If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through this alone. Support and assistance is available through the healthcare team.
Deciding about work
The decision about whether to continue working after a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is an individual one and depends on the woman’s health, finances and priorities. Some women with metastatic breast cancer who feel well enough find that continuing to work helps them to feel valued, and they feel comforted by being around familiar people and situations.
Other women find that their diagnosis makes them want to make changes in their work life. They may to stop work and focus on other things that are important to them. Some women decide to change jobs, work part time, or do some volunteer work.
It can be helpful to talk to a counsellor or social worker when thinking about work priorities.
Talking to colleagues about breast cancer
If you do continue to work, you may find it difficult to talk with your colleagues or friends about your experience of being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. If you want to, you can share your experience with just a few close friends or colleagues. Sharing your feelings could lead to valuable support.
The Cancer Council NSW has developed a comprehensive guide about work and cancer that includes information for employees and managers.
Financial support
Current legislation allows individuals with a terminal illness to access their superannuation as a lump sum tax free.
Superannuation for people with a terminal illness
If a woman with metastatic breast cancer wishes to access her superannuation she must obtain certificates from two medical practitioners (one of whom is a specialist) stating that she has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less.
Find out more about:
- Superannuation for people with a terminal illness, visit the Australian Taxation Office website or phone 13 28 61.
- Breast Cancer Network Australia provide information about accessing superannuation on the grounds of terminal illness.
How to access support at home
Women with metastatic breast cancer who are less able to manage at home, may be able to access help.Available services will depend on location and individual circumstances. For information about services in your area, talk to your general practitioner, community nurse or call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
Possible sources of help in the home for women with metastatic breast cancer
- General practitioner: may be responsible for ongoing care and can help arrange other support services at home.
- Social worker: can help find the right people to help at home.
- Community/district nurse: can provide help at home according to individual needs, such as bathing, changing dressings, giving medications and providing support.
- Breast care nurse/care coordinator: may be able to provide support and care at home.
- Occupational therapist: can provide practical advice and aids, such as walking frames, wheelchairs, shower chairs, or can recommend minor changes that make it easier to get around at home.
- Physiotherapist: can help with mobility and provide pain relief and massage. Some physiotherapists specialise in exercises for people with cancer or lymphoedema. To find a physiotherapist in your area, visit the Australian Physiotherapy Association website.
- Palliative care team: can help with control of pain and other symptoms and provide support for patients and carers.
- Home care: a range of public and private services are available for eligible women to help with things like cleaning, shopping, cooking, personal care and respite care for carers.
- Private nursing agencies: provide a 24-hour service in some areas to cover nursing care and practical support.
- Meals-on-wheels: deliver meals to people who cannot leave their homes (requires a referral from a health professional).
- Volunteer carers: volunteer carers can make home visits to chat or help with phone calls or letter writing, or just to be there.
- Church/religious groups: some church or religious groups provide support for their members with things like shopping.
How to access support outside home
As metastatic breast cancer progresses, care may need to be given in a hospital, hospice or palliative care unit. Some women decide they need some additional support for a short time to give their carers a break. This is called respite care.Available services will depend on location and individual circumstances. For information about services in your area, talk to your general practitioner, community nurse or call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
Possible options for support outside the home for women with metastatic breast cancer
- Day centres: are often attached to hospitals, hospices or nursing homes and are available to give carers some ‘time out’. These centres are open during the day and often provide transport.
- Nursing homes: some nursing homes offer short- or long-term stays to give carers a break. They will charge a fee for the care provided.
- Hospitals: public and private hospitals can provide short- or long-term care. Access to a public hospital will depend on individual level of need and whether there are beds available.
- Hospices/palliative care units: specialise in the care of people who are living with and dying from cancer. They focus on controlling pain and other symptoms. Some people go to hospices for a short period to help control symptoms or to give their carers a rest. Some hospices also have accommodation available for carers. Some are public, some are funded by a charity and some are attached to private hospitals. Palliative care units may be wards in local hospitals.
Questions to ask about practical support
Listed below are some questions that may be helpful when asking about practical support for women with metastatic breast cancer:
- What will the treatment you are recommending cost?
- Will I need to have time off work?
- Am I eligible for help with travel and accommodation costs?
- Can I get help with other costs of treatment and care?
- How can I find out about help and support at home?
- How can I find out about help with child care?
- What support is available to give my carer a rest?
- Where is my nearest hospice/palliative care unit?
- Can you give me a list of people/organisations that provide local supportive care?
