6 months to live~ can they claim anything

TotallyBroke

skintdragon wrote: »

When you had the histology meeting with the consultant was there a nurse with you to offer you additional social support (were you in attendance when they gave the results)?

It would be wise to speak to someone at the hospital about this; I suspect (if there is one) a neuro- oncology nurse will have been in touch with Macmillan services, but it doesn't hurt to ask what is available for your family, or if any form of support has already been put in place.

Sorry to hear about the GBM diagnosis. There should be a good multi- disciplinary team at the hospital for dealing with neuro- oncology services; please ask the nurses to refer your case; they should be pretty clued- up with things like this. Granted it's a GBM diagnosis, your case should be dealt with relatively quickly.

I hope that helps; all the best x

Skintdragon I was not there at the meeting, it was just Dad and my other sisters so not sure who was there. Last night when Dad told me it was all I could do to take it all in. So tonight armed with what you are all telling and advising me we can talk about what help the hospital can offer.

DB9

Benefits wise your Mum will have to use all her work sick pay, then she can go on to IB. I think now the free parking for patients has been re introduced at the hospital. I am not sure about prescriptions, all I know is you can buy a 6 month exemption certificate and it will cover all medication.
The Macmillan nurses ARE Angels. They are on the end of the 24hrs a day. I would not have coped without them. My Sister passed away a year ago.
I do know that Macmillan can offer a respite holiday, its to a hotel in Bournemouth, it has a full medical staff . This is a grant from Macmillan and they will arrange everything for. They can also offer money is things are tight.

Hope this helps a little and if you need any advice or a chat pm me

Indie_Kid

Cancer patients are entitled to free prescriptions. Her GP needs to fill in a form.

She won't get IB because it doesn't exist for new claimants - she needs to claim ESA.

moneypenny2k

Wow what a wonderful supportive bunch we have on mse. I'd forgotten about McMillan, they are wonderful. The parking and prescription advice didn't even occur to me.

skintdragon

TotallyBroke wrote: »

Skintdragon I was not there at the meeting, it was just Dad and my other sisters so not sure who was there. Last night when Dad told me it was all I could do to take it all in. So tonight armed with what you are all telling and advising me we can talk about what help the hospital can offer.

Please write down all the things you want to ask, so you don't forget when you are talking to people. Also, if possible, go to these question- asking sessions accompanied, so hopefully they will remember things you may not! There will be alot of info to take on board at this stage, so try and keep a clear head, and keep asking about anything that you do not understand.

Where do you live? I am asking because services available (like neuro oncology nurse specialists) are very much dependant on where you live. For example, I used to work in the tertiary referral centre for all Neurosurgery around my area, hence my (old and slightly limited) experience in neuro stuff.

Any questions, fire away, or PM me. I will try and help.:)

DaisyChainMaker

Sorry to hear about your mum, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I have no advice to give, but didn't want to read and run, and wanted to also say that these forums never cease to amaze me, the people on here who are full of very useful information and support are amazing. They are all stars xx

TotallyBroke

Thanks we are in West London and the hospital she will be having her treatment is Charing Cross which is a 40min drive away on a good day. Parking there is £2 per hour so would be atleast £10 per week so having free parking would certainly help because Dad's pension and reduced sick pay is not going to last for long.
Because of her age, 60 in October she cannot claim her pension until August next year so I'm hoping that an earlier post saying she could claim pension earlier is correct. Might be better that way than claiming ESA atleast it's her own money than the governments.

DB9

Just remembered, please check life ins policy , this could have the critical illness clause. This could take away any worry of mortgages. I am only going from memory and not an expert, just been through all this.

TotallyBroke

Thankfully mortgage is not a problem as they paid that off a few months ago.. but thanks I will talk to Dad about insurance policies.
You've all been marvellous and your advise is gratefully received. x

frannyann

Call 0800 882200 and request DLA under special rules and they can also advise on any other benefits. Best wishes at this difficult time x