9.3 Dealing with Life Circumstances

9.3.1 Work & Finances

Breast cancer can cause financial challenges that affect your financial stability (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b). Being unable to work, driving to appointments, paying out of pocket for medical supplies, and other areas of financial loss can lead to financial difficulties.

A social worker can help you find financial assistance programs and government benefits to help improve your financial situation (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b). Furthermore, you might already have health insurance through your workplace, so ask your workplace what your insurance covers.

If you live in British Columbia, the Government of BC provides different resources for financial assistance.

Additionally, the Canadian Cancer Society has a page on different financial programs that can help with the costs of having breast cancer.

9.3.2 Financial Assistance Programs

There are a wide variety of breast cancer financial assistance programs, including the ones below.

For more financial assistance programs, check out BC Cancer’s information sheet.

9.3.3 Social Workers

Almost every, if not all, hospital and community services have access to a social worker who can help you navigate through this difficult time (Interior Health, n.d.g). Social workers for ways to connect you to social supports, community programs, and other related services. Ultimately, a social worker is invaluable for navigating the complex systems that surround healthcare.

To see how social workers can help you, check out Video 25 (Canadian Cancer Society, 2019b).

9.3.4 Patient and Family Counseling Services

Counselling services can be helpful both for individuals who have breast cancer as well as those who have a loved one with breast cancer (BC Cancer, n.d.13). Unsurprisingly, your breast cancer experience can cause a considerable amount of emotional distress. Talking with a trained mental health professional can help you process these complex emotions and feelings.

BC Cancer has a page with helpful resources and phone numbers you can call to inquire about counselling services.

Even if you live in an area where you cannot physically attend appointments, virtual appointments are always an option (BC Cancer, n.d.13).

9.3.5 Return to Work

Although returning to work after breast cancer can be beneficial, it can also be overwhelming as you might have to make unexpected changes to your work life (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b). Adjusting to your work routine and getting used to socializing again can take some time. Work can be a stressful place even when you do not have breast cancer, so be kind and patient with yourself as you go through these new experiences.

You might find that the people you work with are curious about your breast cancer experience; however, it is up to you whether you want to share and how much or how little information you want to share (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).

Another concern you might have is the hours you are working (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b). As previously mentioned, fatigue is a common short- and long-term side effect of cancer treatment. Furthermore, you might no longer be able to do certain activities at your workplace, such as lifting heavy objects. Because of all this, it is important to maintain open communication with your workplace about how many hours of work and what kind of work you can handle.

Before you return to work, talk to your healthcare team first to determine if you can start working again (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b). Keeping track of your side effects and mental, emotional, and physical health can help determine whether you are ready to return to work.

9.3.6 Financial Benefits & Medical Insurance

You can access financial assistance for medical and non-medical costs of breast cancer, such as medications, treatment, and breast prostheses, in different ways.

For example, BC Cancer has numerous resources to help you find financial assistance if you live in British Columbia (BC Cancer, n.d.o). They provide information that can help you determine whether certain costs are partially or fully covered.

Additionally, you can learn about the different medical insurance available in BC. BC Cancer also has specific resources for First Nations peoples and refugees living in British Columbia (BC Cancer, n.d.o).

BC Cancer’s Financial and Practical Support guide can help you learn more about your options for financial assistance

9.3.7 Making Changes to Where You Live

Changing your home and where you live can improve your quality of life (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b). One aspect to consider is how much fatigue affects your daily activities, such as chores and navigating your home. It might be beneficial to move to a place that does not have stairs or is smaller.

Another thing to consider is how far away you live from medical centres, family, and friends (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b). You might want to move to a place that is closer to them.

9.3.8 Personal Care

After your breast cancer treatment, your ability to complete your personal care (e.g., bathing, getting dressed, eating, and maintaining proper hygiene) may be impacted, especially at first (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b). You might find it beneficial to ask for help from someone you trust, like a family member, friend, home health nurse, or healthcare assistant.

You can ask your healthcare team for resources to help you complete your personal care (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b).

9.3.9 Travel

Travelling is a way to celebrate the end of your breast cancer experience (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b). However, there are some things to consider before and while travelling, including:

• Sun exposure — protect your skin from the sun if you underwent specific treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and radiation).
• Lymphedema risk — understand that travelling via airplane can increase your risk of developing lymphedema.
• Medical supply access — ensure you have access to all your medications and other medical supplies.
• Immunizations — understand that you may not be able to travel to particular locations due to being unable to receive required immunizations that interfere with cancer treatment methods.
• Health insurance — gather your health information (e.g., diagnosis, healthcare team contact information, and medications list) to obtain health insurance. (Canadian Cancer Society, 2018b)

9.3.10 Questions to Ask About Life Post-Treatment

1. When will I be able to return to work?
2.  How long until I can return to work?
3.  Is there anything that I should not do while at work?
4.  If I can return to work, are there financial resources available? How can I access them?
5.  How long will the side effects of my treatment last? Is there anything that I can do to decrease them?
6.  Am I able to travel? Is there anything special I should do when I travel?
7.  Is it safe for me to travel by plane? How should I prepare? (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012)