Breast Cancer Survival

On July 5 I found out that I have breast cancer.  I'm fortunate enough that it is only small and was found early.  Thankfully I am able to have a lumpectomy and will need up to 6 weeks of radiation treatment following my surgery, which is booked for August 8.  As I am a contract worker, I don't get any sick leave entitlements and will need at least 2 weeks off work.  I have not been able to secure a permanant job for the last 3 years and have been working contract work or casual jobs, or been unemployed so I have no savings to back me up.  Even though I am going through the public health system and all my medical expences are covered by Medicare, I still need to survive and pay rent, bills and buy food.  I have income protection insurance through my superannuation but I would have to wait 60 days before I can access it.  I made enquires about withdrawing funds early from my superannuation but, I don't qualify because that only covers medical costs.  It was suggested that I make enquires with Centrelink for a temporary sickness benefit payment, which I did.  The problem is that I can't apply until I am on leave and then I would have to wait a month before any payment is made and I would be back at work by then and would not recieve any payment.   I have already had to have days off work for doctors appoinments and I am getting further behind in paying bills and rent.  Unfortunately my immediate family cut me out of their lives last year and I was given no reason why so I can't rely on them.  I do however, have the support of my friends that are giving up their time to help me through my surgery and recovery which makes me feel very loved but, I also need financial support.  I was hoping it wouldn't come to this and that I would have received assistance through my superannuation or from the government because as most of you know, I don't like asking for help, especially financial help.  Any donation, no matter how small will help towards getting me through this without the extra stress of how I will pay rent and just generally survive.  I understand if you aren't able to donate, we are all fighting our own battles but any donation, no matter how small will be gratefully appreciated.