Disability or return to work?

rmkbrad
rmkbrad Member Posts: 176
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
I am woundering what everyone does, disability or return to work. I have long term disability insurance from work. My question is after I have esophogetomy am i considered cured? Social Security says the esophagus cancer is a straight shot for disability and if off work for more than 12 months it becomes permenant. If my life is going to be cut short I want to spend it with my sons 11,6, and 3 and my wonderfull wife. Thoughts?

Brad
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Comments

  • MOE58
    MOE58 Member Posts: 589 Member
    SSD
    Brad,

    My husband Jeff had the surgery in July as told earlier to you, he also was on disability from work, he had short term which lasted till middle of october, then he went on long term, we applied for it through a firm his company recommended and this was in November around the middle of the month, by Jan 10, he was approved, for this type of cancer they push it through fast and you shouldn't have no problem getting it, and your children will also get it so you need to apply for that, You sound scared of a short life but don't think that way you will come through this with flying colors, You have to have faith, and trust your doctors, and you will do great. You wont feel great after surgery but you are young and can do this I know you can, we have a saying on this site of "LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR A STORM TO PASS ITS LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN" author by our beloved Kitten,

    Please know if I can help on anything I am probably the newest person that has went through all this and in recovery.

    Tell your wife, to be strong and get "HER BIG GIRL PANTIES" READY she will need them, that is another saying from us, and William will explain it all.

    Take care

    Lori aka MOE
  • rmkbrad
    rmkbrad Member Posts: 176
    MOE58 said:

    SSD
    Brad,

    My husband Jeff had the surgery in July as told earlier to you, he also was on disability from work, he had short term which lasted till middle of october, then he went on long term, we applied for it through a firm his company recommended and this was in November around the middle of the month, by Jan 10, he was approved, for this type of cancer they push it through fast and you shouldn't have no problem getting it, and your children will also get it so you need to apply for that, You sound scared of a short life but don't think that way you will come through this with flying colors, You have to have faith, and trust your doctors, and you will do great. You wont feel great after surgery but you are young and can do this I know you can, we have a saying on this site of "LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR A STORM TO PASS ITS LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN" author by our beloved Kitten,

    Please know if I can help on anything I am probably the newest person that has went through all this and in recovery.

    Tell your wife, to be strong and get "HER BIG GIRL PANTIES" READY she will need them, that is another saying from us, and William will explain it all.

    Take care

    Lori aka MOE

    Thank you for the positive input
    I admit that I am scared, I feel so guilty. I put my wife through renal failure and one rejection episode. I am usually a very stong person, but when I look at my boy's, the thought of missing part of their life breaks me up. I will come through this with flying colors I know. I am not sure if I want to go back to work if I don't have to, I have a very stressfull job and I think I can do a better job of staying healthy and focus on me without having to work and deal with everyone elses problems. I do enjoy my job, but if it is going to take a negative effect on my life my family is more important.
  • Betty in Vegas
    Betty in Vegas Member Posts: 290 Member
    rmkbrad said:

    Thank you for the positive input
    I admit that I am scared, I feel so guilty. I put my wife through renal failure and one rejection episode. I am usually a very stong person, but when I look at my boy's, the thought of missing part of their life breaks me up. I will come through this with flying colors I know. I am not sure if I want to go back to work if I don't have to, I have a very stressfull job and I think I can do a better job of staying healthy and focus on me without having to work and deal with everyone elses problems. I do enjoy my job, but if it is going to take a negative effect on my life my family is more important.

    Exactly...
    you want to enjoy your life...so why not do disability and then if you find something else you want to do--do it. Do know though that your disability may not be as much as you are accustomed to living on. Much could change.

    Money though, is way overrated in my opinion.
  • MOE58
    MOE58 Member Posts: 589 Member
    rmkbrad said:

    Thank you for the positive input
    I admit that I am scared, I feel so guilty. I put my wife through renal failure and one rejection episode. I am usually a very stong person, but when I look at my boy's, the thought of missing part of their life breaks me up. I will come through this with flying colors I know. I am not sure if I want to go back to work if I don't have to, I have a very stressfull job and I think I can do a better job of staying healthy and focus on me without having to work and deal with everyone elses problems. I do enjoy my job, but if it is going to take a negative effect on my life my family is more important.

    Its Okay to be scared
    Brad,
    you have every right to be scared my husband was too, its not a easy process, but luckly his kids were grown and gone so that helped, but they still worried, You won't have to miss part of their life, you will be able to be there for them still, just in a different way, I don't know if you are or will have chemo, but I must tell you that it does some weird things to your body, it can make you mean, and say things you normally don't say to your wife or kids, you can be fine one minute and then the next you will lash out at them. you don't mean too but it just happens, chemo is not a nice thing but you have to do it to keep this ugly beast out of your body.

    I still say to file for SSD not only will you get money so will the kids, but its up to you, my husband Jeff had a very stressful job also, with swing shift to boot, so once he got cancer he knew he would never go back.

    The surgery is not easy but the after stuff after surgery is not easy so please don't get scared but you will have to have alot of patience and so will your wife.

    I am here if you need to ask anything.Just remember we all have went through some sort of this ugly beast somehow or another and we are here we are family we laugh cry vent and just become close friends.



    Lori
  • Pghmomma
    Pghmomma Member Posts: 141
    MOE58 said:

    Its Okay to be scared
    Brad,
    you have every right to be scared my husband was too, its not a easy process, but luckly his kids were grown and gone so that helped, but they still worried, You won't have to miss part of their life, you will be able to be there for them still, just in a different way, I don't know if you are or will have chemo, but I must tell you that it does some weird things to your body, it can make you mean, and say things you normally don't say to your wife or kids, you can be fine one minute and then the next you will lash out at them. you don't mean too but it just happens, chemo is not a nice thing but you have to do it to keep this ugly beast out of your body.

    I still say to file for SSD not only will you get money so will the kids, but its up to you, my husband Jeff had a very stressful job also, with swing shift to boot, so once he got cancer he knew he would never go back.

    The surgery is not easy but the after stuff after surgery is not easy so please don't get scared but you will have to have alot of patience and so will your wife.

    I am here if you need to ask anything.Just remember we all have went through some sort of this ugly beast somehow or another and we are here we are family we laugh cry vent and just become close friends.



    Lori

    Hello Brad
    Welcome and I know where your coming from. My dad had surgery 12/7 and was told he can go back to work come Feb. He really wants to go. He is not one to sit around and do nothing. Hes very active. He is a Bus Machanic. But will will be getting chemo soon. Now the Dr did say it would be good for him to go back to work... Even if its 4 hrs a day. We shall see.

    Id suggest you apply for it and if you wanna go back to work you can always go back. But right now take one step at a time.
    You have every right to be scared and dealing with fears and emotions are normal. But you do have to stay positive and DONT give up. Your Young you will pull thur everything nicely!
    Take care.
    Tina
  • MAE66
    MAE66 Member Posts: 66
    We have been asking
    We have been asking ourselves this same question. My husband is stage 4, so no surgery, but had chemo and radiation. He was able to work at home while going thru treatment, lasted about 6 mos. He has just recently returned to work in the office. He has good disability insurance and the Dr. said he would write the “letter” any time. His job is stressful, but also therapeutic and he enjoys what he does and who he works with. If it weren’t for these two things I would tell him to stop. We also have 3 young children 12, 12 and 7, and this does change your outlook. I know part of wanting to work is to provide for the family, I can tell you from this spouses position, all I care about is him being healthy and around for as long as possible. If I thought a job was getting in the way of that…well it just can’t happen.

    Take care of yourself and know that you are not alone in this.

    Susan
  • nancy1169
    nancy1169 Member Posts: 10
    MAE66 said:

    We have been asking
    We have been asking ourselves this same question. My husband is stage 4, so no surgery, but had chemo and radiation. He was able to work at home while going thru treatment, lasted about 6 mos. He has just recently returned to work in the office. He has good disability insurance and the Dr. said he would write the “letter” any time. His job is stressful, but also therapeutic and he enjoys what he does and who he works with. If it weren’t for these two things I would tell him to stop. We also have 3 young children 12, 12 and 7, and this does change your outlook. I know part of wanting to work is to provide for the family, I can tell you from this spouses position, all I care about is him being healthy and around for as long as possible. If I thought a job was getting in the way of that…well it just can’t happen.

    Take care of yourself and know that you are not alone in this.

    Susan

    same question
    I have been asking myself the same question about disablity. I am going to go to Social Security Turesday and see what they say. If I can not work or have a choice I would love to stay home and be a house wife again and get to visit more with my great children.
  • Jim Pilot
    Jim Pilot Member Posts: 6
    disability
    Brad my name is Jim and I was diagnosed with stage 3 12/15/09 so I'm a little ahead of you. Had Pet - Cat-Nuclear stress- ultrasound endoscopy and now my first chemo yesterday 1/15/10.So far getting positive prognosis from all Dr's. I'm 58 so I feel young also. I enjoy work and luckily I can pick what I do and when I do it.I thought of disability also but am going to wait a little longer before making that decision. I think quick decisions might be clouded with all that's going on at the beginning. Good luck and I'll keep in touch feel free to ask ?. PS I'm getting my treatments in NY at Sloan Kettering.
  • Jim Pilot
    Jim Pilot Member Posts: 6
    disability
    sorry duplicate post
  • rmkbrad
    rmkbrad Member Posts: 176
    Thanks for the replies
    I meet with the doctors at the San Francisco VA hospital on January 26th, from all my research the doctors are the same as at the university of california San Francisco. Anyway, I think just sitting around thinking about it is what is driving me bonkers. So my wife kick me in the butt yesterday and we all went snowmobiling, and that brought up some new questions, can I be as active as I am now. Go to the gym, ride ATV's, snowmobiling, boating, etc... I think once I have the procedure done and can get into the changes that await me, I will be better or atleast more stable in my thoughts. As far as disability goes I still don't know, I am a service connected disabled veteran so I will receive an income from that, and I pay for long term disability from my employer that will kick in. I talked to Social Security on Friday and the information they gave me is, imediate approval for EC and if the treatment or problem last over 12 months then the disability becomes permenent unless you decide to go back to work.

    Brad
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    rmkbrad said:

    Thanks for the replies
    I meet with the doctors at the San Francisco VA hospital on January 26th, from all my research the doctors are the same as at the university of california San Francisco. Anyway, I think just sitting around thinking about it is what is driving me bonkers. So my wife kick me in the butt yesterday and we all went snowmobiling, and that brought up some new questions, can I be as active as I am now. Go to the gym, ride ATV's, snowmobiling, boating, etc... I think once I have the procedure done and can get into the changes that await me, I will be better or atleast more stable in my thoughts. As far as disability goes I still don't know, I am a service connected disabled veteran so I will receive an income from that, and I pay for long term disability from my employer that will kick in. I talked to Social Security on Friday and the information they gave me is, imediate approval for EC and if the treatment or problem last over 12 months then the disability becomes permenent unless you decide to go back to work.

    Brad

    Having long term insurance from your employer is great!
    Hi Brad

    With the long term ins. it gives a back up for income until the SSD kicks in and will be there
    if you decide not to go for SSD.

    I have to say to your wife good for her for getting you out and about. That is always the best medicine.

    You will have alot going on in the near future so enjoy it!!!!!!

    Take care and God Bless
    Kath
  • rmkbrad said:

    Thanks for the replies
    I meet with the doctors at the San Francisco VA hospital on January 26th, from all my research the doctors are the same as at the university of california San Francisco. Anyway, I think just sitting around thinking about it is what is driving me bonkers. So my wife kick me in the butt yesterday and we all went snowmobiling, and that brought up some new questions, can I be as active as I am now. Go to the gym, ride ATV's, snowmobiling, boating, etc... I think once I have the procedure done and can get into the changes that await me, I will be better or atleast more stable in my thoughts. As far as disability goes I still don't know, I am a service connected disabled veteran so I will receive an income from that, and I pay for long term disability from my employer that will kick in. I talked to Social Security on Friday and the information they gave me is, imediate approval for EC and if the treatment or problem last over 12 months then the disability becomes permenent unless you decide to go back to work.

    Brad

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Go back to work if you can!
    Hi Brad and welcome to our family at csn. I am a caregiver for my dad, Ray, 71, survived ec 11/08, now has mets to his liver. I think this way.....if you feel up to going back to work, do it! Listen to your body and mind. If it does not work out, then go on disability. My dad went back 2 mos after his chemo and radiation treatments. He did not have the surgery. He did just fine. I think that you need to work your mind, body, and soul. Good luck with your decision. Keep us posted.
    Tina
  • spensir
    spensir Member Posts: 44
    searching
    Hello this is my first post, My husband has stage IV cancer, was diognosed october 14th. He has taken four chemo treatments and should be adding radiation soon. He is not a candidate for surgery. What is your opinion on trying for disability? He will be 60 years young in March. Thanks
  • rmkbrad
    rmkbrad Member Posts: 176
    spensir said:

    searching
    Hello this is my first post, My husband has stage IV cancer, was diognosed october 14th. He has taken four chemo treatments and should be adding radiation soon. He is not a candidate for surgery. What is your opinion on trying for disability? He will be 60 years young in March. Thanks

    Contact social security
    One of the things that will give you imediate social security is EC, contact them. If treatment last more than one year then it becomes permenent. That is what I was told by the social security admin.

    Good luck and blessings

    Brad
  • MOE58
    MOE58 Member Posts: 589 Member
    spensir said:

    searching
    Hello this is my first post, My husband has stage IV cancer, was diognosed october 14th. He has taken four chemo treatments and should be adding radiation soon. He is not a candidate for surgery. What is your opinion on trying for disability? He will be 60 years young in March. Thanks

    SOCIAL SECURITY HUSBAND GOT IT IN LESS THAN 6 WEEKS AND ONLY 45
    My husband is only 45 and got his in less than 6 weeks, you need to apply he will get it immediately. if you have any quesitons let me know

    Lori aka MOE
  • jethro-t
    jethro-t Member Posts: 20
    MOE58 said:

    SOCIAL SECURITY HUSBAND GOT IT IN LESS THAN 6 WEEKS AND ONLY 45
    My husband is only 45 and got his in less than 6 weeks, you need to apply he will get it immediately. if you have any quesitons let me know

    Lori aka MOE

    social security question too
    I read your reply about social security. My husband is stage IV and we did get "approved" for disability from social security. he is 57, but we won't begin actually receiving checks until after a "5 month waiting period". his cancer was diagnosed 11/30/09, he is eligible to get a check for May 2010, but we won't get one until end of June because of his date of birth. Curious if ya'll had a waiting period. It may have something to do with the fact that I work and have some type of income. Not sure. I don't get answers that I understand. I am still supporting two children (one in college and one in high school) and my salary is not that great, but we are fortunate to have pretty good insurance right now.

    Thanks for any information.
    I have been reading your responses and gain more insight every day to this terrible thing that is affecting all of us.

    My husband just finished his first round of chemo and 25 radiation treatments. We are taking a "break" before beginning chemo round 2. His had mets to lymphs, muscles and bones.

    Rhoonda (jethro-t_
  • jethro-t
    jethro-t Member Posts: 20
    MOE58 said:

    SOCIAL SECURITY HUSBAND GOT IT IN LESS THAN 6 WEEKS AND ONLY 45
    My husband is only 45 and got his in less than 6 weeks, you need to apply he will get it immediately. if you have any quesitons let me know

    Lori aka MOE

    social security question too
    sorry, read below
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    jethro-t said:

    social security question too
    I read your reply about social security. My husband is stage IV and we did get "approved" for disability from social security. he is 57, but we won't begin actually receiving checks until after a "5 month waiting period". his cancer was diagnosed 11/30/09, he is eligible to get a check for May 2010, but we won't get one until end of June because of his date of birth. Curious if ya'll had a waiting period. It may have something to do with the fact that I work and have some type of income. Not sure. I don't get answers that I understand. I am still supporting two children (one in college and one in high school) and my salary is not that great, but we are fortunate to have pretty good insurance right now.

    Thanks for any information.
    I have been reading your responses and gain more insight every day to this terrible thing that is affecting all of us.

    My husband just finished his first round of chemo and 25 radiation treatments. We are taking a "break" before beginning chemo round 2. His had mets to lymphs, muscles and bones.

    Rhoonda (jethro-t_

    No Rhonda
    Hi,

    There should be no reason for ssd to hold up your approval. The only reason would be if he hasn't worked in at least 5 years. He should get a special dispensation according to the law.

    Esophageal Ca is on the list and should be approved right away. You should not need an attny.
    but you may just want to speak to one as a free consultation. There is also a government web site www.socialsecurity.gov I am pretty sure thats it.

    I know for sure that you are entitled to a special dispensation due to the type of cancer.

    I hope this helps. Don't let them blow you off. Your husband worked and put his money into
    his own account for just this specific purpose.

    God Bless,
    Kath
  • MOE58
    MOE58 Member Posts: 589 Member
    jethro-t said:

    social security question too
    I read your reply about social security. My husband is stage IV and we did get "approved" for disability from social security. he is 57, but we won't begin actually receiving checks until after a "5 month waiting period". his cancer was diagnosed 11/30/09, he is eligible to get a check for May 2010, but we won't get one until end of June because of his date of birth. Curious if ya'll had a waiting period. It may have something to do with the fact that I work and have some type of income. Not sure. I don't get answers that I understand. I am still supporting two children (one in college and one in high school) and my salary is not that great, but we are fortunate to have pretty good insurance right now.

    Thanks for any information.
    I have been reading your responses and gain more insight every day to this terrible thing that is affecting all of us.

    My husband just finished his first round of chemo and 25 radiation treatments. We are taking a "break" before beginning chemo round 2. His had mets to lymphs, muscles and bones.

    Rhoonda (jethro-t_

    YES THERE IS A 5 MONTH WAITING PERIOD
    There is a 5 month waiting period according to the firm we used, but fortunately Jeff had short term disability so that took care of us, then we filed for disability when his short term ran out. It was well worth it and yes he will get may's but it will be april when he gets it they are always a month behind remember that but if i can help further let me know

    thanks

    Lori aka MOE