Forum Discussion
Do I stay or do I go?
Not your average post. Originally a backpacker from the UK, been in Aus 5 years and have moved onto a work sponsorship visa with my employer. I live in a very remote area and it is a 4 hour flight to...
Hi bear91, my diagnosis is fairly similar to yours all in a matter of the last 3 and 1/2 weeks (good Friday eve) living life carefree to being stopped mid stride with a diagnosis. I'm a kiwi so not quite the distance as you have or challenges with visas. I believe Australia has the best possible care for this type of medical care. Seeking medical care alone is even more challenging. I called my sisters who came immediately and joined me over the past 3 weeks, we are not wealthy and yes their distance is shorter than the UK, but sometimes the tickets cost the same! If i had to walk the past 3 weeks alone im unsure if would have had the mental strength, with all we manage while waiting for appts, and reviews and next steps, it has been a comfort to have them here and now my good friends who I consider family support me at appts while my sisters return back to their lives. My choice without them may have been to return to NZ despite knowing the health system there is not quite up to par as it is here. This is a hard question for anyone hun, and only one you will know how to answer. Try not to sit in fear, easy to say hard to do! Be kind to yourself, don't let the mind get too creative and catastrophise everything for decisions like this you need your mind clear and then you need to trust that you made the best decision for you in the that moment. I hope this helps and doesnt add further confusion, I wish you every success towards your journey to great wellness.
Hibear91 I am so sorry to hear you have this unwelcome diagnosis and what a shock it must be, together with the uncertainty and disruption to the career and life that gives you joy.
It is such a personal decision but as someone whose treatment ended last year, I feel like (in hindsight) that the period of my treatment was just a modest pause and, since I finished, I’ve been able to return to doing many of the things I enjoy.
As you have mentioned the connection between your work and visa status, you might be able to get help from the Cancer Council’s free service that connects people to lawyers and HR advisors.
https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services/practical-and-financial-assistance/pro-bono-program