Coalition Cancer

Every time we read about this government's approach to benefit claimants we despair. Today, we heard this - that all cancer patients in stage 1V chemotherapy are to be put onto ESA, just like those in stage 1V radiotherapy -http://diaryofabenefitscrounger.blogspot.com/2011/12/government-cancer-pr-disaster.html?spref=tw

For those who are uninitiated in cancer speak, Stage 1V cancer is the end of the road. Being on Stage 1V chemo means that you're not going to beat your illness, you're not going to be one of those jolly survivors the media love to celebrate. What you are going to do is create a little bit more time on earth with the people you love to say goodbye. Anyone who has witnessed a friend or relative have radiotherapy or chemotherapy can testify to how unpleasant it is. On top of an already painful and debilitating illness, the person will be constantly vomiting (on chemotherapy) or so weak they can hardly get up (on radiotherapy).  How in God's name anyone with that degree of illness and in the middle of treatment is supposed to be work ready we cannot fathom.

Furthermore, if any of us were at this stage of end of life, what we'd want is to be to enjoy the last bit of time we have with the people we love in peace and dignity. The last thing a seriously ill person needs is to be worrying about WCA and whether they have enough money to pay the bills.

Yet another example of the cancerous heart of this coalition government. And another reason to stand up & shout ENOUGH.