Have you changed your career path since your diagnosis?
It can be difficult to maintain our careers when we're hit with metastatic breast cancer. Some people have had to completely change careers because of all the doctors' appointments and surgeries. What has been your experience, have you had to change your career since your initial diagnosis?
I currently work at a HS as a classroom aid and since my diagnosis, it has been harder to maintain my career. I understand mask wont be "required" forever, so I told my job this would be my last year. Going to do things for myself and file for SSDI. I feel this is the best decision 😀
I currently work as a classroom aid too, @mrs.bheathain. I love it. I can imagine it is difficult to let this job go, but it is understandable why you need to. Hugs, Shayla (AdvancedBreastCancer.net, Team Member)
thanks! I just feel it's too much of a risk to my health. Especially now that mask are no longer required
Too many of us have found that a metastatic diagnosis left us jobless - not because of our illness, but because of the cost of care. Our employers were no longer willing to pay our astronomical health care costs.... and who can entirely blame them? When I shared with my boss that I would require more treatment, I was told "we've done enough for you.... You have two weeks." Other places I applied told me "absolutely not" - do not apply or withdraw your application so we don't all go through a similar, painful process. Social media is full of such stories. Some are fortunate enough to have employers who are supportive. Too many of us are not so lucky. I would be interested to hear from others who have faced challenges maintaining employment because of the cost of care.
@lumpie, this is so heart-breaking but you speak the truth. This happens a lot. I am so sorry that you have experienced this. Shayla (AdvancedBreastCancer.net, Team Member)
I lost my career as a Nurse Practitioner. The fatigue and chemo brain have transformed my life. It has been a tremendous loss - I miss my patients, my colleagues, learning and being challenged. The greatest loss has been the sense of purpose and joy I received from helping, listening to and educating my patients.
I have learned to accept my limitations, and would enjoy being a cashier at a grocery store - I yearn to be around people, and fill my mind with something other than end-of life planning, grieving over thoughts of not seeing my child grow up….the overwhelming fatigue, etc….
I’m blessed to be alive, I want to celebrate and live, but my body is telling me to rest all the time, my cognition is not the same. I’m grateful for this community of warriors who have been kind enough to let me share
Amy, we're glad that you're here with us, Amy! It's important to listen to your body.
Have you thought about volunteering? It would allow you to get out and have the social interaction you crave, without having demands on your time. Visiting at a local nursing home or local animal shelter are places to let your empathy shine, and fill your heart.
Enjoy the spring that is coming up all around us! - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
Yes I changed my career path. We are now trying to start our own business from home. This way I can rest when needed.
, that's an awesome idea! What kind of business are you starting? - Warmly, Donna (team Member)
