[qpr_fcParticipant]

I am at Addenbrooke’s Cambridge as an in-patient because I was in the area when I damaged my back, in fact I was heading to Heathrow Airport and about to commence travel around SE Asia for 5 months.
I have had cycle 1 weeks 1 & 2 of DVTD treatment and next week I am told that I could change to Out-Patient.
As I was about to leave the country, I don’t have anywhere to stay (so homeless) and I sold my car and belongings except for a laptop and suitcase of summer clothes (my winter clothes are stored in Dorset).

Anyway, the crux is that I need to find a suitable well-funded, low crime rate, cheap living area near an approved Haematology Dept anywhere in South England.
I will pick up the initial expenses including rent as PIP will take 3 months before first payment (I haven’t applied yet until I get an address), I’m not entitled to Universal Credit as I have ISA 16k+.
I will also buy a cheap car and apply for a blue badge and medical exemption certificate.
Anything else that I should apply for benefits wise?

Any recommendations on a Myeloma UK CSEP Approved treatment centre for 12 months as I am suitable for Stem Cell Transplant?
Bear in mind that I would need Sheltered accommodation with walk-in shower as I cannot bend / touch toes and a rail to sit and rise on/off toilet, otherwise I’m mobile. So the local council must be accommodating (literally).

I have a shortlist of:
Norwich NNUH (great treatment facilities, average crime rate, reasonable living expense)
Poole (very low crime rate, expensive living)
Bristol (best funded, high crime rate, expensive living costs)
Taunton Musgrove Park (small treatment centre, low crime rate, low cost of living)
Salisbury (mostly clinical trials stage 3, high crime rate, expensive cost of living)
Plymouth (moderate facilities, low crime rate, low cost of living)
All found using internet searches and AI this evening.

Preference would be the South-West England, if I could be picky.

Any other recommendations and/or any experience with these treatment centres as an out-patient ?

[pedro16Participant]

Hi QPR_FC.

Can I ask; why the South West?

I’ve had two cycles of VDT-Pace at Lincoln Hospital and followed this with 2 stem cell transplants in Nottingham City hospital.

After 18 months in remission, I am now on a newly approved treatment, called Belantamab Mafadotin at Lincoln Hospital. This treatment is administered as an Out Patient, with several hospital visits per week.

Personally, I have received excellent treatment by both hospitals, although like most they are extremely busy, but I honestly don’t feel that you will change this where ever you are.

I think that there will be parts of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire that would meet your requirements, although Nottingham iteself is not a place I would chose to live.

Pedro.

[qpr_fcParticipant]

Thanks Pedro for your contribution.
I’m glad to hear that you had 18 months of remission but guessing that it is back as you are having treatment again 🙁

I actually choose on Friday NNUH in Norwich as Addenbrooke’s want the bed ASAP and I was put on the spot to decide. I am officially classed homeless and I’m now in the local councils hands to find suitable accommodation.

I mention SW England because my mother aged 81 is living in Dorset and I have been caring for her. Then I go overseas at this time of year for 4-5 months and my sister takes over the caring until I return before Easter.
I could NOT live there now though as I am the one that needs the support and not a demanding mother. But if I lived in SW then I could visit her.

Anyway, Norwich it is and so I will probably get a train every couple of months to visit for a couple of days assuming my outpatient treatment gives me time to do so.

Wishing you all the best
Steven

[Author]

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