Every woman will manage her life differently when diagnosed with secondary breast cancer -- some choose to keep life the same and some decide to make big changes. Many women find the uncertainty of their situation one of the most difficult aspects to manage. Some choose to live in the present whereas others find more control in planning ahead. Do whatever works for you and makes it easiest for you to cope.
"There is more to life than cancer -- initially I felt as if I was in shock, later I experienced grief/loss. I have moved from that stage now (two years later). Now my diagnosis is part of my life. Treatment is part of my life. To date it has not been so bad." --Barbara
Your time
With so much going on, it's important to factor in time to do the things that bring you enjoyment. It is also important to listen to your body, and take time to rest when you need to.
" I used to drive to the mountains and just sit and take in the view - or have a coffee in the little coffee shop" --Mia
"I travel in good times and take it slowly resting, listening to music and reading in times of sickness." --Trina
Practical matters
GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements
GP Management Plans provide people with chronic medical conditions, including cancer, with an organised approach to their health care. Your GP can develop a written plan for you which will identify your health and care needs, set out the services that will be provided by your GP and list anything you can do to help manage your health care.
Your GP can also organise a Team Care Arrangement (TCA), which helps coordinate the care you receive from other health professionals, including physiotherapists, psychologists, dieticians, specialist nurses, osteopaths, podiatrists and exercise physiologists. If you have a TCA, you may be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for up to five visits per calendar year to the practitioners identified in your TCA.
A GP Management Plan and TCA can also assist with health problems not directly related to breast cancer, such as diabetes, arthritis and other chronic medical conditions. They are designed to support your overall care needs and to put in place a management plan that will provide access to a range of health professionals to support your overall health and wellbeing.
- Read an article about GP Management Plans and TCAs in Issue 22 of The Inside Story
Medicare rebates for dental health services
The Medicare chronic disease dental scheme enables eligible people with a chronic illness, including cancer, to claim Medicare benefits for dental services. Talk to your GP if you think you may be eligible, as he/she will have to provide you with a referral and complete some paperwork for Medicare before you can claim under this scheme.
- Read an article about the scheme in Issue 17 of The Inside Story (supplement to The Beacon Issue 52)
- visit the Dental health page on the Department of Health and Ageing website for more information about how the scheme works and to download a fact sheet
Insurance and superannuation
If you have been paying a personal insurance policy, check if it includes disability insurance (also known as sickness insurance or temporary disability insurance). Also check your superannuation fund, income protection insurance or life insurance policies.
- download the travel insurance -- secondary breast cancer fact sheet
- Hope & Hurdles Pack has a section on practical matters
Tax-free superannuation payouts for people with a terminal illness
Australians living with a terminal illness are able to receive early access to their lump sum superannuation benefit tax-free, regardless of their age. You do not need to have reached your superannuation preservation age, or the age of 65, to access your lump sum tax-free. You also do not need to stop paid employment, and can continue to work after receiving the payment if you wish.
- Read an article about accessing superannuation early in Issue 22 of The Inside Story
- download the accessing your superannuation fact sheet
More information
- Order a copy of Hope & Hurdles Pack for more information on living with secondary breast cancer.
- Issue 56 of The Beacon includes articles and stories about the financial impact of breast cancer, including information on finding financial support
- The personal stories section includes some inspiring and empowering personal stories written by our members living with secondary breast cancer.
- Join our online network if you think that talking to others online and sharing experiences will help.
- The resources and keeping up-to-date page in this section has a listing of books, brochures and websites about living with secondary breast cancer.
