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Karen_C1's avatar
Karen_C1
Member
9 years ago

The Age Article "In The Shadows" March 26, 2017

Hi,

 

Attached an article that appeared in Sunday 26 March 2017 Age which resonated with me and got me thinking.   Hereunder are my comments I sent to Fairfax in response to the article written by Julie Power "In the Shadows" attached.

 

I totally empathise with the people interviewed. All the comments resonated with me.   However, I wish to expand on what Aranda said “It is a growing dilemma.  You have physical limitations, the emotional overlay, the changes to your social and other circumstances, and the financial impact; (it) is just something we don’t have a clear handle on”.

 

This is no longer a personal battle!  It’s one that now affects families and communities because more and more people living with cancer are chronic, not dying.  Our society needs to acknowledge this phenomena, and start a conversation.   Technology is keeping us alive and well, so the challenge is how to keep us involved and connected and not a drain on society. 

 

 It’s unacceptable for people to be tipped into poverty when they can work.     Discrimination is alive and well.   My employer was very supportive whilst I had “Early Breast Cancer” but when it wasn’t going away, their attitude changed.    I was still a very capable and highly regarded employee but I no longer fitted into the “traditional employment” model.    A legal framework outlining the rights and responsibilities that apply when an employee or potential employee is affected by cancer must be communicated and a need for practical solutions to common problems is needed.  

Currently cancer is considered a disability under anti-discrimination laws, which means that reasonable adjustments are made so people living with cancer are not disadvantaged at work.   I don’t believe this is understood by employers.   

I am not in poverty yet but because I am still living, unable to earn an income with around $3,000 out of pocket medical costs every year, it will happen.   Like others I cashed in my superannuation to reduce our debt.    To try and make ends meet, my husband who is 63 is working 6 days a week and very long hours to try and make ends meet.  

I would like to see a flexible workforce for people who are living well with cancer who can work are encouraged to stay working in some capacity rather than eat away at their life savings and ultimately find themselves prematurely on a pension.   

Today I am living well but as I am now nearly 60, I’m invisible.   It breaks my heart to see how my disease has and is affecting my family.    

 

My ‘normal’ has changed because of my disease but I don’t let my life be dictated by it. I am still articulate and functioning. I have a good quality of life and want to keep it that way. I am still a strong contributor to my immediate and extended family.  When you are diagnosed with Advanced Breast Cancer you think you are going to die in a matter of months but in my case, you can live with cancer.    I’m into Year 10!

 

I am dealing with cancer and my medical team are doing a fantastic job keeping me well.   Nonetheless as I have expressed, there are many areas that needs to catch up so let’s start the conversation to get  decision makers listening and make changes for the better and for the future.

 

Karen Cowley

South Morang, Victoria

  • Share's avatar
    Share
    Member
    9 years ago
    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   
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago
    My super is less than $1000 and goes down in fees and taxes by $50 per year and yet they still will not let me have it even though I have not earned a wage in 27 years. I am only 54.