Help while getting medical care: what options are there?

BrandNewDay

I've got a friend who will need to undergo chemotherapy for six months. She's the mother of three young children, with the youngest still in nappies and the oldest in the first year of primary school. The treatment - interferon - is known for being very taxing. Severe depression, lethargy, and debilitating physical pain are common side effects. Apparently, they get a little better over time, but they are generally horrendous in the initial weeks/months.

She has no family or close friends in the area and her husband has to work 10-hour days. She's not sure how she can take care of her children - particularly in regards to doing the school run. What would you suggest she do? Do you suppose there are any charities that would send someone to help a couple of hours in the morning or something? Is the husband entitled to take any paid time off of work?

Nicki

I'd ask Macmillan these questions. Aren't they very good with practical advice and local knowledge in these sorts of circumstances?

Also other parents might help with school run?

BrandNewDay

Nicki wrote: »

I'd ask Macmillan these questions. Aren't they very good with practical advice and local knowledge in these sorts of circumstances?

Also other parents might help with school run?

Thanks for your reply!

Who/what is Macmillan? A cancer charity? She doesn't have cancer, but Hep C - another disease that is treated with interferon. I'm not sure it's really "chemotherapy" but I think it is. Anyway, the side effects are similar. She can ask some of the hepatitis charities, I guess!

I don't think other parents are an option. She doesn't know anyone locally. New in the area. She's thought of asking her pastor if he could help her find someone through her parish to come and help her. She's afraid of school runs, mostly - getting one kid to primary school, another kid to nursery, and lugging a baby along with her.

Telling people she has hepatitis is also difficult for her. It's not something that inspires sympathy/charity in people. KWIM?

Mutter_2

Your poor friend, a long haul in front of her. I can't help wondering if your OP may be better on the Health board or even Benefits board.
Why not ask a Mod for advice on that, I'd hate to think you and friend were missing out on good advice, no disrespect to anyone here of course, but this is a bit general here.

Hoping for a good recovery for her, she's lucky to have you as her friend.

Nicki

BrandNewDay wrote: »

Thanks for your reply!

Who/what is Macmillan? A cancer charity? She doesn't have cancer, but Hep C - another disease that is treated with interferon. I'm not sure it's really "chemotherapy" but I think it is. Anyway, the side effects are similar. She can ask some of the hepatitis charities, I guess!

I don't think other parents are an option. She doesn't know anyone locally. New in the area. She's thought of asking her pastor if he could help her find someone through her parish to come and help her. She's afraid of school runs, mostly - getting one kid to primary school, another kid to nursery, and lugging a baby along with her.

Telling people she has hepatitis is also difficult for her. It's not something that inspires sympathy/charity in people. KWIM?

Yes, Macmillan is cancer - sorry I assumed as you mentioned chemo that that was what you were talking about.

How about social worker at the hospital then? Or ask her GP's surgery what might be available.

pavlovs_dog

perhaps it would be worth posting on the benfits board - she may be eligible for some kind of benefits or extra support

aurora_borealis_2

Here you go

It's all on here - tell her to take a look at the discussion boards. This is a fantastic site.

frannyann

Nicki wrote: »

Yes, Macmillan is cancer - sorry I assumed as you mentioned chemo that that was what you were talking about.

How about social worker at the hospital then? Or ask her GP's surgery what might be available.

Just to add, although the Macmillan nurses primary concern is people with a cancer diagnosis, they will offer advice and support to amyone with a serious or life limiting condition. If your friend asks to speak to the Macmillian nurses based (or linked) to the hospital she is being treated in, they will be able to help her locate appropiate resources. Best of Luck to her.

Glad

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