I am starting my 4th type of Chemo (Epirubicin) on Thursday after results of Scan last week showed progression in Liver and Lungs. Not been feeling well for weeks so wasn’t surprised. The good news was that the Brain Met had shrunk so the Gamma Knive Radio seemed to have sone its trick. I am getting incresingly breathless and wonder if i would be eligible for a Stair Lift. I suppose we could buy one if necessary. I get Attendance Allowance as does my Husband at Top Rate. I am 69 and walking like an old lady now , finding it hard to do things that require any effort. I am good at sleeping in the chair all day LOL We have weekly house cleaners now so do not have to do much but just changing the sheets on the bed leaves me Breathless.
Does anyone else have weekly Epirubicin as wnen I had it before as part of F.E.C it took me 2 days to feel ok again so not going to get much respite.
Dot xx
I think you should request a social care assessment for a stair lift. They may have some other equipment which may help as well.
Don’t be shy. Carers are also entitled to assessments in their own right if you have someone helping you.
It’s a bit bureaucratic but may help
Mole
Hi
sorry to hear of your troubles.
Do you have a macmillan or hospice nurse? They can get you in touch with the relevant social services OT or ask for a referral to the district nurse who can organise your care. It really sounds as if you need some ‘agency’ help and don’t feel guilty about asking and getting your needs met.
It makes me so cross that there are people like you who are really struggling and get no help from the services that are supposed to be looking after us.
I’ve been getting care from the hospice for the last 10 months and it has opened up so many avenues for me and I feel you are in as much need as me and it really helps.
please ask someone in the’socail’ or ‘medical’ services to help you.
kate
Ps - I found out last week that at my hospital that when they ‘recycle’ chemos like epirubicin they tend to do it weekly and at lower doses so you get less side effects. Perhaps someone else can help you in this if you post it in ‘undergoing treatment’
Hi Dot
It may well be that you are eligible for a stair lift - as dippykate said a social services OT would need to assess. The way it is provided will depend on your accomodation. If you are in council/ housing authority accomodation they should provide any adaptations you need - would still need an OT assessment. If you are in your own home I think you would need to go throught DFG (disabled facilities grant) proceedure that is means tested for your contribution. This can be a very lengthy process, and the contributions can be quite high. If you stairs are straight and with easy access top and bottom - I think a lift fitted could be in the region of £1,500. If you decide you want to fund one yourself and have it more quickly you could ask the OT to do the assessment (I sometimes reps over prescribe to up the price) alternatively there may be a “disability living center” type facility near you (ask social services) where they will give you lots of impartial advice and often a speedier appointment. They may also be able to help with other things that could help minimise the impact of the breathlessness. I hope you can get something sorted. This info may vary slightly from council to council.
All the best
Tinkers
I agree with you all, please ask for help, the Macmillan or hospice care nurse can sort it all out for you and if you are entitled to benefits to help pay for it all she will help you fill in the form.
Wishing you luck
Sorry forgot to say I had epirubicin and was able to work through it as I had billiant anti sickness which was the worst side effect, perhaps I was lucky.
Luv
Wisdens