This is a guest blog post from Nicole, the daughter of a breast cancer survivor. Nicole is a direct witness to the affects that breast cancer can have physically, mentally and for the fortunate that survive, financially onto them and their family.

When the doctor comes in and informs you that you have breast cancer, it’s a whirlwind of emotions. Sometimes going from having cancer to being cancer free can be shorter than the time you financially recover from the diagnosis.

Not only do you have the obvious expenses of doctor and specialist visits co-pay, cost of the chemotherapy and radiation sessions, and the cost to and from the hospital, but you also have other cost that still encompasses your care, but might not be covered. If you have insurance, and depending on your insurance coverage, you could be writing a check to the hospital for your co-payment for treatment 3 to 5 times a week, depending on your cancer treatment. If you’re on a fixed income, this additional cost can be a huge impact on to your family budget. Also, maybe you’re already living paycheck to paycheck and you’ need to place your treatment cost, travel expenses, and other aspects of your care on a credit card or a few.

To obtain some of the best treatment in the area or to see your doctor who might travel from hospital to hospital, the cost of travel can become quite significant. Also, you might need to have a family member or neighbor take you for treatment because you might be too sick to drive, and need to compensate them for their time and expense. Some additional expenses of breast cancer might include the cost of wigs, hats, time off from work during your treatment time and also to regain your strength back, oral medication, and possibly even breast prosthesis post cancer.

Breast Cancer & Bankruptcy

All these cost add up… fast. You’re healthy and cancer free, but you’re now living under a mound of debt and might be unemployed. Now what? For many women personal bankruptcy is an option to consider because the mountain of debt from the treatment creates. Personal bankruptcy options such as a Georgia Chapter 7 or Georgia Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing might be an option for you to explore with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer.

About the Author: Nicole witnessed her mother undergo breast cancer treatment in 2003-2004. In learning more about cancer survivors she has witnessed other women go through the emotional changes and financial struggles of being a survivor.