Leaving mob for treatment
Leaving family, Country and mob for tests or cancer treatment in bigger towns or cities is not always easy, but there is help available. Mob who have been through similar experiences say that with the right support and being prepared, everything works out okay.
It’s important to complete your cancer treatment to give yourself the best opportunity to get the outcomes you and your medical team want. Don’t let travel or being away from home hinder your treatment, there is help and support available.
This page has some information and tips to help you find the support you need to travel away from home to complete your cancer treatment.
Practical things
Here’s some things to think about if you’re away from home:
- Ask others to help to look after kids, grandkids and others you care for.
- Ask others to provide meals for your family while you’re away.
- Ask for help to look after your home while you’re away - collect the mail, feed pets, water gardens and plants, mow lawns and keep an eye on the place.
- Let friends and neighbours know you will be away and how to get in touch with you.
- Check when bills due and either pay in advance, ask someone to pay while you’re away or contact the utility service to seek assistance.
- Arrange sick leave with your employer and check if you have any special leave available.
- Check what insurance and superannuation options you might have.
- Check the weather to ensure you have appropriate clothes.
- Take some home comforts with you like favourite foods, books, blankets, photos, music, or sentimental items.
- Take Country with you, if possible (sand or soil, shells, leaves, feathers, flowers.)
- Committees, volunteering or other roles you have – let people know you’ll be away or won’t be up to things for a while.
- Conduct any important cultural business or ceremony before you leave.
You’ll put your mind at ease knowing these things are sorted out.
