Welcome back! This blog provides financial resources and information for people living with cancer. This post is the sixth in a series for information on breast cancer resources, which can be found at: https://livingwithcancertakemyhand.com/blog. In this post I will focus on stage 4 breast cancer.
What is stage 4 breast cancer?
Stage 4 (or metastatic) breast cancer is diagnosed when the cancer has grown in other areas of the body, such as bones, lung, brain, and liver.
How is stage 4 breast cancer treated?
Stage 4 breast cancer is not curable. This is as difficult to write and as is to hear. Treatment is focused on managing the disease as a chronic illness and extending the length and quality of your life. Generally, treatment includes chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy. In some cases, surgery and radiation therapy may be used to treat stage 4 breast cancer.
Chemotherapy is almost always recommended for stage 4 breast cancer and treatment typically continues for the rest of your life. Often chemotherapy is given as an IV, which requires frequent visits to an infusion center or your doctor’s office. Sometimes oral chemotherapy is offered. More information can be found at: Treatment of Stage IV (Metastatic) Breast Cancer
Expected Time Off:
Many women with a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis will decide to leave work permanently and seek long term resources. However, with new chemotherapy drugs, I am seeing more women working longer with metastatic disease. Flexible work hours and supportive teams provide opportunities for women who want or need to continue employment. Breastcancer.org offers a blog on retirement with breast cancer: 10 People on Early Retirement After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Will I need short or long term resources?
Ultimately, women diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer will need long term resources. Talk with your cancer treatment team regarding realistic expectations to continue employment vs applying for disability benefits. Oncology social workers, financial counselors and oncology nurse navigators may be able to offer support services and additional resources. Metastatic breast cancer support groups are helpful and highly encouraged. CancerCare.org offers online support groups at: Metastatic Breast Cancer, Support, Information, Resources (cancercare.org)
Long Term Resources:
Income- There are several options for continued income. Talk with your employer regarding early retirement options, pension, and/or union benefits. Also connect with your Employee Assistance Program if one is available. If you participate in a 401K or 403B, call the representative for your employer to determine your options. Depending on your age, you may have to pay a penalty if you take money out of these funds before age 55.
US Citizens with stage 4 breast cancer are eligible for Social Security Compassionate Allowance, which can significantly expedite the application process for SSI & SSDI.
Compassionate Allowances Website Home Page (ssa.gov)
How You Apply | Disability Benefits | SSA
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Living with cancer take my hand
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | Living with cancer take my hand
Health Insurance- options to continue your health insurance coverage include COBRA, Medicare, Medicaid, or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
COBRA | Living with cancer take my hand
Medicare- The Basics- | Living with cancer take my hand
Additional patient assistance resources can be found at: Patient Assistance Programs | Living with cancer take my hand
Resources for chemotherapy can be found at: Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs | Living with cancer take my hand
Living Beyond Breast Cancer also offers these resources: Breast cancer resources | LBBC
Ask your cancer treatment team for additional local resources. Often there are funds available from local organizations and charities to keep you stable during this journey.
I hope this information is helpful. If you would like to continue this conversation, please click on the Subscribe button at the top of the Blog page. I would love to hear your comments as well as resources that have worked for you. Please share this information with your family and friends.
Keeping you in my prayers
Jackie
