Hi
I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, due to start chemo within next couple of weeks, I am wading through all the medical information i can regarding the chemo treatment and how to deal with the different side effects of the treatment. I have been told at the end of chemo I will have mastectomy.
The thing that i would be happier with is dealing with Finances, I realise all this form filling will take time then its got to go through the various systems to see if i am entitled to any, i was before diagnosed looking for work, the day after i was diagnosed i was offered interview and also a job, but not knowing what the chemo is going to entail and also with it all being such a shock i had to turn both down. I just want to go to one person and tell them what finances i have and then they can tell me what exactly i should be able to claim for.
I would feel a lot more settled with this out the way.
Thanks
Hello BeejayP
Welcome to the forums, you’ve come to the right place for support as the users of this site have a wealth of experience and knowledge between them.
I have put a link to a BCC publication which may help you.
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/movingforward_sections5_6.pdf
If you would like to talk to someone in confidence you may like to phone our helpline where you can talk to a member of staff. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes
June, moderator
Hi BeejayP
I’m so sorry you are in this situation. First of all, may I suggest that while you are going through chemo you join one of the monthly groups here on the forums, for support. You will find them here:
forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Chemotherapy-monthly-threads/bd-p/Chemotherapy_monthy_threads
October Optimists is the latest group, but I’ve no doubt it won’t be long before someone starts a group for those going through chemo in November.
As well as the financial advice you find on here, this link to the Macmillan site might also be helpful:
macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Financialissues/Financialissues.aspx
Another place that is helpful about finances, is the Maggies Centre. If you have one locally, they have a financial advisor just for people like you. Here is a link to their website where you can find out where/if there is one local to you.
maggiescentres.org/maggies/maggiescentres/home/home.html
Wishing you well.
poemsgalore xx
Hi
If you were claiming Jobseekers allowance before your diagnosis then you need to change your claim to Employment and Support Allowance this is for people who are not well enough to work. You will get the same amount as on Jobseekers until you complete a work capoability assesment. Becasue you are undergoing treatment you should be placed in the Support Group and you get a little bit more money. You can claim contribution based ESA for 12 months. I am not sure if you have a partner in which case if you are claiming Income Based ESA their income would be taken into account. It depends on whether you have worked for the previous 2 tax years as to which you would claim. I would phone the claim line 08000556688 and let them sort it out! Just tell them you want to make a claim for ESA
Hope this helps
Jill xxx
Thanks everyone, I have now spoken to MacMillan as advised by the breast cancer care helpline who are going to help me with this. I will join the group for people having chemo once i have my starting date as i think this would be good for me to have contact with others going through the same thing.