What do I do now? Please help.

ateng
ateng Member Posts: 14

I am done with 6 cycles of chemo and now almost done with a year of herceptin.  I am thankful to God that I am almost done with the treatment.  However I feel that the battle still goes on.

When I was diagnosed with Stage II invasive cancer, I was in between jobs.  I decided to accept  a contractual job among other job offers, so I could take some time off for my treatments and have more flexibility.  That contract job already ended a few weeks prior to my last chemo cycle.  My husband who worked in another country, quit his job to come over and take care of me.  I did not insist that he do so but he felt that he had to be here with me.  Now we both do not have jobs.  Not really by choice, but with the present economy, we just could not find any despite our best efforts.  I have tried to go for any job, but have been turned down so many times for various reasons... being overqualified, being underqualified... 

It has now been 9 months that we have been living off my savings, and we are running out fast.  This is stressing me out and I am so afraid.  

I do not really know what to do.  I have been praying so hard for things to change for the better.  But I am starting to feel like it is one bad thing after another.  I do not know why I am writing this post.  Maybe you can pray for me.  Maybe you who have the same troubles can let me know that I am not alone.  Maybe you have suggestions on what I can do...Maybe you know of any group that can help me move on...

Comments

  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited February 2010

    Hi Atens- I know how you feel I was in the same postion as you, My DH was laid off his work the same time as I was DX with BC- It was so hard to deal with. but I tryed not to dwell on that problem and just wanted to get thru my MX, and chemo and all the other stuff that goes with it, Our savings dwendled away just living on unemployment not knowing in this recession what was going to happen to us, the one good thing out of it was that he was able to be there for me during my tough journey, He was wonderful thru the whole thing, in fact. I think I loved him even more for being there for me knowing he was stressed about work and money too- I kept telling him that he will find somthing, and it was meant to be for him to be off work, and  when one door closes another one opens- Just last week he was offered a really good job after being out of work for over a year, in another state that we have been wanting to move to, closer to my family- Im so happy and excited, and  I know that god had a plan in all of this. We had some really bad times too and didnt think we would get thru it, but we did, I hope you will get thru this too and I hope things wil get better for you, I will keep you in my prayers- sending you lots of ((((hugs))))))))

    debbie

  • idaho
    idaho Member Posts: 1,187
    edited February 2010

    I was layed off the day before my surgery...still have not found a job... it is starting to make me sick.  I will pray for you.  Tami  

  • ateng
    ateng Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2010

    Debbie, Tami,

    Thank you for your replies to my post.  It is very difficult and very stressful.  I am hoping that like Debbie, we will get past this.  I just don't know how and I wish it would happen soon.  Because we are running out of means fast, and I am getting worried and afraid. I have not claimed for unemployment benefits, I am not sure if I could. 

    I will likewise pray for you, Tami.  I hope we will find a job soon... Thank you Debbie, for keeping me in mind in your prayers. You have given me some sense of hope.

    I wish there was a support group for cancer patients/survivors that need to go back to the work force.     -- Jen

  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited February 2010

    Hi Ateng- Your welcome. You could call the unemployent office rather than going down there to see if you qualify, if you were under contract did you work for yourself?  Also have you tryed monter.jobs  and hospitalityjobs online- You have to register then put in the type of job you are looking for and you will get emails when they have things you are interrested in- This is how my husband found a job, some places would call and get him lined up with interviews, It has been a long road but it did fianlly pay off, thought you could try this if you havnt already- Also try getting a hold of the american cancer society maybe they have some resourses for you and might be able to help, its worth a try- good luck!

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