New financial and practical assistance fact sheet now available!

Hi Kaz,

Gosh, it sounds like you've had a really tough trot - I'm sorry to hear it. Are you claiming superannuation through the financial hardship route? It seems ridiculous that it would take two years, especially considering that you may lose your home. If you haven't already done so, it may be best to let your superannuation company know that the sitauation is fairly urgent. If you're unhappy with their response, perhaps you could consider contacting the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal, who may be able to review the decision and make a determination on a matter. They can be contacted on
1300 780 808.

The costs of a breast cancer diagnosis are so far reaching and, sadly as you know so well, don't stop once treatment is over. We recently posted about the out of pocket costs of breast cancer on our Facebook page which has resulted in some healthy discussion from a number of women. If you want to find the comments, they are under the post titled "BCNA Community Liaison Helen Williamson has shared her experience of out-of-pocket costs after a breast cancer diagnosis in The Age - theage.com.au today".

~ Annie

Thank you for acknowledging this area. I would like to provide an outline of my personal experience. I was diagnosed in July 2010, up until this time I was a full time worker and owned and operated businesses. My diagnosis and subsequent treatment was lumpectomy ,chemo, radiation followed by a full hysterectomy with a pulmonary embolism thrown in. I had to sell my business and could no longer work. I applied to centre link for assistance, was rejected, and it has taken 2 years for them to finally put me on the disability benefit to which I am entitled. I searched forever and found Welfare Rights who helped me appeal. I had to have a tribunal hearing and was finally successful. Neither my doctors or I was aware that it is based on tables and a point system. You need 20 points from 1 table to qualify for a disability and none of this information is readily available to us. These tables should be presented to all doctors and claimants from the very beginning. I have experienced such disregard and lack of compassion, in a time when it is needed most. Claiming on super is almost impossible and will probably take another 2 years. In the meantime, I have struggled to make ends meet and looks like I will lose my home. I hope that this topic can be further discussed as I believe this is an area that definitely needs immediate attention.

Hi Di,

Thanks for the feedback :) We really hope women and their families will find it useful.

We're also *really* hopeful that health professionals will hand it out too.

~ Annie