When you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, there's a lot to consider. The physical, emotional, and mental health needs can be overwhelming. The emotional concerns — like dealing with the stress of a diagnosis, accessing financial and legal resources, and worrying about how you can continue to care for yourself and your family — are as impactful as the physical ones. Both can affect your ability to cope and follow a treatment plan.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to (hopefully) ease a challenging situation. Many of the suggestions come directly from those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, oncologists, nurses, and social workers. Some are practical, while others are designed to lift your spirits.
Get Specifics About Your Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Learning you have breast cancer can be daunting. However, obtaining as much information as possible will help you make decisions about your care. Even if you’re initially in shock, eventually, you’ll have many questions. Write any questions you have in a notebook or record a memo on your phone, this way you can refer to at your appointment. Then, take notes on the answer your medical team provides.
It’s difficult to grasp all the information your medical team is sharing with you. If possible, take a friend or family member to your appointments who can act as your advocate.
It may be helpful for this person to also take notes. We also recommend requesting a copy of their pathology report and treatment plan to review at home.
Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to clarify anything you don’t understand. It’s okay to say, “I’m sorry, could you please explain that again?”r “Could you write that down for me?” or, how do you spell that? Friends in our breast cancer community often wish they had asked more questions during their initial appointments which is why we’ve put together the top list of questions to ask your breast cancer oncologist, radiologist, and surgeon
Seek Help To Navigate Financial Issues
The added burden of worrying about your financial situation can impede your ability to cope and heal. Hospitals and clinics have social workers, patient navigators, and financial services departments that can help you manage financial concerns and deal with private insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid.
A healthcare provider, such as your physician, nurse, or social worker may have information on financial resources. Most hospitals and treatment centers have financial counselors. They can help you with the details of your insurance paperwork and give you an estimate of the cost of your treatment.
Financial counselors can also help you work out a payment plan. If you are unable to pay, some places may be willing to reduce or waive some costs if you ask. Hospital discharge planners, patient service offices, nurse navigators and patient navigators may also have information on resources and advice about financial matters.
For questions about your insurance policy, state insurance agencies and insurance companies can be helpful. No matter your income, you may qualify for financial aid from federal, state or local programs. A financial counselor at your hospital can help you learn about these programs.
Many organizations offer financial assistance and help with travel, lodging and medical items, including prescription drugs. Some are listed below:
Affordable Care Act (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services): Find information on choosing a health insurance plan and the Affordable Care Act.
A.M. Best: Find official insurance company ratings.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): Find detailed information on Medicare and other health insurance programs for people over 50, or call 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277)
American Cancer Society – Understanding Financial and Legal Matters: Find information on financial topics. Call 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) for more information.
HealthWell Foundation: The HealthWell Foundation is a national non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to insured Americans who struggle to meet their out-of-pocket costs for medical treatments. Email them at grants@healthwellfoundation.org, or call at (800) 675-8416.
At SBC, we have articles related to finances, so be sure to check out these resources as well.