HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - How has breast cancer affected your income?

Barbara H. · 03-02-2008, 09:39 AM

Hi,
As I stated earlier, I also elected to take a number of years off from work when my children were young. Whole brain radiation was also recommended for me in 2004, but I elected not to take it at that time because I only had one brain tumor. However, if I ever need it I would have to stop working.

As I reread all these posts it occurred to me that it might be helpful for the those still in the race for the US President to read these posts. Health care is a big issue this year.

It is sad enough to read the struggle we all have with this cancer. The additional burden these posts present is so disheartening. As more people continue to survive cancer, I hope that some of the issues in these posts can be improved.

Here is another example to show how tough issues can be when living with stage 4 cancer. When I was diagnosed with stage 4 (lungs, liver, skin, and brain) in 2004, my first concern was for my 21 year old daughter who has autism. We were able to find her an exceptional adult program, but DMR absolutely refuses to grant us any help for adult housing because we are deemed capable of taking care of her. That could possibly change if I were close to death. However, if my husband were retired, she would also probably not receive help. It is just too much for us to afford the entire cost of outside living arrangements for her, plus the supervision she would require. As a result, there are many people living in their in their 70s, 80s, and 90s still caring for their adult children with special needs.

Through out the years, I have seen many positive changes occur for the education for children with disabilities. Unfortunately, much more needs to be done for those who turn 22 and are unable to fully care for themselves. It would be much better for my daughter to adapt to living in a residential setting as a young adult then to have to deal with my demise and then be forced to take that step at the same time.

Although these comments do not have to do with health care, they reflect how cancer adds an additional burden to all the issues we need to face in life.

Best regards,
Barbara H.

03-02-2008, 09:39 AM	#13
Barbara H. Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 951	Hi, As I stated earlier, I also elected to take a number of years off from work when my children were young. Whole brain radiation was also recommended for me in 2004, but I elected not to take it at that time because I only had one brain tumor. However, if I ever need it I would have to stop working. As I reread all these posts it occurred to me that it might be helpful for the those still in the race for the US President to read these posts. Health care is a big issue this year. It is sad enough to read the struggle we all have with this cancer. The additional burden these posts present is so disheartening. As more people continue to survive cancer, I hope that some of the issues in these posts can be improved. Here is another example to show how tough issues can be when living with stage 4 cancer. When I was diagnosed with stage 4 (lungs, liver, skin, and brain) in 2004, my first concern was for my 21 year old daughter who has autism. We were able to find her an exceptional adult program, but DMR absolutely refuses to grant us any help for adult housing because we are deemed capable of taking care of her. That could possibly change if I were close to death. However, if my husband were retired, she would also probably not receive help. It is just too much for us to afford the entire cost of outside living arrangements for her, plus the supervision she would require. As a result, there are many people living in their in their 70s, 80s, and 90s still caring for their adult children with special needs. Through out the years, I have seen many positive changes occur for the education for children with disabilities. Unfortunately, much more needs to be done for those who turn 22 and are unable to fully care for themselves. It would be much better for my daughter to adapt to living in a residential setting as a young adult then to have to deal with my demise and then be forced to take that step at the same time. Although these comments do not have to do with health care, they reflect how cancer adds an additional burden to all the issues we need to face in life. Best regards, Barbara H.