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Fed Up Being Stuck At Home

thewabbit
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Basically I have had mouth cancer and roof of mouth has had surgery with a freeflap. I am pretty much going to be off work from March till September and am on tube feeding till end of August. I have also finished radiotherapy about a month ago. The radiotherapy has really hammered my saliva glands and I'm worried they wont ever recover.

This is leading me every night to wake up in the morning with a really dry mouth. I would love to know if anyone has the same experience and how long it took for their saliva glands to recover.

I am also sort of house bound as I don't really enjoy going out at the moment as the hot weather isn't good for me. I've gotten into this routine of pretty much doing the same things every day and it's starting to get to me.

I have been in touch with a macmillan benefits adviser and have claimed everything i am entitled to. I have filled out and sent off my UC50 with the back page filled out and sent that off over a month ago and am still waiting for that to be processed so i get the higher rate. I have no clue of any timescale on this.

Basically the money I get just about cover my bills, I have no spare cash to be able to treat myself and that got to me as well as I saw an item on sale that I had really wanted at a really cheap price and I don't think I'll be able to get it at that price again.

I am also getting to where I have no clue what day or the date is and I have to keep checking so I don't miss appointments I have coming up.

I am basically looking for advice.

Thanks in advance.

  • Offline

    Hi there ..and welcome ..

    Well just think September is only 3 odd weeks to go ..and you've done so amazing to have come so far .. and three more weeks will pass ..

    I know how hard it is when you just need a little treat .. but if you don't hear about benefits soon give McMillan another call .. they don't mind how much you need them .. and it shouldn't be too long before you get it .. then when you get your benefit, treat yourself .. even if it costs you more .. so what.... Hay ho get it any way ...

     Now if I were you I'd inquire if there's any meetings or counselling in your area .. McMillan may know that as well .. and I volunteered for McMillan a few years ago, before my cancer, and visited two ladies who had no family .. but you need to reach out ... do some homework .. put volunteering in your area .. in to Google ... it is doable ... I know that feeling I've had a couple of low years when I got divorced ... 

    And you know there's always people on here like you, feeling lonely and lost ... and anyone with your cancer would love to talk to someone who has been there .. in helping yourself, you'll be helping others ..l have to spend one day a week totally relaxing ... and going on here makes the time go so much quicker . 

    You are not alone ... I'm here most days .. you can chat about anything ... just try looking at things a tad different, and say to your self this time next year, you'll get your life back .. a year sounds a long time .. but even those climbing Everest started one step at a time .. so many charities need volunteers.. later when your stronger, you just may help others that will be where you are now ... .

    Sending you a big hug ...chrissie 

  • Offline in reply to Chriss

    Thanks for your reply. I did forget to mention that it will probably be late September before I am going to be back at work, but that might change. I am not physically able to do volunteering at the moment but it might be an idea for later.

    I have contacted Macmillan about my delayed benefits but there isn't anything they can do, I just have to wait. I should get an answer by September 16th.

    I am also worried about when I get back to work as I get paid a month in advance and if I go back in late September I wont get a proper months pay till end November as I will be on something like 16 hours a week.and I don't know how I will cope will the bills.

     

     

  • Offline in reply to thewabbit

    Hi there ... wait and see how much you get .. there's universal credit you could try for too .. and you will probly get help only doing 16 hours ..  the system stinks now.. it's a mine field ... I had family to help me .. I was lucky, coz I may have given up other wise ... 

    I know you can't volunteer yet, bless ya .. I meant have some goals for later .. when your stronger .. in the meantime .. you can help on here ... you can use some time and it will keep your mind occupied a little .. I'll send you a friend request .. just use it if you'd like to chat ... don't worry if you don't ... just here if you need me .. take care .. Chrissie

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