I was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2019 at age 52. As a result of my treatment and the medications I was required to take, I have lasting side effects, including peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema, joint pain, fatigue, and brain fog. I went from being athletic, active, and energetic to having to drag myself through my days. But eventually I was able to recover much of my functioning and began running for the first time in my life.

In the winter of 2022, I noticed my running times were getting slower. I was dropping weight without trying. I didn’t think much about it because I was so happy to finally be feeling better. But in December of 2022, my annual PET scan showed an area of concern in my abdomen. In January of 2023, I underwent surgery to remove my ovaries. The pathology results confirmed my worst fears – my breast cancer had metastasized.

Since then, I have been grappling with this diagnosis, the onslaught of medical appointments and screenings, and more treatment. In addition to the side effects described above, my current regime causes gastrointestinal issues and extreme fatigue.

After my metastatic diagnosis, I continued working full time. I have a rewarding but demanding job as the managing director of a research unit at a social justice nonprofit. Unfortunately, I have found it increasingly difficult to perform well at work because of my treatment side effects. Despite having an understanding and accommodating employer, I have struggled to push through fatigue and brain fog at work while trying to juggle my medical appointments. I’m finding it increasingly stressful to balance my physical and cognitive limitations with the demands of my job. I want and need to focus on my health.

I would go on disability if I could afford to do so. The cut in pay that disability represents will be hard to manage, but worth it. However, I can’t imagine how I would also afford COBRA* payments for two years – more than $17,000/year – at the very time I would be facing a major loss of income.

Having early access to Medicare would mean that I could go out on disability now, instead of trying to push through until I qualify at age 65 – nine years from now. Right now, it seems I will have to work until I die – not because I want to, but because I have to.

* The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) provides those who lose their health benefits the option to continue group health coverage under circumstances such as job loss. Qualified individuals may be required to pay the entire premium for coverage – up to 102% of the cost of the plan.