Can We Discuss Social Security Disability? I Need Advice.

pinkbutterfly6186

Anyone here been thru this process? 

My cancer was Stage 3. 
I haven't worked since just a short time following chemo & radiation. 
I worked thru treatment, though not a lot.  Following, I was unable to "do my job" as my required, but that's beside the point.  My job ended when my position was eliminated (I worked for a big co. & my boss allowed me to keep my job ... but then there was a big corporate wide setback & I was one of 2000 let go).  I collected my unemployment, took a rest, sent out resumes (required) ... joked with the girls @ the unemployment office that nobody was going to hire a gal with a chemo cap on her head (waiting for my hair to grow in).  With the fall season approaching, I decided I would "go back to school," and that's what I've been doing since. 

I enrolled full time, 12 hours.  Time consuming but I manage.To be honest, it is very difficult.  I'm sure you know.We just never pop back to normal after treatment. School, if I'm going to do well, which is my goal, consumes my life.  
My family comes is moved down a rung on my priority list, because I can't successfully manage everything.It's sick, and that isn't right.  But that is reality. 
I've had to drop classes here & there, due to health complications, fatigue, the demands of going to school, just not being able to keep up the pace. 
But fortunately, I've had Professors willing to work with me so that I can complete my coursework or semester.   
Then I was hospitalized with a DVT and Pulmonary Emboli. 
That nearly ended my school career, but I dropped back to two classes. 
One on campus, and one online. 
Even that was tough last semester. 

I'm taking an intensive summer class that begins on Monday, but am dreading it because of the work. 
But what else can i do?  I have to continue moving forward.  I am going to school to put me in a better position for returning to work.  But going to school has shown me, I may never be able to work again anyway!  The setbacks are just so great. The fatigue. 
This is not good for my health. 
My dr. even tells me to "be careful." 

So, I (finally) applied for Social Security.  
One of these days I won't be able to apply, for having been out of work too long. 
Then I'd really be up the creek without a paddle. 
I would like to be approved.  It is hard financially with me not working.  If I felt great going to school, anticipating that I would be going back to work following my graduation (in another year), I would not have applied for SS.  I was able to work "just fine" before the cancer fiasco.I'm sure you understand. School is ok 'cause it's at my pace.  
No employer would tolerate my "not feeling good" shenanigans.I'm not going to get a job with the restrictions that my dr. has placed upon me.While FLMA is a step in the right direction, we cancer survivors/patients know it won't save us from being canned if an employer wanted to.  And who is going to hire me? 

Since the DVT & PE, all previous fatigue, pain, effects of cancer treatment (shortness of breath, no lifting, etc.) have gone out the window as far as I'm concerned.  The big focus now is on prevention of another DVT & PE. Dr. says I am at a HUGE risk for a recurrence.First they started the medicine for 3 months.  Then 6 month.  Now they want me to stay on it for 3 years.  Then he says when the 3 years is up, he may just keep me on it forever.  I was dx with vascular disease shortly after chemo.  I am cautioned to not sit for more than an hour at a time. 
I physically cannot stand for a length of time. 
And that leaves what kind of job I can do? 
I still have shortness of breath & chest pain. 
It's likely I still have an occasional clot.  I can tell because of how I feel.  Chemo brain is a very real thing, altho I didn't really feel the full effect of it 'til about a year ago. 
My chemo was in '09. 
Now that I am switched from Tamoxifen to Exemestane, oh boy ... I really have chemo brain ... focus issues, etc.  Just tonight I was writing a check .... wrote out the name and couldn't remember how to write a "G."  I am serious!  When it rains I don't drive.  Why bother if I have to focus that hard.  I have found myself not focusing and nearly veering off the road, or over the line into oncoming traffic.So ..... my disability application was denied.  What a surprise (not).
When talking with the "preparer" of my claim she said I had a good chance of being approved, having gone from cancer to vascular disease to a pulmonary embolism. 
My doctor said he put the things he restricts me from on his form. 
SS sent me to a Psychologist.  She told me my "chemo brain" or forgetfulness is valid.   
I failed that part of the exam. 
The physician they sent me to saw that I have trouble with joint & muscle pain. 
I failed his eye screening and had an eye appt. today.I was glad the dr. gave me a dx, so insurance will pay.  My eyes are fine, which I am happy about! 
I didn't know chemo increased my risk of eye trouble.  I-yi-yi.  Did you know this? 

How frustrating this SS process is. 

I immediately filed an appeal. 
Now what? 

Any advice? 

I'm so reluctant to hire an attorney, because of the cut that they take. 
My SS is a very modest sum. 
SS says the system is set up in such a way that I do not need an attorney. 
If the appeal is denied, I get one more chance in front of a judge. 
I can represent myself. 
Really? 
I represented myself once in traffic court & got taken advantage of! 
Female judge & police officer seemed to be in cohoots ... very friendly with each other. 
I got a failure to yield ticket in a snow storm.  I slid out in front of another car. Maybe I should hire an attorney.I did talk to one at one time.  He said he would represent me.  I don't recall what he said his cut would be.Thanks for your thoughts!  I surely could use advice.  If you're now on SS, would you mind sharing how you got this to work in your favor?Blessings ~ Jackie C., age 50Diagnosed 06-26-09 
IDC & ILC, 5 cm tumor, 1 + Sentinel Node/14, Stage IIIa 
Right Radical Mastectomy 07-10-09 
Chemo 07-28-09, Epirubicin/Cytoxan x4, Taxol x4 Radiation x 33 
June 2010:  left prophylactic mastectomy, ovary removal 

Chickadee

Hire the attorney. They take their cut from the back wages if they are successful. You seem to have enough physical limitations it is worth the appeal. Never ever go into these things and represent yourself. They will run over you with a steamroller and you won't know it. An experienced attorney will catch them and do everything to turn it in your favor.



It's tougher on anyone below Stage IV, but not impossible.



Best wishes.

ibcmets

Pinkbutterfly,

I agree with Chickadee.  I was diagnosed same time as you in 6/09 but with stage IV ibc & bone mets. I immediately went on leave due to all the testing & treatment I needed.

I worked with a company that handles SS.  You might want to call them.  (ALLSUP) 800 279-4357.  My company paid the fees, but I hear they take out of only your first SS check.  I had 2 compassionate allowances, stage IV & ibc but I do hear that some stage III may be able to qualify.  They will at least be able to tell you if you would qualify.  You need so many credits over 10 years, which you probably have.

Good Luck with applying and hope you will be feeling better.

Terri

Sawen

Hi Jackie,

Sorry to hear about your Chemo brain experience. I have a major problem with it even after 7 years of completting the treatement. My issues are memory loss, attention, losing thoughts, understanding basic how to do something and so much more. I cannot do the same type of work I have done for the last 30 plus years because of the fast pase, the details and communication. I have been in upper management for many years including being the dean of a small college. Even secretarial work is difficult for me now. The chemo caused brain damage and the doctors say it will get better! How long do we have to wait? I had brain scans and they showed nothing wrong. However, last year when I had some testing done by a Clinical Neuropsychologist, she said I could benefit from ADD medication. My family doctor started me on ritalin which did nothing. Then we tried Vyvanse and what a difference. Compared to before the Vyvanse I'm much better, compared to pre-cancer, well not back to that point yet.

You will probably not get SS but maybe the ADD medication will help you a little bit. If you cannot afford the medication, you may quallify to get it free. 

Sharon

RozieP

I had cervical cancer in 2003 I didn't realize it at the time I had a reaction to the Cisplatin.  I worked a job that required lifting, standing and very little sitting.  I started seeing a Neurologist and was taken out of work in 09.  I had alot of nerve damage so I applied for SSD and was denied until I got a lawyer who helped.  I was told it was because I was under 50.  But I see my neurologist every 6 months and he has stated that the chemo that I will recieve for my breast cancer will most likely cause more issues.  So long story short I know what you are going through and wish you the best.  But definitly get a lawyer to help.  They only get paid when you win your case. 

moni731

Hi! I'm a stage llb triple pos. I had many complications with treatment and have been off work for 16 mo. I was allowed to go back with restrictions, however my employer said they could not accomodate me. (load of BS) Anyway, I was directed by my long term disability ins to apply for SSDI and was approved the first time. I was shocked. I also rec'd state disability for one year. I am also wondering about returning to work as I have the same complaints (memory, concentration, thrombosis, not able to complete tx, etc). I would also reccommend a lawyer. Best of luck.