Beyond Surgery

A breast cancer diagnosis affects more than health—it can also bring financial stress. Surgery, treatment, medications, time away from work, and ongoing follow-ups all add up. Even after treatment ends, bills and expenses may continue to impact daily life.

Financial wellness is about more than managing money—it’s about reducing stress, making informed choices, and finding resources to support your recovery and future stability.

At Coastal Hope for Healing, we believe that financial health is part of whole-person healing. You deserve both care and peace of mind.

Common Financial Challenges Survivors Face

• Medical Bills – Surgery, hospital stays, reconstruction, and follow-up care.

• Insurance Gaps – Out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, co-pays, or uncovered services.

• Prescription Costs – Ongoing medications, hormone therapy, or side-effect management.

• Lost Income – Time away from work for recovery or treatment.

• Childcare or Household Help – Extra expenses during times of limited energy.

• Travel Costs – Gas, lodging, or parking for frequent appointments.

You are not alone. Financial concerns are one of the most common challenges survivors face—and support is available.

Steps Toward Financial Wellness

1. Organize Your Information

• Keep all medical bills and insurance statements in one place.

• Track what you’ve paid, what’s pending, and what’s under appeal.

• Ask your hospital for a case manager or financial counselor to help sort through paperwork.

2. Understand Your Insurance

• Review your policy carefully to know what is covered.

• Ask about coverage for reconstruction, physical therapy, and survivorship care (many are included by law).

• Call your insurance provider for clarification—take notes during every call.

3. Explore Assistance Programs

• Hospital & Clinic Programs – Many offer charity care, payment plans, or discounts.

• Nonprofit Organizations – Groups like Pink Fund, CancerCare, and Susan G. Komen provide grants or help with daily expenses.

• Medication Assistance – Drug companies often offer discount cards or free medication programs.

• Government Resources – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicaid may apply.

4. Plan for Work & Income

• Ask about short-term disability or FMLA benefits.

• Talk to your HR department about flexible schedules or remote work options.

• If returning to work feels overwhelming, consider a gradual re-entry plan.

5. Budget With Care

• Focus on essentials first—housing, food, utilities, and healthcare.

• Explore community resources (food banks, childcare support, transportation assistance).

• Adjust as your energy and income change.

Managing Stress Around Money

Financial stress can take an emotional toll, adding to anxiety or worry about recurrence. Coping strategies include:

• Talking openly with loved ones about what help you need.

• Seeking professional financial advice if possible.

• Joining support groups where others share tips and resources.

• Practicing self-compassion—your worth is not defined by your bank account.

When to Reach Out for Help

Consider contacting a financial counselor, social worker, or nonprofit support program if you are:

• Struggling to keep up with bills.

• Unsure about insurance coverage or denials.

• Facing choices between medical care and daily needs.

• Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about money.

Final Word

Financial wellness after breast cancer is not about having “perfect” money management—it’s about finding stability, resources, and peace of mind as you heal. With the right support, you can reduce financial stress and focus more energy on recovery and living fully.