THE STORIES BEHIND THE STATS

Transcription

1 THE STORIES BEHIND THE STATS - Suzanne s Story

2 SUZANNE S STORY Suzanne is a Business Process Analyst living in Sydney NSW. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. At age 49, she faced a life-changing period that included a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts), chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. Suzanne is one of the lucky ones not only has she fully recovered, she also had Income Protection through a TAL group insurance policy which helped keep her afloat financially. A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A WEEK Suzanne s story began with several months of inexplicably low energy levels, and the discovery of a lump on her breast. I used to check it, but I didn t think it was anything it didn t feel like a round lump, it felt more like a cluster of veins. I just kept my eye on it self checking. Choosing to err on the side of caution, Suzanne made an appointment with her doctor. An ultrasound and biopsy revealed Suzanne had cancer in both breasts, and she was immediately referred to a specialist. He said Look Suzanne, you have a four centimetre lump in your right breast and a two centimetre lump in your left. Both breasts are filled with cancer. The spots you can see are all pre-cancers ready to turn you need to have both breasts removed. I had a cry for a minute or two. He asked when I would like to have the operation done. That was on the Friday. I came to work Monday and Tuesday, had Wednesday off and had the operation on Thursday.

3 I used to check it, but I didn t think it was anything it didn t feel like a round lump, it felt more like a cluster of veins. I just kept my eye on it self checking.

4 Brave me thought I d be back at work within three months... four months... six months. You just don t realise what it does to you... THE LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY Suzanne s double mastectomy took place in November From a woman s perspective, 90 per cent of me didn t worry about the fact that I had the mastectomy. I realised it had to be done and that was the end of it. It s only sometimes when I put certain clothes on that it affects me. I think oh I wish I could fit into that blouse the way I used to. About a month after the surgery Suzanne began a six month course of chemotherapy. Her hair fell out and she was physically ravaged. I thought about stopping the treatment, but I persevered. After the chemo came an extensive radiotherapy program on both breasts, every day for seven weeks. Testing revealed Suzanne had a genetic predisposition to hormonal cancers. Because this put her at a very high risk of ovarian cancer, she was advised to have her fallopian tubes and ovaries removed. I said anything else you want!? My chest was red raw from the radiation but I just wanted it over and done with, so I had the surgery a week after I finished radiation. I was in hospital for two days and after that it was all about recovery. I was grateful I was one of the lucky ones. I remember sitting next to a woman at the hospital who asked how many treatments I had to go and I said I have another 44. She still had over a hundred left. STAYING AFLOAT Suzanne had saved a considerable amount of sick leave over many years with her employer. While this meant she could take extended leave at full pay, it still wasn t enough time to cover the length of her illness and recovery. Brave me thought I d be back at work within three months... four months... six months. You just don t realise what it does to you. However, Suzanne was fortunate enough to have Income Protection insurance through TAL to fall back on. Once she d exhausted her sick leave, she was able to claim 75 per cent of her income through TAL. This financial support made a huge difference to Suzanne throughout her recovery. My heart really goes out to those with families I don t know how they manage. I am pretty self-sufficient, but I still needed to accept help and I really relied on people. Suzanne s policy also featured a Medical Catastrophe Benefit, where TAL provides an additional benefit amount if the policy holder suffers one of several specified illnesses. Because Suzanne s condition was covered by this feature, she received an additional three months of her benefit amount in advance as a lump sum. I was delighted that I was also eligible for a lump sum, which was three months of my income! Oh, it was just great, such a help!

5 RECLAIMING LIFE Between having income protection, great doctors and wonderful support from family, friends and work, I recovered. After almost a year off, Suzanne returned to work three days a week and is now back full time. She will continue to see her doctors every six months for the next five years, but life has generally returned to normal. Suzanne has built strength and fitness, and her hair has grown back. Today Suzanne has a positive outlook on life and a bright future. I m back on track, the doctors are really happy with me, life s great! I tell everybody I speak to about my journey and that income protection is so crucial. Don t think you can t afford it it s an investment in your health.

6 THE STATS Suzanne is not alone. Her story is one of the many stories that TAL sees every day. In 2013, TAL paid $237,498,519 in Income Protection claims. Income Protection Insurance and Business Expense Insurance Injury and fractures 32.3% Other 20.8% Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases 18.7% Cancer 13.1% Mental and behavioural disorders 8.4% Diseases of the circulatory system 6.7% This is a true claims story reproduced with the permission of the claimant. The claimant is an employee of the TAL group of companies. The information in this document is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the contents of this document you should assess whether it is appropriate for you. You should also consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (available at au) before making any decision about a product discussed in this document and seek professional advice based on your personal requirements before deciding whether the product or service is suitable for you. This document is issued by TAL Life Limited ABN AFSL (TAL). TALR7764/0914