Cancer sufferer help please

Cool_Username

My partner was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and underwent a hysterectomy and subsequently underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy to try and prevent the cancer every returning. This was successful and she went into remission, and since mid 2007 has returned to the hospital every few months for blood tests in order to check that the cancer has not returned.

Unfortunately two months ago the routine blood tests showed that the cancer had in fact returned, and a CT scan and subsequent MRI scan showed that the cancer was now present in a larger area in two distinct masses. The cancer is inoperable. My partner is now undergoing a more intensive course of chemotherapy in order to try and shrink the cancer to a level where it can be controlled. Hopefully this will be successful as if not the doctor has said the cancer will "limit her time".

With this in mind, and without sounding like I am trying to 'cash in' on her condition which I assure everyone is not the case, I would like to make sure that the next few months are as comfortable as possible and she receives any and all assistance that she is entitled to.

I'm completely new to this world of claiming for various benefits and disabilities since both myself and my partner have always worked, and while I don't expect anyone to hand me all the answers on a plate, I would greatly appreciate any advice that people are willing to offer.

Thanks in advance.

Indie_Kid

Is she expected to live for less than 6 months?

Cool_Username

No timeframe was given by the doctor. To be honest I'm hoping that the chemo does the job and they can keep it under control indefinately. The other outcome is pretty unthinkable.

jazabelle

Really sorry to hear your news. I think you could claim Disability Living Allowance for your partner. It takes into account mobility and care needs. Does she need help with making meals? Getting out of bed? Showering? That's the kind of thing to think about.

Usually the person has to have been ill for six months before and due to be ill afterwards for six months, but it might be different with cancer.

Did she work before the diagnosis? It may be she can claim Employment and Support Allowance, which replaced Incapacity. I'm not sure what the rules were, I just wanted to offer my support for you.

McKneff

while i cant help with benefits etc i just wanted to pass on my best wishes for you and your wife, life must be an absolute nightmare for you both.

My very best wishes for her recovery

Indie_Kid

jazabelle wrote: »

Usually the person has to have been ill for six months before and due to be ill afterwards for six months, but it might be different with cancer.

If the cancer is terminal (hence my question) it can be claimed straight away.

Cool_Username

jazabelle wrote: »

Really sorry to hear your news. I think you could claim Disability Living Allowance for your partner. It takes into account mobility and care needs. Does she need help with making meals? Getting out of bed? Showering? That's the kind of thing to think about.

Usually the person has to have been ill for six months before and due to be ill afterwards for six months, but it might be different with cancer.

Did she work before the diagnosis? It may be she can claim Employment and Support Allowance, which replaced Incapacity. I'm not sure what the rules were, I just wanted to offer my support for you.

Thanks Jazabelle I really appreciate the kind words.

No she doesn't need help with getting out of bed and things like that, the intensive chemotherapy is messing her up pretty badly though - her hair had to be shaved off a few days ago so that's been traumatic for her. She is very depressed and lacks any energy because of the treatment - moving about is difficult because the tumor is pressing against nerves in her leg and causing her a lot of pain.

Not even sure what help I'm thinking of getting her. Perhaps a blue badge so that she is able to limit the distance she has to walk when she goes out?

Cool_Username

sh1305 wrote: »

If the cancer is terminal (hence my question) it can be claimed straight away.

I don't suppose it can be called terminal at the moment - hopefully the chemotherapy will work and it can be kept under control - the cancer is inoperable due to its location. Haven't really thought of it as terminal to be honest but I suppose if the chemo doesn't work it will be.

worriedsik

I know nothing on entitlements and benefits but the thread caught my eye and would like to say how sory iam to hear the news and i do hope that chemo works xx

eco

Hi, when my mum had cancer we got a mcmillan nurse who was really good at talking to my mum about what to expect, she also knew of some afternoon sessions for massage and aromatherapy, but mum wasn't into that so we didn't get the chance to try it either. If it was us again I would speak to mcmillan they are invaluable.

codwidow

Hi

I am really sorry to hear about your partner and hope the news is better than you hoped after her chemo.

I am no expert on benefits really but my Dad had cancer last year and we found the Macmillan website really helpful

Sending you both positive thoughts x