Affording Cancer does anybody else struggle finding the money to just get by?

[Becca65]

Every one of the 6 or so different oncologists I have seen have told me, lots of lean protein and fresh fruit. So I too eat meat, 2-3 times a week. I also eat eggs - usually as an ingredient, nuts, beans, cheese and yogurt (Greek or Australian style). I struggle being able to afford the foods they really want me eating, good fresh fruit and lean meats are so expensive. Then I have to keep pediasure and ensure in the house as my digestive system is very involved in my particular form of mets and the over the counter meds and supplements. The savings I had when this all started in 2017 has been gone since around September of 2019. I am single and quite frankly unable to work on a regular basis. I sure wish I could find work I could do from home when I am feeling up to it. When my ascites is active and during chemo, Ibrance, my off week was the worst. Is anybody else struggling financially and finding themselves very lonely for actual human interaction. There just isn’t any money left to join in a lot of group activities and I really don’t know anybody where I am currently living. The loneliness is the worst part of this disease for me.

[Stage4Gir]

You can always come here when you’re lonely. Someone is always listening. I don’t post much but sometimes just reading and knowing so many others out there with many of the same struggles helps. Personally I haven’t been able to stop working due to finances. My boss is very understanding and I take off for treatments etc but would love to stop altogether. I’ve looked into SSDI but it’s half my pay and how do you get health insurance if you can’t get Medicare for 2 years??

[Hidden]

Hi Becca,

I know what you mean about how expensive it can be to eat well. But can you shop at discount shops and buy your fruit and vegetables from farmers' markets? Do you have weekly markets where you live? I do where I live. You can get some really good deals if you show up right before the stallholders pack up for the day.

I've also learned a few tricks from local supermarkets. I was told to stop by after 6:00pm, as that's when a lot of things that are coming close to their sell by date are reduced for quick sale. I can fill my freezer with bread, vegetables or whatever else is on sale very cheaply. Berries are normally quite expensive if you buy them fresh, but they are cheaper if you buy them frozen and will last longer. I take out what I need the night before and thaw them in the fridge overnight.

I also like to batch cook and fill several Chinese takeaway containers with food so I don't have to cook every day. It's healthier and cheaper too. There are ways to cut back on food costs and still eat well.

We can all relate to the loneliness that comes with this disease, but connecting with others on here is a real tonic.

Take care,

Sophie 🌷

[Have-faith]

Hi there. Even without cancer many people have financial struggles. I noticed too that frozen fruits can be cheaper than fresh and are just as nutritious. I have found a few Spanish grocery stores whose prices are cheaper than the main stream supermarkets because they dont spend on advertising. Any chance you have any of these stores around you?

I attend a church which always lifts me up and has great music too. I feel less alone. I also can get lost in the library for hours. Sometimes they have classes. Do you have energy to volunteer anywhere close? These are all venues to meet people to talk with. I also have a little dog. When I walk her I always run into people.

[hopenowandtomorrow]

Becca65: You’re right! It can be expensive & lonely. Are you in the US? Have you applied for SSDI? Church & volunteering are both great ways to avoid loneliness. I buy frozen fruit too. I eat mostly vegetables & I get fish & chicken on sale as often as I can. Praying you find solutions that work for you ❤️🙏❤️

[Red1246]

Dear Becca,

I’m so sorry you’re struggling and feel so alone. Many of us feel this way.

You’ve come to the right place for support. There have been lots of good suggestions made about acquiring less expensive foods as well as ways of meeting new friends.

I know it may all seem too much at once but I hope you’ll follow-up on what feels right for you.

Where are you living?

Sending you all best wishes and ❤️. You’re part of our family now and never really alone.

Take care!

Red

[Becca65 in reply to Red1246]

I live in Dryden, NY, USA

[Red1246 in reply to Becca65]

Hi Becca!

Afraid I don’t know where that is. I was born in upstate NY: Syracuse.

I hope you may be able to get some assistance with the issues you mentioned.

Sending you all best wishes and ❤️.

Remember you are not alone.

Kathleen

[Becca65 in reply to Red1246]

I am about 35 miles from Syracuse. Just past Cortland.

[Red1246 in reply to Becca65]

Ahh, apple country. So pretty in that area. Hope you’ll be able to get some of the help suggested.

It must be a small community and hopefully that means they have a “we take care of our own” mentality.

How are you doing today? Weekends are sometimes hard.

Thinking if you and sending positive vibes. ❤️

Kathleen

[Becca65 in reply to Red1246]

Unfortunately, I don’t know anybody in this community. I have only lived here for a few months. I am here because I was running from an abusive family member. My sister who lives in Florida had just bought this duplex. She said I could stay here temporarily. I have no close family nearer than 1-1/2 hrs away. I have my dog. My cancer seems to be getting active. Help is not easy to find or qualify for. I have been to the local food pantry once. I had to stand outside in below freezing temperatures for around 45 minutes. The quality of the food passed out was pretty horrible and totally not in line with what my doctors feel I should be eating. I don’t have the energy or strength to stand out in the cold right now. Just being able to get in the shower without fear of falling and not being found for day’s sounds like a real treat right now.

[Red1246 in reply to Becca65]

Becca,

I'm so sorry about your situation and wish I could do more to help.

I see you're equidistant from Cortland and Ithaca. I've done some research in the limited time I have right now and found the following. (I'm sure Social Services may be a bit bureaucratic to work through but if you have the energy, it would be worth calling them.) The two social service organizations nearest you with phone numbers are:

Cortland: 607-753-5265 and Ithaca: 607-274-5680.

There's a Cancer Resource Center for the Finger Lakes in Ithaca, tel. [phone]. They should certainly be able to help. And, as Hannah suggested, local churches should be helpful - if you feel comfortable approaching them. As you are new to the area and don't know anyone, I can imagine you're somewhat intimidated by the prospect of reaching out. I'm hoping you'll find the strength and determination to do this.

Please let us know how you get on. If you need more information, let me know as I'm pretty good at research.

Thinking of you. xx

Kathleen

[hdhonda]

Becca, please check with local churches. Many have free food pantries. Also, call any non-profit and explain your situation and they should be able to refer you to an agency in your area that can help you. There are many agencies that can help but finding them can be a bit time consuming. Best of luck. Blessings Hannah

[Red71]

I noticed there are coupons online for pediasure and ensure. You might try getting into coupon clipping for some of your everyday groceries so that you could save a little here and there for activities and fresh fruit and vegetables. I know there are lots of people who manage great savings that way...I’m not organized enough to manage it, but I’ve read some great stories. Elaine