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Lung CancerArrow
aged 40-50
Interview LC10  

Interview LC10

Age at Interview: 48
Sex: Male
Age at Diagnosis: 48
Background: Merchandiser, divorced, 2 children.
Brief outline:Diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer 2002, left lobectomy (lobe of left lung removed), and thyroplasty implant (designed to treat disabilities associated with vocal cord paralysis) 2002.


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A Macmillan nurse helped him obtain the Disability Living Allowance (higher rate) and a small grant towards expenses.

 



But the Macmillan organisation can open doors that you don't realise are there. And there is a history of people with cancer and their families eventually tackling the benefits agencies and it taking too long, so nowadays they will acknowledge your situation very quickly and put you on the higher rate of Disability Allowance, without having to wait the six month period, because if you've had a malignant tumour there's a high probability that you won't survive much beyond the six month period, so nowadays everybody get the full allowance of benefits. But it did take a long time and it did seem to be a bureaucratic process to get it, but I got the Welfare Rights Officer from the City Council came to see me and one or two pestering phone calls and some close family members who fought my corner. But it was a tussle, it was a tussle to get all the benefits acknowledged, but I believe it is easier now than it was in the past. But it's something you have to, something you have to chase for. But there are agencies there that will tell you what you're entitled to and you're entitled to 'Motability' allowance as well.

And did you say the Macmillan's also have small grants that can also help you?

Yes they will, they will give you a one off grant to help you to catch up or to help you in your quality of life. For example one of the consequences of cancer can be enormous weight changes and your wardrobe is inappropriate so they will help you to restock your wardrobe. Yes, I got a grant of about £600 from them as a one off very early on and it was very helpful.
Karol Sikora - Lung cancer
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