A Woman's Perspective on Breast Cancer

Speaking at breast cancer support groups, I realize that a woman's perspective is most important.  Sure, as a support partner I can comment on my experience, but I often ask my wife, "What would you tell other women who have received a breast cancer diagnosis?"

Her thoughts?

Regardless of the diagnosis/prognosis, keep hope alive.  This is an important ingredient in recovery.  Hope is where we embrace energy and discover the resiliency of the human spirit.

Don't rush to a conclusion.  Patients may feel a compulsion to make a decision--and to do so quickly--but in most cases, there is time to study, consult, pray, and reflect upon treatment options.

Consult. Consult.  Consult.  Enough said.

Stay positive.  Often, this is a difficult task.  But focus on the outcome, the end you are pursuing.  Surround yourself with positive people.  Eat well.  Rest.  Lay worry aside for a time each day to pursue interests and live for others.  Don't become so self-absorbed that you wallow in your diagnosis.


(Stay tuned for more Women's Perspectives . . . Part 2)

Helping with Finances

For those who enjoy a visual overview of breast cancer finances . . . here's Johnny.  Keep hope alive!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJWPKupzC2Q

Money Matters 2

One of the most difficult aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis, for most people, involves the financial crunch (and sometimes financial fallout) that accompanies surgery, hospital stay, and subsequent treatments.  Breast cancer is stressful as it is, but the impact of finances on the situation can make treatment all the more harrowing.

But don't panic. 

Men, as caregivers, can make a big difference here. And a few suggestions might help.

First, keep in mind that most financial concerns--if they do develop--did not develop overnight.  And consequently, they could take an equal amount of time to resolve.  In essence, the financial cogs move slowly.  And many people complain that they never know where they stand, financially, until a year after treatments are complete.  At any rate, it can be a long time.

Having this time can help you to formulate a plan.  This plan might involve taking on a part-time job (a second job) or looking for ways that additional revenue can be procured.  This time can also afford you conversations with the bank, with your mortgage company, or with your employer.  All of it helps, and most men manage to find a way through the confusion to reach financial health.

Secondly, a great many of the financial stresses that families incur can also be addressed through some form of billing or monthly expenditure.  Often, the initial figures are staggering, but when broken down into monthly payments or over the course of a year, a bill can become manageable.

Be aware that financial stresses are common, too.  In the end, it often helps to remember that you are not alone.  Others have passed this way before you.  And if they have done it, so can you!

Money Matters 1

Breast cancer, of course, can exact a physical and emotional toll on a family, but it can also exact a financial toll as well.  Increasingly, with new forms of therapy, new medications, new procedures, and an array of follow-up visits--a breast cancer diagnosis requires a deep bank account, even for those who are insured.

So let's talk money matters for a bit here.  I hope a few insights might help.

Here, let's talk about creating a financial plan.  Early in the diagnosis, cancer patients and their families should sit down together and first determine the resources available to cover those expenses that insurance will not cover.  Some of these expenses may be of the smaller variety, but others could mount.  And doctors and hospitals--as well as other cancer patients' experiences--can help you in determining what these costs might be.

Next, if you know what some of these expenses are going to be, and feel that you may not have the financial resources to cover these costs, begin by contacting a social worker at the hospital.  A medical social worker can steer you in the right direction, or may have initial suggestions for you.

Begin to work your plan.  This may involve saving a bit more each month, or cutting back on certain expenses (think about those non-essentials such as cable subscriptions, beyond-basic phone plans, and even lunches and dinners out).  Most families will discover that they can save a few hundred dollars a month by just cutting the non-essentials from the financial appetite.

Finally, if you don't have one already--develop a budget that reflects the new reality with the cancer-related expenses.  Be creative in your work here--and don't overlook any downturn in your income that might be related to loss of time at work or time away from the job.  Be realistic.  Don't fall into the trap of believing that by ignoring a financial problem that it will go away.  Face the reality, but face it early so that you can concentrate on using your work and your finances to get well.

By taking some of these early steps, you can avoid deeper financial problems later.

(Visit again for more Money Matters . . . )