What really to expect

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jdsdanish
jdsdanish Member Posts: 3
in Esophageal Cancer #1

My dad, age 62, was diagnosed with stage 3 (T3, N1, N0) esophageal cancer March this year. it has taken me this long to even post without breaking down. This reality is shocking to us all and we are all doing our best to stay strong.

He will go under his second round of chemo next week, concurrently running radiation for 30 days every day and just had his feeding tube put in. If I may share something, it was one of the oncology nurses that suggested he get the tube now while he is still relatively healthy. Best advice we have received so far. He is losing weight rapidly and was already thin to begin with. He still keeps on eating solid food as long as he can until the radiation makes it impossible and we know that day is coming.

I have to be honest and say the scariest part for me is the upcoming surgery. I am highly confident in our surgeon, he has extensive experience. My largest fear is complications post procedure. 

We just taking one day at a time for now. The biggest obstacle is financial and I want to look into disability options soon. If anyone has any experience with this please let me know. My dad is a contractor and owns his own busineess so he is self-employed but will not be able to work for a very long time.

any advice and of course the stories and experiences are very helpful!

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  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #2
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    Disability benefit application is very straightforward

    I am sorry to hear about your Dad’s diagnosis. I am 5 years out from Ivor Lewis surgery to remove my esophagus and part of my stomach. The surgery is extensive and the recovery takes time. It is important to have an experienced surgeon in a hospital that knows how to manage the after care issues.

    Esophageal Cancer is one of the medical conditions that qualifies for accelerated approval of Social Security Disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowance program. Application is straightforward and the approvals are expedited.

     You will need some documentation from your Dad’s oncologist and your Dad will need to complete the application form. Here is a reference that describes the program and application process:

    http://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/compassionate-allowances/esophageal-cancer-social-security-disability

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    McCormick, South Carolina
    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009 - Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009
    Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU - Four Year Survivor

     

     

  • jdsdanish
    jdsdanish Member Posts: 3
    #3
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    paul61 said:

    Disability benefit application is very straightforward

    I am sorry to hear about your Dad’s diagnosis. I am 5 years out from Ivor Lewis surgery to remove my esophagus and part of my stomach. The surgery is extensive and the recovery takes time. It is important to have an experienced surgeon in a hospital that knows how to manage the after care issues.

    Esophageal Cancer is one of the medical conditions that qualifies for accelerated approval of Social Security Disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowance program. Application is straightforward and the approvals are expedited.

     You will need some documentation from your Dad’s oncologist and your Dad will need to complete the application form. Here is a reference that describes the program and application process:

    http://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/compassionate-allowances/esophageal-cancer-social-security-disability

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    McCormick, South Carolina
    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009 - Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009
    Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU - Four Year Survivor

     

     

    Paul you are an absolute gem

    Paul you are an absolute gem and such a great support for this community! I really appreciate how you take the time out to not only answer questions from this group but provide detailed options!

    I do feel strongly about the surgeon and hospital competency. We are in central Illinois with one of the best trauma centers (which I also happen to work for the hospital in a large simulation center. Ironically, I also work in research. If anyone is considering a clinical research study please feel free to reach out to me.

    I am going to fill out the disability application today and again I thank you for the support!

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