Karen, thank you so much for your thoughts and how eloquently you have expressed yourself about this disease advanced/secondary breast cancer. I will click on the link and have a read myself - thanks again.
We don't just want to live - we want to live as well as we possibly can for as long as we can. Being able to work (whether it full time or part time) is a great way to not simply just being a survivor but being yourself !
I was diagnosed with secondary bc a month before my 50th birthday (that was 18 months ago). For the most part I have been well (radiotherapy so far to the bony mets) but a 3 week stay in hospital 12 months ago meant I was off work for 7 weeks.
My employer was nothing but supportive and I have been so blessed as many are not as lucky. I have managed to get them to agree to a 4 day working week (off Wed to break the week up) however that changes according to specialists appointments.
@Brenda5 - I work in financial planning and I would be very surprised that you would not qualify under the "financial hardship" grounds. The minimum you can have access to is $1,000 and the max is $10,000 (your balance) per 12 months.
Perhaps the Cancer Council (in your state) may be able to give you some information about the next step. They cannot give advice but may be able to give you some insight about your rights. Are you currently under the care of an oncologist ?
I know that if you are deemed as being diagnosed with a terminal disease and likely to pass away within 24 months then there is generally a payout however there are lots of hoops and paperwork to be completed with at least 2 doctors signing off (one of whom must be a specialist in the field of your disease and has been treating you for over 12 months).
Best wishes to all Sheryl
