Dealing with practical issues after cancer
Life can feel as if it’s on hold during cancer treatment. When treatment ends, you may find yourself having to deal with different practical issues.
Financial issues
Check out our welfare and supports service for information on managing money:
- Benefits and allowances that you or your family may qualify for
- Ways to cope with the cost of cancer
Our Benefits Hub has links to information on government supports for people affected by cancer. It also has advice on how to apply.
There are also other organisations that can help you through this stressful time:
Their staff can give very clear information about what you may be entitled to and advise you. They have offices located all around the country and can be contacted by phone at 0818 07 4000. They also have a helpful website.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also a very useful service if you find yourself in serious financial trouble and need help to budget and sort out your finances. MABS will meet you to help you make a financial plan. They can be contacted at 0818 07 2000 or by email: helpline@mabs.ie. You can also visit the MABS website.
Returning to work after cancer treatment
When you have finished cancer treatment, you may expect to go back to your old way of life and return to work straight away. Many people are keen to get back to work as soon as possible because it means they are getting back to ‘normal’ and that they are over their cancer.
It is important to be realistic about what you can manage and to look after yourself at this time. But everyone reacts differently and some people can feel tired for a year or more after their treatment ends. Do not pretend that you are fine if really you are not.
If you can, plan to return to work gradually. Most employers will help you to start back to work part time and build up to full-time hours.
Cancer can also have a powerful emotional effect. If you have strong emotions, you might need to take a few months after your treatment has finished to adjust to what has happened. We have more information on your feelings after cancer treatment.
Possible challenges you may face if you go back to work include:
If you find that going back to work is making you feel very tired, it can help to talk to your employer or human resource manager. Some people find that tiredness is mild and does not interfere with their work. Others find it has a greater impact. For example, you may find it hard to concentrate or make decisions. This can affect the quality of your work.
You may find that your colleagues will have different reactions to you when you go back to work. Some people may have no idea what to say and may act like nothing has happened to you. Others may be afraid of hurting you so they will avoid saying anything at all.
Related links
Talk to a Cancer Nurse
Support Line
Our Daffodil Centres
