working with metastatic breast cancer
When you’re diagnosed with cancer so much goes through your mind and we live in a society where work is a big part of our lives. It has to be to make ends meet. And health insurance is a big necessity obviously. So, of course, the third question I had for my new oncologist after finding out I have metastatic breast cancer was “will I have to quit my job?”
The answer was, it’s up to me. Financially quitting isn’t really an option. I work for a small agency so I don’t get short or long term disability pay. I’d have to live off of whatever the government would provide and I’d lose my insurance. I worked throughout my stage III diagnosis and treatment. There wasn’t a day I wished I could just be off of work and honestly work is a big part of my identity.
Does my job bring me more joy than stress?
Most days, yes!
I’ve worked really hard and put a lot into this agency. It’s now my turn to reap those rewards in the flexibility for treatment and bucket list adventures. I’m incredibly thankful that my former self made really big decisions throughout my career that brought me here.
And let me be very clear. It’s not easy by any means. It’s a grind day in and day out. There are days I wonder what’s the point of all of this. But when those successes come in, when you’re appreciated for your strategy and input, and when you see your team grow and excel - it’s all worth it.
None of this would be possible without a supportive team and boss. They jump in to help when I’m out for treatment. They provide grace when I’m working from bed or the couch because pain and nausea are overwhelming. They know and understand that this isn’t top priority - that treatment and my health are. And overall this all provides more success for my clients because we’re human and we can provide empathy we receive.
With metastatic breast cancer and facing mortality at 35 you have to ask really tough questions about everything you do. How are you spending your time and days? They are limited for all of us. When taking stock of my life overall there really isn’t a single thing I would change. I’m proud of and love living this sweet sweet life.
So, don’t wait until a terminal diagnosis to alter your life and live for more joy and happiness. Do it now!
