February 2nd 2025.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. July 2, 2024. It was the day that my whole world changed. I had gone in for a routine check-up and was told by an NHS oncologist that I had incurable breast cancer. In that moment, my mind was flooded with thoughts of my family, the upcoming treatment, and the inevitable changes that this diagnosis would bring into my life. As I processed this life-changing news, one question kept lingering in my mind: how was I going to manage financially?
It's not something that is often talked about, but the reality is that battling cancer also comes with a heavy financial burden. I soon realized that my savings were depleting quickly, and I was struggling to make ends meet. It all started back in April when I first noticed a lump in my breast. I immediately made the practical decision to contact my GP, and from there, the appointments with breast surgeons and oncologists began. With each visit came a 40-mile drive and a cost of around £150. As someone who owns a baking business, this was a significant blow to my income.
Before my diagnosis, I was making around £2,000 a month, but with the constant hospital visits and time away from work, my income was drastically reduced. To make matters worse, I am not eligible for benefits due to my small teaching pension that covers my mortgage and council tax. This means I couldn't claim the cost of hospital travel or apply for a PIP. But what worried me the most was my wedding cake business. Most bookings are made at least a year in advance, sometimes even two years. With my limited life expectancy, taking bookings so far in advance was no longer a viable option. I had to make the tough decision to close my business.
The summer of 2024 was filled with hospital visits, tests, and starting treatment, but it was also a time of making plans to close my business. This meant an immediate loss of income, adding to the financial strain I was already facing. However, as my treatment routine became more established, things started to improve slightly. My hospital trust provided free parking for cancer patients, and I also benefited from free prescriptions. But even with these cost-saving measures, I still couldn't make ends meet with the income I had before. That's when I decided to change my business structure.
I needed a source of income that didn't rely on me being 100% well every day. I realized that while a wedding day can't be delayed, a training session can be. Teaching other bakers how to run a business became my main source of income. And with the help of my business friends, my income quickly increased, reaching £2,000 in November.
Despite the challenges I have faced since my diagnosis, I have not let cancer take everything from me. I have been able to find a new purpose in setting up a Community Interest Company to support young adults whose parents are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. I am also using my experience to spread awareness about cancer issues. My advice to anyone facing financial struggles due to cancer is to seek support and visit the Macmillan website for helpful resources and advice.
Through this journey, I have learned that even in the face of life-changing challenges, there is still hope. By seeking support, adapting to new realities, and advocating for better awareness, I have found strength, resilience, and a renewed purpose. And although I was initially worried about my financial future, with careful planning and the right support, I am confident that I can face whatever comes my way. Do you have a story to share? I would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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