What to do....

My husband has bowel cancer. Diagnosed in August 2020 its been a nightmare...apparently manageable but not cureable and waiting for ct scan results to see if it has shrunk...my dilemma is work, this new lock down in January he will have to sheild which is fine but I'm still at work as a domestic in the NHS. Where I work I am safer than in the main hospital but still staff and patients accessing between us and the main hospital..everytime i go to work its like a game of roulette, I've spoken to my manager and she's advises Keeping up the personal hygiene mask and ppe, having  shower when I get home and sleeping in a spare bedroom and using a second bathroom...thats okay if you live in a house that has these facilities but our house is small and not that many rooms...I am worried sick I could end up passing this virus to him and if I'm lucky he might survive and if I'm unlucky he may die....why should his life not be deemed important...I can't leave my job as no funds to keep us afloat and his money goes down to half pay soon , my son lives at home but he hasn't got spare cash to fund us...im heart broken that I have to put my husband at risk......

 

  • Hello Turnpike

    I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. It's a very difficult time for many people undergoing treatment for cancer at the moment and I can understand that you are concerned about possible increased risks by being at work. 

    It's good to hear that you're able to work in a quieter area of the hospital and that you've spoken with your manager already about your concerns. I don't know if speaking to occupational health might be an option to see if they are able to offer you any support or advice about the best way forward. 

    If you're worried about finances then you might find the Macmillan website information about cancer and finances helpful. They also have a helpline that you can call for advice and support. 

    I hope this helps. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator