was fairly ok the first 2  weeks a scratchy throat was eating ok then start of week 3 for me it’s was like hitting a wall it all changed within days. Saying  ate all different fingers x for you , plus it depends where exactly your cancer is  how far yiu have to travel etc and are you having chemo, those days are longer.

Hazel