Enjoying life after mbc diagnosis - money worries

WorkingMom10

Hi, everyone! One of the biggest struggles I have had since my MBC diagnosis 1 1/2 years ago is the realization that I had so many things in mind that I wanted to do when I retired, like travelling to Hawaii and Europe. We could not do those things before because of lack of funds. For reasons I would rather not go into, I am the sole provider for my family and I have continued to work since my mbc diagnosis because I have no choice but to do so. I do love my job and coming to work every day. I am in a clinical trial now of abemacliclib and immunotherapy which I am hoping is working. (I should know for sure in May) My son is also starting college this fall and I am having a very difficult time coming to terms with that transition as well. Thankfully, he will only be about 3 hours away. I feel like the cancer has taken away all my hopes and dreams that I have worked for all these years. I can't retire with a pension for about 6 1/2 years and I don't even know if I will be alive then. How can I come to terms with the fact that if I do the things I want to do now we will like be broke later? Right now, I think I would rather be broke than not enjoy my life and travel like I always wanted to. Sorry for the rant, but I really need some advice. Thanks!

Moderators

WorkingMom10, we are sorry you need to even think about this dilemma, but you are not alone. It may be worth talking with a financial counselor that could guide your decision and reconcilebetween what you can afford, and not, given that you are the sole provider. We truly hope that you get to realize your dreams! And the transition of having an "empty nest" is a very difficult transition on top of all of this. Will financial aid/loans help you and your son with the college payments? Would your employer be able to give you extended vacation time to allow you 'big' chunks of travel, should you not be able to afford retiring?