October is Breast Cancer Action Month, and Friday 12th October is Pink Ribbon Day.
One of our clients, Sue Fleischl, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and was kind enough to share a little part of her story with us...
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The last three months must have been incredibly challenging for you - how has your life changed though out this experience?
My life has totally turned upside down. Not only can it be an emotional rollercoaster but I feel as though so much of my life is being ruled by other people. Doctors, surgeons, oncologists, med labs and appointments all the time.
My life has been a series of appointments and waiting for results and decisions. It involves a lot of patience. For a person who is used to being so in control and making snap decisions, it can be hard.
When your doctor confirmed that you had breast cancer, how did you initially deal with your diagnosis?
The first people I rang were my family closely followed by my insurance brokers - Brave Day.
My first panicky fears were about running my business and how I was going to do that. I knew that with the amount of surgery, chemo, radiotherapy that was coming up I wasn't going to be able to work that I have always done. Changes had to be made.
The team at Brave Day were with me immediately to go over my policies and how they would be able to help me going forward.
You were able to make a claim under your Trauma insurance policy - how has this helped you?
One of the biggest surprises was when I was told that I qualified for my Trauma policy payment. It was the best investment I have ever made in my life. Sovereign insurance have been wonderful all the way. My trauma payment has bought me time, security and choices that I would not have had before. It has taken a lot of financial stress from my life.
Brave Day was brilliant in guiding me through the insurance policies available when I first met with them years ago.
What advice do you have for other women dealing with Breast Cancer now?
- Sit down with your insurance provider or adviser and go through every policy. You may be surprised to see how they can help you.
- Write down every question you can think of for your doctor, surgeon and oncologist, no matter how silly they may seem and only work with specialists you connect with.
- Take time to recover, racing back to work will hinder your recovery. The external healing is far quicker than the internal healing.
- Don't expect too much of yourself. You may lose part of your body now but you will regain better health later if you nurture yourself every day.
- Accept all the help you can get. Write down people's names who offer to help. Rides to and from appointments are a great way to keep in touch and everyone wants to feel helpful.
- Treat yourself to something special every week. A facial, lunch out, pedicure, fresh flowers, a movie - you are going to go through so much, lavish yourself with treats.
- Turn off your phone if you need peace and 'you time' or ask a friend to take your calls for you.
- Talk to as many people as you can about what you are going through. Public awareness about breast cancer is a good path to public acceptance.
- Don't be ashamed of your condition; don't feel as though you have to hide. Ride through the experience with as many positive thoughts as you can.
- Women who smile during chemo, recover quicker and look better.
"Hair Today" .... Before....
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