Cancer, cash and carrying on

lucielle

I haven’t been to the cinema for a couple of years, nos I remember why. Hope it’s a good film you’re watching.
L

loobidoo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82081221#Comment_82081221

Hello, I just stumbled across your diary and thought I'd pop into say hi. I got diagnosed with BC 3 years ago. Have you heard of Insurance With? Set up by a cancer survivor. I've been on 2 holidays abroad since diagnosis and premiums have been v reasonable :)

ohdearhowdidthathappen

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82081406#Comment_82081406

I love going to the cinema, we have a really good one within walking distance. They sometimes do screenings of westend shows and concerts too.
You can go cheaply on Mondays (all day) and weekday daytimes it’s half the price. So this was painful 😂. We’re watching 0ddyssey, supposed to be good I think.

ohdearhowdidthathappen

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82081423#Comment_82081423

Thanks for stopping by ☺️

Funnily enough, I was listening to a podcast the other day and this company was mentioned. I’ll definitely check them out. Having this diagnosis has made me travel more, so it would be a shame if it was unaffordable.

Hope you’ve recovered well, from what I’ve heard the mental/emotional recovery is sometimes harder than the physical 😔

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Busy day today, catching up on chores after being out of action for a few days. Also quite a lot of taxiing children around.
My salary came in, we’re still going to carry on trying to only use half my salary and saving the rest.
Not sure we’ll manage it… we’re away for 2 weeks (next week and then another later in August) and then keeping kids occupied the rest of the time 💰

ohdearhowdidthathappen

When I was diagnosed back in February, the breast care nurses referred me to M@cmillan… fab charity.
I didn’t really make use of a lot of the services they offered but they did suggest applying for PIP. I was surprised they said it as I assumed it would be means tested, but it’s not. So I applied, with zero expectations of getting it. It was a long form 🥱 and I had to submit proof of diagnosis, treatment plan etc.

Anyway, I’ve heard today that I’ve been granted it 😮. No idea how much/how long for as there are different tiers and I’ll get a letter next week, but even the lowest rate is £75 a week. Said to DH we should use it for things that have been affected by cancer ie travel insurance 🙄 or to get a cleaner for a few months, DH suggested reviving my gym membership so I can swim etc. I’m not telling anyone in real life, people can be really judgy. I’ve had people querying me getting paid to be off sick, ‘nice to have summer hols off even though you could work’ etc

beanielou

Some people are just the pitts. Until they have walked in your shoes then they should shut up.

ellenvan

Totally ignore all comments.

Yes don't mention the PIP then people can't make ill informed judgement.

Travel insurance sounds a good fit for the spend.

Dakota_Rose

From all I’ve read, you seem to be coping exceptionally well through the diagnosis and treatment. When you’re recovering and life adjusts to your new normal, I think you’ll realise how much you have been through and accept that PIP and anything else that has been provided for you was absolutely deserved and needed. It also has absolutely !!!!!! all to do with anyone else.

To be fair, I think you ought to have a crown in the post with your outlook and approach to work. 👑

ohdearhowdidthathappen

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083675#Comment_82083675

It’s been eye opening, I won’t look at some people the same.

You get a few who are ‘what do you think you did to cause it?’, some who like to tell me they wouldn’t have chemo if they were me, comments about my weight even though it hasn’t changed 🙄. I’ll have a lumpectomy but I’ve had comments that I should have the whole thing removed. It’s a lot 🥴