Preparing for Radiation: Step 3 – The Money Stuff

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t often come up in cancer prep conversations, but affects everything: money.

Finances will take their toll – it's inevitable. The cost of living is already stressful, but when cancer enters the picture, it can feel like you’re suddenly walking through financial quicksand. That’s why we believe that preparing for the financial side of treatment is just as important as preparing the body and mind.

We did it together – and it actually brought us even closer than ever. Because nothing is more important than your health, and getting through it.

When you're undergoing conventional treatment – whether seeking alternative options, or combining the two – you’ll need to anticipate extra costs, time off work, and unexpected expenses. Getting a handle on this upfront, before treatments begin and fatigue sets in, will help reduce mental strain during an already overwhelming time.

Understanding the true cost of cancer care

We’re fortunate to live in Canada, where radiation and chemotherapy are covered by public healthcare. But as we learned, these treatments are only part of the picture. For us, conventional care wasn’t the only solution. We firmly believe that you can’t simply cut or burn out cancer in the body without addressing the root cause. That led us down a more integrative path – one that brought on additional out-of-pocket costs.

If you're walking a similar path, here are some of the financial realities you might want to prepare for:

Alternative and complementary therapies

• Naturopathic visits: We found a cancer-focused naturopath and saw them weekly during the early stages. Cost: about $200/week.
  

• IV therapies: These included high-dose vitamin C, mistletoe, B-complex shots, and other immune-boosting cocktails, especially important to build up Kevin’s system before radiation. Cost: around $300/week.
  

• Reiki: This gentle energy-based therapy helped calm Kevin’s nervous system, lift his emotional state, and regulate stress. Cost: about $80/week.
  

• Energy healing: Though not frequent, these sessions were invaluable in helping Kevin process emotional and spiritual blocks. We booked them every couple of months. Cost: around $80/session.
  

• Nutrition guidance: Our cancer naturopath included some nutrition planning, but if yours doesn’t, a holistic nutritionist who aligns with your care team is a great support.
  

• Supplements & food: Expect to spend more here than you’d anticipated. Organic produce, clean pantry staples, and top-grade supplements were our biggest monthly expense. We spent roughly $1,200/month between the two. Granted, we didn't "have to" but we chose to go all out on this one – no regrets.
  

• Apps & tools: We used guided meditation apps like Happier and Calm to help with sleep, stress, and mindset. Cost: about $120/year.
  

• Acupuncture & massage: Both therapies supported pain relief, sleep, digestion, and relaxation – which is incredibly important. Cost: about $90/week.

Hidden costs of conventional treatment

Even if your primary care is covered, there are other medical-related costs that creep in:

• Dental work: Radiation to the head and neck can affect oral health. Kevin needed scaling, cleaning, x-rays, and was offered fluoride trays (which we opted not to do). Cost: over $3,000 out-of-pocket.
  

• Hearing tests: Required before radiation began to establish a baseline for potential changes. Cost: about $300.
  

• Transportation: Kevin's radiation took place at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. That meant daily GO Train and subway trips for six weeks straight. Cost: roughly $50/day, or $1,500/month. Parking and gas for others can add up quickly too.

Planning ahead: what you can do now

By the time treatment starts, your energy and focus may be limited. That’s why we tried to prepare as much as we could beforehand. Here are the steps that helped us:

1. Work & income

• Talk to your employer or clients. Kevin is self-employed, so we had to alert his subcontractors and clients, all which were incredibly supportive and understanding.

• Try to line up help to keep work flowing. Even if you’re not actively doing the work, staying in the loop eases the mental load.

• Understand your disability or sick leave options, if applicable. Talk to an accountant if you have one, or find one who can help you navigate the available options.

2. Budget and savings

• Look at your bank account and be honest. How much of a cushion do you have? What can be redirected to health support?

• Reach out to trusted family members if needed – sometimes just a temporary boost can mean everything.

• If there are valuable items you can sell (like we did with our pontoon boat), consider doing it. It may feel tough in the moment, but remember: your health is priority number one. You can replace things later; this is more important now.

3. Government and community support

• Ask your accountant for guidance on cancer-related tax credits or deductions. We kept every receipt and submitted them when doing taxes. While nothing helped immediately, we were hopeful we'd see some of it back after doing our personal taxes.

• Look into provincial and federal financial assistance programs for cancer patients. There may be transportation subsidies, caregiver support, or medication coverage extensions.

• Connect with local cancer support groups. Some offer financial aid, discounted services, or grocery gift cards.

• Mortgage assistance: We reached out to our mortgage company and told them what was happening. They were able to hold off on mortgage payments for 6 months – which was huge!

Starting the family chat

One of the best things we did was start a weekly email to immediate family. It was both an emotional outlet and a logistical one.

In these updates, I shared:

• Kevin's progress and what was coming up

• Our wins and tough days

• Specific things we needed help with (Presto card reloads for travel, organic groceries, rides, etc.)
  

Some family immediately stepped up, and some didn’t. And that was okay too, because everyone does what they can. We made a conscious decision not to dwell on who didn’t help – it was just added stress we couldn’t afford. But for those who did, their support made an enormous difference. We’re forever grateful.

Other costs you may want to consider

Here are a few more things you might want to budget or prepare for:

• Household help: Even occasional cleaning help or meal delivery can make a huge difference.

• Childcare or eldercare: If you’re juggling family care, consider what temporary help may look like.

• Pet boarding or walking: If you have pets, think about how their care fits into your routine.

• Clothing: You may need new clothes if weight changes occur, or if treatments make certain items uncomfortable (e.g., around radiation sites). We're avid thrifters, so that helped quite a bit – plus, we had friends who brought key items like winter coats they didn't wear, extra towels, etc. Everyone helps how they can, and the extra support and love is always welcomed.

• Specialty items: Natural skincare, mouth rinses, hydration tools, neck pillows, bedroom vaporizers and nebulizers, special blenders and juicers – they add up...

Your health is worth everything

It’s easy to feel weighed down by all this – from the numbers, the choices, to the uncertainty. But the truth is: there is nothing more valuable than your health. You will find a way, and we certainly did! One step at a time, one day at a time...

If you're standing at the edge of this journey and wondering how you'll afford it all, just remember this: you don’t need to solve everything in one day. Prepare where you can. Ask for help where you need it. Sell what doesn’t serve you anymore. And hold strong to the belief that you will get through this.

Money is not everything – it's not even close! What matters most is right now – this moment, your breath, your peace, YOUR LIFE.

Stay hopeful, stay empowered – you've got this – and you are not alone, ever!