Getting some disabilitie with stageIII

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          Hi I was wondering if anyone knows if you can apply for disabilitie benifits with stageIIIa with a problem with neuropthy? I would not be thinking in these terms but  my neruopthy has kicked up with chemo although I am done but the Herceptin tx are causing it to continue. It effects my arms back hips and legs feet. I am going to a neurosurgeon but do to some miss communications have not seen him yet. Hopefully in the next week or so. I have had nerve issues for awhile even befor cancer. I have had 3 surgeries and need more. But I am thinking its all been caused by neuropthy now!!! I am going to be starting rads in the next week or so. Then after that I will need at the least 3 more surgeries to fix some problems with the reconstruction. I am willing to definatley wait on that to go back to work but at this point I have been pretty much out since Dec.07 I work as a bartender/manager and just can not be on my feet for long periods. I would look for another job but everything I look for is using your hands arms legs etc. I can't even sit long periods or drive it kills me. I live on pain pills which I hate!!!!  So at this point I just don't know what to do. I don't need to make alot of money but I do need to bring in something even if its just for my on self esteem. I have always worked all my life and this is driving me crazy!!!

                    Thanks for any imfo you can give me.

                                              Bridget

Comments

  • EWB
    EWB Member Posts: 2,927
    edited July 2008
    Bridget,

    I know stage 4 is basically an automatic approval. I expect that if you are unable to work, and the condition is expected to last more than a year you would be eligible; There is a website for social security disability; it has a list of conditions, illness that qualify, basic info. I would also think that some one at where ever you are getting treatment or at onc/rad's office would know since they have to do paper work. Certainly worth looking into. Some states (like NJ) also have short term disability which often covers the period between being unable to work and when long term disability kicks in.

     It is very frustrating not being able to work. Hang in there.

    Elaine

    Dx 11/9/2006, 4cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2+

  • nobleanna007
    nobleanna007 Member Posts: 641
    edited July 2008

    Thanks Elaine for responding. Its reallly not what I want to do but I was not anticipating all the issues that came along with this. I should have been done rads by now. I am way behind do to all my issues. I live in a tourist town and it will be very hard to find work or have someone willing to put up with my being in and out. My boss so far has been awsome but I am not one not to pull my wait and although I still do some of my manager duties I just can't hold up there for long I bring what I can home. But part of my job is to be there when problems crop up and fill in positions when needed and I just can't be counted on to do that. I am going in to talk with him again for the 3rd time he tells me not to worry about it but I do. Its not fair to him and it makes me stressed over it. I have always believed in a good work ethic and if I can't do my job the way its suppose to be done then I should not be doing it. I wish I was a fourtune teller so I could see into the future but as we know we can only go day by day in how we feel. Thanks again for your response.

                                                                 Bridget

  • Diana63
    Diana63 Member Posts: 773
    edited August 2008

    Bridget, I think you have to get a doctor to say that you are unable to work for a period of time, I think for stage 3 they may give you six months to a year of disability. Then after treatment you have to go back into the work force, unless the doctor says you can not work.

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