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Hi I'm Rollin and I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in February of this year ,I've started Hormone therapy and I had 5 fractions of Radiotherapy,I'm currently having chemotherapy ,the 4 th of 6 this week ,I'm self employed and haven't had any income since my diagnosis , this has caused so much stress having now come to the end of my savings ,Has anyone else had to wait so long for an assessment for benefits? Or has anyone any positive suggestions or advice for me ,it's been hard enough to deal and accept my illness and transition from a healthy guy working 7 days a week to a guy with no energy and a life full of so many drastic changes ,Just to add I've recently received two payments of universal credit which doesn't even cover my rent! I'd appreciate any advice .

  • Hi  

    sorry to see  are having difficulties right now on top of you diagnosis . Can you contact your cancer specialist nurse or someone at your local Maggie Centre  and ask them to support your application for PIP/ ESA  and anything else you would qualify for. 

    We’re in Scotland and they asked us if we had all our allowances in place as they would help with the forms.

       
    Hope you get sorted out financially soon

    Best wishes & hugs 

    Liz & OH xx

  • Well no they haven't done that to be honest I've not had much direction or contact with my macmillan case worker ,I submitted my pip application 5 months ago but not sure where it's sitting in the process ,Just wondering how long it takes etc , 

  • I can sympathise. I too haven’t had a bean from the support agencies in England.

    But I have spoken to Macmillan support by phone and have been taken through all the possible ways of getting financial assistance. It would be different for you being self employed but the advice might help. Maybe you’ve already called.

    I found that I needed help for my mind after being disappointed by the system that can’t help me. This was at my NHS hospital and referred through my cancer team. I would seriously consider some help.

    Citizens advice could help too.

    I wish you luck 

  • Sorry you’ve not been given the support . I would phone your MacMillan Case Worker tomorrow and just tell them you need help. 

  • Thank you for your help and response ,I to have had difficult days with all the worrg , thinking and trying to make ends meet , I just don't know where to go anymore ,Been to macmillan and citizens advice suppose I just have to wait ! 

  • Thank you for your reply I appreciate it 

  • Ihave done that several times with no reply ,thank you for your advice 

  • hi i was diagnosed with advanced cancer in January 25. I'm on triplet therapy. see my bio for my details. ive never claimed for anything in my life but was advised to apply for pip. I did and answered all the questions honesty.  and ive been awarded the pip wich helps out . I would suggest you go to the nearest. Maggies and ask for advice.  they helped me fill in the relevant forms and gave me good advice.  hope this helps. regards dale 

  • Hi I have been there when first diagnosed ,My case worker isn't in contact and I cannot get any response when I call her ,I've rang headoffice re this problem but heard nothing from anyone after macmillan since ! ,