Cancer changed my life!

cancer_wakeup_call

So I wake up on year after moving to the Caribbean to find that things are not well, I put it down to stress of work and a move 5000 miles. A week later after 2 very intense days working on a project I almost collapse in my office. I call my husband to collect me and barge into a doctor's office even though they have no appointments left for that day. After seeing the state I was in they did some tests and told me to go to straight to hospital and they would follow. 

It turns out it was not stress, it was cancer. 

I was shocked, I'm 40, have a young child and the main earner. I am also a health freak having never smoked, drank or taken drugs how can this happen to me?

Fast forward 3 months later and 7 chemo cycles in I have come to see my cancer as a life saver. It's been awful, the side effect leave me like a zombie unable to eat or function. I've had to move back in with my family and been made redundant to top it off (because the Caribbean countries lack any decent employment protection laws). I have over £7K outgoings a month which was fine when I was earning 6 figures. But now I'm in debt and maybe this is my lightbulb moment. I didn't ever think I would not be able to work to pay off the 60K debt which is mostly acquired for a extension on my house but here I am and it means for the first time since I was a child I lack autonomy, not because I am mentally unwell but because I'm so physically unwell I have been signed off sick. I have taken more time off for caner treatment then I did for maternity leave. 

This is the first time since my teenage years I have felt I am not in control of my life, in the past I would work more, earn more and problems would be solved, but what do you do when you can't work because you're in hospital 3 days a week? so here I am joining the thousands dealing with debt, looking to simplify my life and feeling grateful for the little things, like not having to pay rent, like when my toddler laughs and like knowing that my go to solution of working more and earning more was more a burden than a path to freedom. 

I hope people knowing that debt can be a problem for professional people like me earning a good amount is helpful. 

I now have two fights, clearing debt and cancer. 

lillypoo

Oh bless you! I will leave advice to those more knowledgeable than me, but wanted to send a virtual hug . I cannot begin to imagine how you're feeling ..hope you have a good support network.
I will follow your story and hope better days come to you soon. 

Toni'sfriend

I too will leave the debt advice to those better qualified than I. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January and I can identify with the shock you feel. Although I don't feel as unwell as you obviously do I do understand that feeling of having no control over your life. Sending you my very best wishes. I will follow your progress (as progress it will be) too,

poppy811

I live on my own and have terminal cancer,  exhaustion is terrible as is lack of appetite   Hope you do well

Makingabobor2

Sending virtual hugs and positive vibes for your healing. I have no words of wisdom, other than be positive and keep going. You can do this. 

GeorgianaCavendish

Another one sending best wishes to you at this incredibly difficult time. Make sure that you are putting yourself first! 


On a practical level regarding the debt, have you contacted your creditors to advise them of your health situation? You don't have to tell them, but if you are struggling and finding it difficult to manage all the payments you might want to do so to see if they can make any accommodations. The Cancer Research website has a good section about Money Matters. 


There are a lot of people here who can give great advice if you post a SOA with all your budget details as well. I think Lemon Fool is the website people use here.

satchmo1

Hi, just wanted to wish you strength and health.

I too had a shocking diagnosis but was in the fortunate position of being able to retire, having joined the MSE debt-free roll of honour over 10 years ago after pulling DH out of debt accumulated through thinking "I earn a big salary so I can spend what I like". Thankfully he listened and acted.

Four_Seasons

Sending you love and virtual hugs x