Likely breast cancer after ultrasound- thread 3

[SpartanRunningGirl]

Welcome. Previous threads :

Thread 1
Thread 2

The original thread was started after I had a mammogram recall and was told at the ultrasound that it was likely I had breast cancer - before biopsies were taken, and before I was ready to hear that (if you are ever ready to hear that).

Two full threads later we are still sharing support, experiences, and advice. We’ve celebrated breast cancer wins and thrown virtual hugs around those who’ve needed it. (We’ve all needed it 💗)

This is a hugely kind and caring bit of Mumsnet - where we’ve all felt that awful fear waiting for scans, tests, results, or with an early and uncertain breast cancer diagnosis.

You are not alone.

This is the awful club - full of awesome women💗

Had an awful day here as well.
Appt made last week for first chemo today. On Friday it was changed to Monday. Called two hours before due to go in that its back to today
Go in, blood pressure too high, over 2 hours for it to come down, started with the previous chemo meds which they stopped after 10 mins, because doctor goes at 5 and not deemed safe as its my first round.
So over 3 hours in the chemo room for nothing.

To add to the stress I had a 2 hour meeting with the CAB finance advisor. I am entitled to absolutely nothing. So now I don't have enough money to pay bills and eat.
A lovely friend has offered to give me some money but its humiliating to be 60 and getting handouts from your friends

@Ted27that is also a horrible day. Sorry to hear it. And that you aren’t entitled to anything. Would it be worth asking the MacMillan nurses if the advice you got at CAB is correct? I have realised recently that if there is any time when it’s ok to ask for help, this is it… I had to get someone to take me to a hospital appointment and also a friend needed to talk me down from feeling really stressed over the weekend. Your friend does sound lovely.

@Ted27 I’d definitely see McMillan for another look at this.
Are you getting Statutory Sick Pay at the moment at least ?
Once that runs out ( I think 29 weeks) you can claim for New Style ESA which is not means tested and is payable if you’ve paid National Insurance for at least 2 years prior. You have to undergo a Capability Assessment. If successful you can receive it for a year.
Worth a try perhaps.

@OMGitsthebigC

I am/was a foster carer. No child in place, no income. You don't get things like sick pay.

My pension excludes me from UC. I can't get ESA because when I left the civil service in 2023 I had a full NI record so I didnt make any more contributions.
I may be able to get PIP later on but at the moment Im not sick enough.
The nurses kind as they are dont understand the benefits system, or how little a single person gets.
Generally if you are single with no dependents the benefits system screws you

@Ted27 would it be worth calling the MacMillan support line and asking them about eligibility for their one off Grant and to see if they know of any other financial assistance?
(I tried to have a look and I can’t make out if it’s still available)

I do not know much about it, but I was talked through it in a previous cancer ill illness. 💐

@Thirdtimeunlucky2025

The advisor I spoke to was via McMillan.

Ive had a one off grant which got me through March

All clear! I'm cancer free for another year.

Lovely news x

@MrTiddlesTheCat

Grea news !

@MrTiddlesTheCatthat’s fantastic!!

I cried in the waiting room, but not for myself. The nurse came out and called in a young woman and her partner and I burst into tears. I know how it works. It's women only. DH was with me in the waiting room but wouldn't be allowed in the breast clinic. The only exception is when they're about to give you bad news. My empathy turbo burst auto-activated.

Can I urge you to contact the Civil Service Benevolent Fund to see what they can do to help.

Sorry it's now called the Charity for Civil servants. https://www.cfcs.org.uk/

@MrTiddlesTheCat Really pleased for you - that’s great news.

So sad about the young woman and her partner. I seem to get upset about everything these days, anything remotely sad or worrying and I start blubbering. I suppose it’s a result of everything we’ve been through.

@nonevernotever

Thanks, I was aware of them. I may use them in future but they are not set up to provide on going financial support like a state benefit, which is what I need at the moment

@MrTiddlesTheCat so pleased for your good news

I finally had my last chemo today 🥳
It’s been quite a journey with a few delays and bumps along the way, including a hospital stay.

I had 16 in total - 4xEC and 12x Paclitaxel.

So glad it’s finally over!

To anyone just starting out on their chemo journey.. it feels relentless and never-ending at times, but stay strong and keep focussing on the end goal. You will get there!

Well done @PoptartPoptartthat certainly was a long haul. Have of got surgery or radiotherapy next ?

I am sorry. I had hoped that they would be able to help.

That’s great news @PoptartPoptart you superstar. Also good news from @MrTiddlesTheCat

i had a scare on the other side but have been given the ok from the breast nurse that it’s normal breast tissue. Mammogram 2 due in July.

@PoptartPoptartthat is amazing so pleased you!! 🎉🥳 it certainly feels like it’s never ending!

Have you got radiotherapy next? x

@PoptartPoptart

glad you got through it.

Had my first one this week, after a couple of false starts. 12 weeks to start off with

@PoptartPoptart well done on getting through it all, glad you are on the other side of it.

Thanks everyone for your kind wishes.

I’m having my port removed next week (yay!) and then radiotherapy at the end of the month.

Sending positive vibes and good wishes to everyone - enjoy the long Easter weekend

hope all o a well as Ìt can for you Ted.