Financial stress
3boysmum
Member Posts: 19 ✭
Hi all....just needed to vent more than anything. I have secured a full time job 3 months ago after basically 12 months off due to BC(worked casually through chemo and radiation). My marriage broke up during this time and I am starting again with nothing after my ex husband stuffed up royally and basically lost everything (house, shares and savings). I have my boys which is the main thing. They help out but i just can't get back on track financially. Today I get home to a $275.05 pathology account. I know Medicare will cover some but not all. I lost my health care card when i got my full time job. I am busting my backside and getting nowhere. I am looking at a 2nd job....i just don't know what i can do. My mental health is fragile with the fear of cancer coming back (lymph nodes involved).....sorry to complain as i know many are worse off.....i just can't see my life returning to some sort of normal.
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Hey @3boysmum somehow half your first post got lost, isn't it always a perfect shitstorm? I was cheering. A bit inappropriate, as it turns out.
The financial thing is super difficult for people on one income. If you don't earn it, you can't spend it, there is no 'cutting back' or sacrificing a holiday, if there is no money to pay for basics life sucks. It's bloody dire, and I feel for you. As far as anyone else being worse off, that is irrelevant. This is not a competition. If it helps, which it really doesn't, you are not alone. Mxxx0 -
@melclarity might be able to share some words of wisdom. K xox0
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Last year when I finished treatment I had to battle to get the time of
My boss rearranged all the work duties with my fellow employees
I got the short straw and was made redundant.
Stork0 -
Hi @3boysmum sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing financially. Just wanted to give you a couple of resources that I found really useful in the past. Some states have cancer support groups that are supported by licence clubs around Australia. These support groups can often financial assistance for things like petrol, groceries and medical prescriptions. In the ACT we have the Eden-Monaro Cancer Support Group and they offer anyone referred to them over $2000 of assistance. Referrals are made by a doctor or breast care nurse and can be done during and sometimes after active treatment. Their support can take the pressure off.
Another great resource is Financial Counsellors Australia see https://www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/Home
This is a free service that can help you if you find yourself struggling to pay bills. They also have great tips on how to budget. In the past they helped my brother get discounts on gas and electric as well as more time to pay when he was off work for illness and had a marriage breakdown. They also helped pause his home loan repayments until he got back to work. They really know their stuff and are super nice and understanding. They may be able to get the pathology account waived for you if you make an appointment with them.
Finally the Cancer Council can also provide further financial resources.
There's no way I could've taken on a second job with my post cancer side effects, but a garage sale can raise extra income, so can being an uber driver.
I know how stressful money situations can be. I really hope things pick up for you soon. We had to ask for assistance while we lost my income, but now are back on track. Hang in there, hopefully this too shall pass.
All the best, Nadine7 -
SO sorry you are in such distress, @3boysmum .... when I was having radiation, the Social Welfare Officer arranged a one off 'Utility bill pay' from the Cancer Council - up to $300 - from power, water,rates - which took the pressure off us as we'd just received a 'gap bill' of $500 for my pathology results & I was getting really stressed & upset (on top of other Gaps of $6000+)
@Nadi's post should be Pinned somewhere I reckon - some excellent information there for everyone to be aware of.
All the best ..... please talk to one of the BCNA or Cancer Australia counsellors if this is really getting to you ... they may be able to help as well xxxx
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3boysmum I am very sorry to hear about the very stressful situation you are experiencing. In addition to the great support and advice provided you may find BCNAs fact sheet helpful with some practical and financial information
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/booklets-and-fact-sheets/#financial
and the moneysmart website https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/ which also has a lot of information to assist you.
Your treatment centre or breast care nurse may also be able to link you with a social worker for advice. Please don't hesitate to contact BCNA on 1800 500 258 to speak to a cancer nurse for further support and access to information resources.2 -
Hi 3BOYSMUM it seems that pathology and anthestist accounts are the ones that cost!
perhaps contact pathology payment group for requesting payment by installment due to finanical hardships
All the best
Bright inhope3
