Living Alone with MBC
Living with metastatic breast cancer is hard enough, but for those who are single or do not have a primary caregiver, living alone with MBC can be especially challenging. Even if you're used to being independent, having cancer and going through treatment when you live alone can raise many challenges. Making space for all that you are feeling & managing the practical things of day to day may sometimes feel overwhelming, but with some extra planning and working out who can support you, it is possible to continue to live alone and well even when you have MBC.
In this episode, we have a panel of four amazing ladies who share their experiences with living alone while navigating their MBC diagnosis and treatment. Then, we talk to Dr. Jane Lowers, Monica Bryant of Triage Cancer, and Lesley Kailani Glenn of Project Life about resources that can help us live alone and well with MBC. There are many ways to make things easier emotionally and practically. We hope that in this episode you feel seen.
Mentioned in this Episode, Plus Additional Resources:
Social & emotional support
Project Life (membership is required, but it is free)
Metavivor Support Groups (peer to peer)
SHARE Cancer support
Many MBC support groups
TalkMets - helpline with immediate connection to peers with MBC during normal business hours
Young Survivor Coalition - support group for those diagnosed before age 40 who are living with MBC
Coordinating Care
Create a Caremap (Atlas of Caregiving)
Legal help
Legal navigation program (Triage Cancer)
Legal clinics with Abigail Johnston, Esq through Project Life
Help with daily activities
Assistive Technology (Nancy’s List)
Financial concerns
Navigating Finances (Triage Cancer)
Financial Assistance Finder (Triage Cancer)
Finding financial support resources (ASCO - cancer.net)
Financial resources (Living Beyond Breast Cancer)
Even If Insured, People with Advanced Cancer Often Face Financial Problems (National Cancer Institute)
Planning ahead for End Of Life (EOL)
Estate Planning (Triage Cancer)
Hospice
Medical Aid in Dying (Compassion & Choices)