Mental Stability: Health Vs Income

By Amanda Brunson

1 min read

We all go through a lot! Before blood cancer the majority of us had so many things that consumed our minds, most of what I could admit for myself was really not that important. Then after going through cancer, your perspectives change, and you gain new perspectives....new knowledge. In addition priorities start switching around. Health becomes more valued from the foods we eat to the importance of getting our steps in. Peace becomes way and then the craziness around us and you realize our health is our true wealth!

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Katelynn Bauer Moderator & Contributor
This was definitely something I struggle with. I decided it was best for me to do freelance remote jobs where I could stay at home and work when I felt well enough to. It's harder to find work, but so worth it. I hope you ended up feeling much better! <3 
1. Katelynn Bauer Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/> 2 weeks geeze! I'm so glad you got better though! Please keep us updated with how the freelance goes! If you need any suggestions I think I know a few websites that may help a little bit. 
2. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Katelynn Bauer" user-id="3653385"/> ❤️‍🩹 thank you
Paula Rosado Moderator
I put work first while on treatment for far too long. Bills can become the stuff of nightmares and I left work only if I thought I needed urgent care. That seemed to be the only time Management was somewhat agreeable to the decision. I don't think we are encouraged enough to make decisions that help ourselves. I mean, no one wants to bring a contagion to work, yanno? I think that where we can we have to take the time to heal so that we can return better than we were. I think its a good decision to make health the top priority.
Dennis Golden Moderator
During the first part of my career I worked in an office every day and fortunately the companies (banks) i worked for had reasonable sick time policies. Heck 2 of the banks i worked for had medical offices in the corporate office. If you felt illl you just called and made an appointment the same day. The times have sure changed. In later years I worked in business to business corporate sales and did so out of a home office or I found my self on the road. Getting ill when traveling is not a fun experience . On the other side I will say the freedom of working at home is great but found myself working many more hours. As with anything in life there are pluses and minuses to both sides. Now I am retired and cannot figure out why I am so busy - 24/7 Where oh where is the perfect life we dream about? LOL Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
Ramae Hamrin Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/> I was working full-time as a high school teacher when I was diagnosed almost 5 years ago. My femur cracked due to the cancer, and I needed a stem cell transplant, so I went on disability shortly afterward. Here I am still on SSDI and long-term disability because the meds I am on make it impossible to hold a regular job. Some days I can get a few things done around the house. Others I can barely get out of bed. It is such a blessing to be able to have some income while giving my body the rest and care it needs, but I sure miss having a job and interacting with people, especially my students. And I have always taken care of my own needs financially and otherwise, so it's hard for this independent girl to feel so dependent on the system. But I know that I'm truly blessed, and I aim to pay it forward in whatever ways I can. I sure hope you got through that day okay and are feeling better. You may have felt like poop, but you still have that beautiful smile (and HAIR, omg!) that can brighten anyone's day. Always look forward to what you have to say. Hugs, Ramae (<a href='https://blood-cancer.com' target='_blank'>Blood-Cancer.com</a>, team)
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Ramae Hamrin" user-id="3651272"/> Thank you🥹🫂🫂🫂🫂🫶🏾🐼, I went home, I was off for two days with a fever 🤒 but after that I got better ❤️‍🩹 your amazing! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💞
Matt Goldman Member
Amanda, I hope you're feeling better. It's such a struggle balancing work and health. My work made it so hard on me and I felt pressured to stay in the office even when I felt horrible. you're not alone. thanks for sharing and keep smiling.
Dennis Golden Moderator
Agree Matt ... The whole process is a difficult balancing act. When you are young and working you need to keep a up an office presence and demonstrate results. As you age you find yourself with different challenges. The strength and stamina you enjoyed few years ago is no long there. Everything takes a bit longer and takes more effort . All we can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other while being mindful of the real physical and mental limitations this disease bestows. Do your best every day and try not to be hard on yourself. Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)<img src="/content/images/2023/01/13/a80715bbd589aff7e12dcb95498b426a_medium.jpeg" alt="Image says it all. " class="uploaded-image"/>
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Dennis Golden" user-id="3641422"/> wise words from your wonderful wife 💜 🕊️ Thank you 🙏🏾 Mrs. Golden 🫂🫂🫂 It’s the simplest reminders that we need and have such power to hit in many directions of guidance ♥️
Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
Miss Amanda Panda... I could so relate to this! I remember my time in the fashion industry feeling horrible and always contemplating the should I go home or should I stay. We call it the superhero complex, which is doing the most, and for good reasons, as you said bills still have to get paid. I think at this stage we have to look at what works for us at this stage, and that we're mindful of taking care of ourselves while taking care of expenses. I'm glad you're feeling better. I'm also glad you're re-considering the freelance work spectrum...whatever works better is the winner. Best!
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo" user-id="3647991"/> 🫂