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🤔❓"Can I/should I work during breast cancer treatment?"
This is a question that comes up often. Some people may find that continuing to work during your treatment helps to bring a sense of "normality" to your life. It can also help to keep you occupied during your treatment. However, you may not feel able to work everyday, especially if you are experiencing side effects such as fatigue or nausea. Here are some tips for managing work while through your experience with breast cancer: ✨ Talk to your employer as soon as possible about your diagnosis. They may be able to work out a job share or reduced hours arrangement for you. ✨ Find out your entitlements regarding paid and unpaid leave from your manager or human resources manager. ✨If you are self-employed you may be able to find someone to step into your role for a while. ✨ If your work includes manual tasks, talk to your doctor about whether these aspects of your job need to be modified. ✨ If you have income protection or trauma insurance you may be eligible to make a claim while going through your treatment. Some superannuation funds include insurance – you can call your company to ask about this. ✨ Early access to superannuation may be another option for you. Generally, you cannot access your superannuation until you have reached the minimum retirement age. However, in some circumstances you can apply to access your superannuation early. These include severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds. Before you apply for early access to your superannuation, it is important to understand the short and long-term financial impacts of taking money out of your superannuation early. Contact a financial adviser who will be able to offer assistance and advice that is most appropriate for you. "I returned to work one day after finishing radiotherapy. Now, looking back, I wish I had taken some time off to rest and relax." - Melissa, BCNA Member 👉 Click here for more information on finances and practical support during breast cancer212ViewsSign in to react to this post3CommentsAny swimming instructors here? Did you work through chemo?
Hi everyone I'm working as a casual swim instructor, I've been out of work since surgery and I was thinking if any of you continued teaching during chemo? I am afraid of getting sick since my immunity would be compromise and I teach young kids. But I also have two toddlers that go to daycare so maybe the germs might already be at home. Am I crazy to think about going back to the pool to teach? Is it worth it? What do I do? I have yet to commit for another term of teaching cause I'm unsure how I'll be. Feeling a little lost about work. I'm also studying full time for my Masters.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsThe Whole Person - the 'other' effects of breast cancer
When people hear "breast cancer", they often think of treatment plans and hospital visits. But the impact also shows up in the quieter, more personal corners of life that don’t get talked about as much. It’s the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. It’s the financial responsibilities of time off work, extra appointments, and unexpected bills. It’s the shift in identity, with pressure to keep up with your job, your family, and your own expectations. It’s the silence around intimacy, menopause, and how your body starts to change unexpectedly. If this resonates with you, you’re not the only one who feels this way—and our Online Network is here to help. Here are some more groups you may not yet have discovered, where you can connect to discuss the 'other' effects of cancer: 💬 Young Women – A place for younger women to talk about fertility, dating, parenting, identity, and everything in between. 💬 Let’s Talk About Vaginas – A real, respectful, and empowering place to talk about sexual health, intimacy, and body changes. In the meantime, please remember that our Helpline team (1800 500 258) are here for you whenever you need support and information.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsBreast cancer costs Australian women and the wider community billions in lost work hours and wages
A new first-of-its-kind study has revealed that of the estimated 10,732 working-age Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, they will collectively lose a projected AU$1.4 billion in wage earnings over the 10-year period post diagnosis, Read the full article HereViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsThe Beacon article - Transitioning back to work after breast cancer treatment
Hello group members, The most recent issue of The Beacon features an article on the topic of work and breast cancer (attached). You can view the full issue of The Beacon via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-93-december-2022/ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsWork and breast cancer - Resources
Hi Everyone, Please find the most current resources for those navigating work and breast cancer: · Podcast episode: Work after breast cancer: Tackling the difficult conversations: https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/bcna-resources/podcasts/episode-44-work-after-breast-cancer-tackling-the-difficult-conversations/ · My Journey - Communicating your diagnosis at work if you are self-employed: https://myjourney.org.au/article/2749 · My Journey - Looking for a new job: https://myjourney.org.au/article/2425 · My Journey - Information if you are an employee and have breast cancer: https://myjourney.org.au/article/2388 · My Journey - Your employment rights and responsibilities following a diagnosis: https://myjourney.org.au/article/2422ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsManaging the cost of breast cancer webcast: tips and resources
Hi everyone, BCNA are holding a webcast on Thursday 16 September, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm AEST on managing the cost of breast cancer: tips and resources. For many people with breast cancer, the financial costs associated with treatment and care can be substantial. General day-to-day expenses continue, while you may also have to pay for specialist appointments, tests and scans, medicines and other treatments, counselling, travel and so on. If you're unable to continue in paid work, the loss of income can also contribute to financial pressure on you and your family. Even when treatment is finished, you may still struggle financially, or you may face the longer-term impacts of ongoing care. For some people, getting by financially is no easy task, even at the best of times. Money worries can have a big impact on how you and your family cope. Informed financial consent requires people to have information about costs and support to make informed decisions about their care. We will hear from Financial Counsellor at Cancer Council Victoria, Antony Mitchell who has a community focus and experience with working with a number of not for profits, and BCNA Consumer Representative Jodie Lydeker who was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer 3 years ago, and detected again in 2021. Jodie will share insight into her lived experience of the financial stress associated with the disease. In this webcast we will explore managing the costs of breast cancer including informed financial consent, public vs private healthcare, hidden and common out-of-pocket costs, questions to ask your healthcare provider, financial wellbeing, career impacts, issues for those who live in rural and remote areas and the resources and support available to you. To register, please follow this link, https://www.bcna.org.au/webcasts-new/managing-the-cost-of-breast-cancer-webcast-tips-and-resources/ Event Details When: Thursday, 16 September 2021 What Time: 07:00 PM AEST - 08:00 PM AEST Local Times: - WA: 5:00 PM - NT, SA: 6:30 PM - QLD, ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 7:00 PMViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsI'm a workaholic - if I don't, who will?
Oft described as a workaholic, it is both a blessing and a curse to have an excellent work ethic. I have a pretty big job because of it and I manage to finance our lives because as a solo parent I have to. A big job means people rely on me to be effective. Diagnosed just yesterday, all the scary stuff ahead, and out pops from my mouth... what about my work? Give it some context... I am a solo parent with 2 boys age 12 and 15. I have a partner in life for the last 3 years, who lives 2.5 hours away so our time together is weekends as we concentrate on our own children. (He is amazing btw). Their dad (my ex) continues his struggle with alcoholism, depression and living in another state on welfare so he's no help and hasn't been for a very long time. It is not that I am in love with working so much, it is that by working hard I can support my children and give them a reasonably normal life. I have been responsible for the raising of my children financially and emotionally (the ride hasn't been that great) for quite a while now and I have an overwhelming sense of responsibility. I've read and will re-read the information on working, however I can't seem to get out of my brain chatter... If I can't work to support them, who will? Am I truly gone mad? It's only day one I know... thanks for listening :)ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsWorking well with cancer - consumer event held 22 October 2020
Hello every one, See below the links to the 'Working well with cancer' consumer event for your perusal. 1 - Introduction to the Event https://youtu.be/D9vFA23xHGg 2. Dr Catherine Field, Occupational Physician, IMMEX https://youtu.be/XqFXe0Oc1go 3. Robyn Batson, Group People & Community, Partnerships Manager, The Sussan Group https://youtu.be/zsQ-0sNxj38 4. Jo Lewis, Occupational Therapist, University of Sydney https://youtu.be/eF8COpWrHBo 5. Dr Liz Dylke, Physiotherapist, University of Sydney https://youtu.be/40Q7l-OP6s4 6. Dr Jasmine Yee, Exercise Oncology, Researcher, University of Sydney https://youtu.be/wxxxpGOVfFk 7. Question and Answer session https://youtu.be/EtDww_UeKso This link will give the whole playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGUorf0Mi4H89NAFtTdX0Qe9-ICtGWoK5 Regards GiovannaViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsToo vulnerable
I am frustrated with myself. If things don’t go the way I want, I struggle not to burst into tears. This really is not good when I work in a toxic workplace. Sigh. Where is the person who used to jump in and fight? Every work morning I struggle with the thought of what lies ahead for the day. Mindfulness just doesn’t cut it when you are always getting unfairly blamed for stuff. I do appreciate my weekends a lot more though! Suck it up and keep going. One day it will improve. It was easier when I could get out and about and focus on other people. Soon.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsTips on working and treatment
Hi all, I will be starting Chemo soon which will be followed up with more surgery and then radiation. I know l will have moments where l will be tired/sick and anything else that goes with it. I joined this group in the hope of getting tips/advice from anyone that worked through out treatment when possible.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsWork and breast cancer - resources
This year in Australia more than 18,000 women and 148 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. A diagnosis can turn someone’s world upside down and has a ripple effect not only on family and friends but also employers and work colleagues. Alongside medical treatment, returning to work follow a diagnosis is a key factor contributing to overall quality of life in breast cancer survivorship. Link to BCNA resources https://www.bcna.org.au/work-and-breast-cancer/ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsApplying for jobs & disclosing treatment
Hi, After a year of treatment for metastatic IBC, I need to urgently return to work. There is no way I could spend another year without an income. my question is; How do I disclose that I have metastatic cancer and need to attend monthly appointments, without it affecting my chances of getting a job. Also, my doctor has put limitations on what I can and cannot do, but I am only qualified to do the ‘cannot’ stuff. Should I just bite the bullet and start at the bottom of the career ladder again or lie to continue my career path knowing I could damage my bones. I feel embarrassed that I am in this position and cannot provide for my family. Our quality of life is at the lowest we have ever experienced. How do I make memories for my children if I can barely afford to feed them. Thank youViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsWork post chemo fatigue
Sorry all if your seeing this again. I posted in general discussions too. Im not sure what to do or how to Ive worked all rhe way through chemo Due to finances. I furnished chemo in july had surgery in August Ive strated a new position on contract for 1 more month, slight chance of extension. May revert back to previous position. 4 pay increments down. Thing is im actually feeling fatigued. Almost like on chemo. I have no energy its getting worse each day and its making life tough. I don't know what to do. Im worried its going to get worse. Im suprised as i though continue to feel better not worse im still on herceptin. Due to start taximlifen this week. I dont want to risk losing this contract. I don't know if its too late to apply as the cancer is gone or if i could afford to take mortgate insurance at 75%. Pay. I might not afford the house. I feel like if i work i can't have a life. I think just needed to offload as i dont want to get streseed but if anyone has ideas id love it. Im struggling with wishing my body was like before. Anyway thanksViewsSign in to react to this postComments4+ years on and work
Hi, I’m interested to hear how others are coping with work years after treatment. I had chemo/radio and now on medication (aromasin). I have struggled attempting to work full time and will commence working a 4 day week soon. How do you cope? I look forward to hearing from you all xViewsSign in to react to this postCommentWelcome
Welcome - Thank you for joining this online group! My name is Michelle and I’m a Program Coordinator at BCNA. My main focus is to drive a new Work and Breast Cancer program. This program aims to increase the capacity of both employees and employers to support employment following a diagnosis of breast cancer. In 2016 BCNA conducted research to identify gaps in information and support in the workplace for both employees and employers following a diagnosis of breast cancer. This program will deliver a range of support initiatives to fill these gaps and will include resources, an advisory (information and referral) telephone service and peer to peer discussions within BCNA’s online network. How can you help with this program? We’re wanting to start discussions within the online network around work and breast cancer. To do this we want to hear your experiences – good or challenging! We want to build a list of key challenges, inform discussions and build a network of online champions on the topic of work and breast cancer. If you feel comfortable – we would love for you share your experience of breast cancer and work with us? Did you have challenges relating to your employment? Did you have a very supportive employer? Were you self-employed? Do you have tips for others going through this now? I look forward to hearing from you and reading your experience in the comments below. You can also contact me on [email protected] or 1800 500 258. MichelleViewsSign in to react to this postCommentJob hunting. What do you, or don't you, say?
I've had to find a new job since my cancer came back. Luckily, I got head hunted by someone who knew me from my previous life, but prior to that I was sick with worry about how, and when, I let perspective employers know I was a right bag of tricks who was going to be a bit high maintenance and likely to use up most of her sick leave just attending appointments. I'd like to see a few phrases that could be used when introducing this delicate topic. When do you tell them? My feeling would be leave it until you actually have an offer of employment. If the offer is subsequently withdrawn, that's adverse action which is covered by general protections. No one wants to go down that track, but it is illegal to discriminate. Thoughts? MargViewsSign in to react to this postComment
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