Emily Thompson, a 45-year-old writer and academic from central western New South Wales, is fighting aggressive cancer. Her diagnosis came right before Christmas last year. Now at 44, Marcy was healthier than she’d been in decades. That news turned her world upside down. She was about to experience for the first time all the challenges of cancer treatment while trying to manage her career and home life.
Emily was able to get her diagnosis after having a fine needle biopsy. Even with the Medicare rebate, the procedure ended up costing her $380. This financial burden is only part of the equation as she continues cancer treatment. During that time, Emily and Will struggled with these pressures and have found support through the charity Can Assist. This organization has been a key part of her path.
The Financial and Emotional Toll of Cancer
No one hears the word cancer and isn’t shaken. For Emily, the emotional impact has been tremendous. She says the process feels really isolating, especially now as she approaches nine months of treatment. Most of the time she feels herself slipping into that solitude of the mind where she wants to hide from all talk about sickness.
Emily’s experience is unfortunately not unique, and the financial burden of this kind of diagnosis only adds to the experience. While her treatment has placed obvious financial strain, with the help of Can Assist, she has been able to receive financial assistance that she desperately needed. The nonprofit organization covers the costs of all her cancer medications, including crucial radiation drugs. That support helps alleviate the stress of exorbitant health costs.
Can Assist doesn’t stop at medications. They assist with Emily’s transport, meals and accommodation when she trips down to Sydney for treatment. These logistical concerns can be burdensome on patients who are already living through intensive health challenges. For Emily, this support has provided her a lifeline amidst a time of otherwise great upheaval.
Navigating Work and Health Challenges
Now, as Emily fights against terminal cancer she has found it increasingly necessary to retreat from her work. She has had to reduce her work hours in order to fit treatment into her life and take care of herself. This decision hasn’t been made lightly by one of the most passionate writers you’ll ever meet.
Recently, Emily had a very difficult day at work that highlighted the physical impact that the disease has had on her body. She became sick and vomited so violently that it resulted in an unfortunate academic exchange. On that occasion, she was unable to control her bladder. It’s moments like these that have forced her to confront the darker side of being a cancer survivor. At the same time, she wants to be a serious professional.
Despite the personal and professional obstacles Emily faces, she is committed and passionate about her work. Juggling her health problems with her writing duty remains a work in progress. The realization that they need to focus more on their physical health than their professional goals is a change that many cancer patients are required to make.
The Importance of Support Networks
As she went through her treatment, Emily realized that, along with the medical aspect, emotional support was the other key component in fighting cancer. At other times, she just really withdraws and she doesn’t want to talk about her sickness. She understands just how important that sort of network is for her physical and mental health. Friends and family want to help, but their well-intentioned questions can feel like too much.
It’s stories like Emily’s that make Assist an extraordinary ray of light along her dark path that will lead someday to healing, health and a restored life. The charity does much more than offer relief; it creates community among people who are all fighting the same fight. This connection means that Emily is never alone on her journey.
As she continues her fight for health amid the many struggles it brings, Emily shares what she’s learned throughout her journey so far. Realizing how valuable that step can be, she wants people to receive the support they need when calling. She understands that organizations such as Can Assist are indispensable in relieving some of the stresses that accompany cancer treatments.