|  | Question: I think I'm going to have to take a year off university but I'm not sure how I will cope financially. Where can I get advice?
Answer: This can be a problem area. Sharon, who had AML while she was at university emailed us and said "I deferred for one year when I was diagnosed with AML, in the middle of my MA. Unfortunately, I landed in a kind of black-hole as far as funding and benefits were concerned. I could no longer attend university because I was too ill, so the most sensible idea was to suspend my studies for a year. However, I wasn't entitled to any benefits because, as I was planning to return to my studies, the social services still classed me as a student. In the end I decided to give-up my course because I needed financial help. Fortunately, I had a very understanding university who allowed me to continue where I had left off when I was well again, and who also supported me financially. I realise that other people are often lucky enough to get financial support from their parents, but this isn't always possible and more to the point, this kind of loophole simply shouldn't exist".
There may be social workers at the hospital who can help you to claim benefits, or you can contact your local social services.
There are other charities who provide grants to help people with cancer who are in financial difficulty. These include LeukaemiaCare and specifically for young people there is CLIC Sargent.
Question: I'm sixteen and have been diagnosed with ALL. I didn't have chance to explain my illness to everyone at school, so they are all really worried about me. What can I tell them?
Answer: Try sending letters or emails to your school that can be read out to your form or year-group. One of the case studies used on this site even used to send videos to her friends at school.
People are often a lot less frightened of illness if they understand it, so you could try explaining the biology of leukaemia to them in your own language. You could also tell them what kind of treatment you are having and what kind of side effects you are expecting, such as hair loss. Try to focus on the positives; tell your friends what you feel up to doing, rather than what you don't. |
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| | As a research charity, we are best at answering questions about diseases or treatments. If you want emotional support then asking the experts is a better option. The following links will take you the the websites of charities that specialise in support for cancer patients. Remember that you can always talk to your care team too.
Teenage cancer trust
TIC - Teen Info on Cancer
Lymphoma Association
LeukaemiaCare
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