Should I get a loan.. (TW Cancer/death)

[sundaydayisnotmyfundayday]

I might have cancer.

40 yr old Mum of 3 (2 adults and a 10yo) and I'm currently waiting for my referral to hospital to have all of the tests and biopsies. Don't miss your smear appointment ladies...

Sitting here pondering it all and I'm so tempted to take a loan out and book a holiday for the 5 of us. Somewhere hot and sunny where we can just "be".

Figure if I get the all clear I can afford to pay it back over a long period and if I don't, well then I don't have to worry about paying it back I guess.

Loan would just be in my name but husband and I do have a joint mortgage. Am I right to think that he wouldn't be saddled with it if I go?

I think you are being very bleak.

You only 'may' have cancer. Cervical cancer is also highly treatable.

Your post reads as if you are planning for imminent death.

Have a holiday if you can afford it but don't book it so you miss your appointments.

You might have cancer that is curable. You might have cancer that needs a long treatment plan when money will be tight. You might not have cancer at all.
I would wait until you have more information.

I wouldn't, I think it will only add to your stress. And as the poster above says, cervical cancer is extremely treatable, so you will be storing up trouble for your future self and family by deliberately going into debt.

I’m sorry- let’s hope it is treatable.

Why don’t you post in money matters - posters are likely to know more there than here.

I think you are being too hasty. It’s a stressful time but don’t do anything impulsive.

If you can afford the holiday book it but if you need a loan, that will be expensive to repay and if you do need any treatment, you may not be able to go!

I had cervical cancer aged 31 any I’m 50 this year and perfectly healthy so even if the worst happens, it doesn’t mean you are going to die. If caught early it can be very treatable.

Honestly if you want to get a loan and have a holiday do it, but don’t play the “cancer game” to justify something you sound like you can’t actually afford.

Currently supporting my 70 year old mother through grade 3 womb cancer and it’s horrific. FYI she never missed any tests and believe me there’s nothing I’d love more than to just bugger off to just be - but treatments, appointments and all the shit that goes with it - it’s all consuming.

Bear in mind it is difficult and expensive to get travel insurance while waiting for referrals and appointments.

This. I can absolutely understand how you're feeling at present, OP - but hang fire until you know for certain what your situation is.

By the way - it IS eminently treatable. I have two close friends who had cervical cancer - one 40 years ago, the other 30 years ago. BOTH still healthy today!

I have had similar thoughts! On the 2 week fast track, had tests, CT scans and waiting for the results.

What's stopped me is that if I need treatment or further tests I could muck it up if I'm due to be away.

I hope we both have a good outcome and it's something less awful than cancer...then celebrate in style.

Do not make any impulse financial decisions before you have been diagnosed and have talked about a treatment plan. I get it I’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer and your mind when it’s brought up suddenly goes to I’m dying. But seriously wait before jumping into this type of decision, you don’t want to be dealing with loan repayment because of an impulse decision when going through treatment

If you haven’t had tests yet, you’re putting the cart before the horse. And, God forbid, if it’s positive, you’ll have a potentially long and gruelling treatment plan ahead of you. You’re still at the stage of preparing for the worst but hopping for the best.

I’d start looking at your insurance policies to see if you have anything that covers you for critical illness, so you’re prepared in the event of a worst case scenario. You then know whether you need to start saving so you can pay the bills, or saving for a lovely holiday after any treatment. If you get a positive diagnosis, contact McMillan Nurses for support and advice on finances.

I’m happy to be corrected but I’m not sure your debts always die with you. Nobody else would become liable to pay it, but if you own half a house, they might chase for it to come out of your estate. Which would be a serious problem for your DH.

I do understand what you’re going through, and how your mind always goes to the worst, but now is not the time to write yourself off. 💐