Financial Help

lostit29108

My mom was just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in shoulder, spine, and lungs. She cant afford to not work and I cant afford to support her. I dont know what to do to help her, where can she get help with things like utilities and rent? I am scared for her, she is in so much pain but keeps making herself go to work. Is there anything out there? Thank you for any information

idaho

bump

idaho

Maybe she can apply for Medicaid?  I have also heard of people with this stage of cancer being able to get on disability through social security.  Call your state office and ask.  Good luck to you, Tami

Anonymous

I would post this on the stage IV thread.  I also agree wth idaho that I have heard of women with this stage qualifiying for social security disability.  I'm sure it would help her to have some additional income and possibly make it possible for her to work less thru treatment.

That thread also has women posting that have been in your moms situation and are doing well living with stage IV - treating it, and of course staying on top of it.

You are good to be posting for her and I hope that reading further on the stage IV will give you hope and strength.

You both will be in my thoughts and prayers - 

Susan

nancyc57405

I applied for, and received SSD within a few weeks. I also have st 4 disease, and I believe that that diagnosis is under "compassionate use", and gets approved quite quickly. You can apply online at sss.gov. It is a quite involved application, but WELL worth taking the time for. The ammount of ones' benefit depends on work history/salary hx. If you've not already, contact the social worker at the hospital where your mother treats, and ask if they can provide any help/guidance. Another source of help is CancerCare.org. That is an organization of oncology social workers who provide assistance and phone counseling. Lance Armstrongs' organization is another resource.

Good luck to you and your mom.