I accidentally saw it-- the prognosis is not good

Phoenix,

Lets hope the doctors motive was to get you qualified for Social Security Disability and Medicare which kicks in 22 months after SSD is granted. You can always ask him what he really thinks. You will also note from others that their a lot of members of our club posting who were given experation dates years ago.

Icemantoo

jason.2835 said:

AGREE!

I thought the EXACT same thing as Iceman...

The doctor probably believes that putting a short time frame will give you better chances of getting the disability; first, because the state doesn't think they'd be paying you that long and second because whoever is on the other end reading the report probably has a frickin' heart.

It's a bit heartless for the doc to write that without telling you about it... If you've been dealing with this doctor for a long time, I would guess that he would tell you if the prognosis was that bad??  I'm thinking he's just trying to shock the gov't into giving you the darn disability.

 

You're dealing with a couple of issues.  First the Dr. form for disability. Wow.  Call and ask him for a straight answer.  When you have that answer, call a family meeting and lay out the truth.  They need to know so they can support you.  And no matter what, start getting your affairs and paperwork in order.

Yes, it's a lot to deal with.  I've been there.  Once you come to the realization that you Are still alive, and will live some more, then get on with enjoying what remains.

Keep us posted.

Donna

donna_lee said:

Term limits

You're dealing with a couple of issues.  First the Dr. form for disability. Wow.  Call and ask him for a straight answer.  When you have that answer, call a family meeting and lay out the truth.  They need to know so they can support you.  And no matter what, start getting your affairs and paperwork in order.

Yes, it's a lot to deal with.  I've been there.  Once you come to the realization that you Are still alive, and will live some more, then get on with enjoying what remains.

Keep us posted.

Donna

I was treated for infertility some time ago. My health insurance was not covering infertility treatments, so my gynecologist was always writing down some other diagnoses on the bills, so I could get the money for the doctor visits back. It looks like your oncologist simply tries to help you that way to get the disability, just as previous posters said!

foxhd said:

an application

an application form is not a medical record. Your doctor knows the difference. He would not want to hold up your application process. He doesn't have to guarantee that you will be dead in 6 mos.

I agree that it was done for the purpose of getting your application approved. Yes, the doctor should have mentioned that to you, but he did not. The way I found out I had cancer was when I was sitting waiting for the CT scan holding an envelope meant for the technician. I opened it and read that I had a large mass, likely carcinoma. There was a stomach flip and then I gathered my wits once again. I can  imagine it was a shock for you to see it in print.

But your family needs to know. Put yourself in their position... that should help you with your decision on what to share with them.

Hugs

Jojo

Phoenix Rising said:

I'm calming down...

Thank you all so much!  I feel better after what you have said here.  I will see the onc next week and ask him about what he wrote, although I don't want a REAL prognosis.  I think not having one has helped me keep it moving.  I was stage 4 when I was diagnosed  in 2009 and I had, until a few motnhs ago, continued to ski, play golf, and rollerskate. 

 

Since you all pointed it out, he may have said that to help me.... he is the one who recommended I stop working.  When I told him during the subsequent visit that I would, in fact, stop working, he said that was excellent.

My mom is in another state and is now battling pancreatic cancer.  Before she was diagnosed,  she used to visit me every other month and was Johnny-on-the-Spot whenever I was hospitalized or having a difficult time.  Now that she is ill, I always try to let her know I'm doing well, so she won't be upset about not being able to visit or help me. I travel to visit her instead,  so she can see my face and know I'm okay.

First of all, I am sorry for all the angst you are going through. But the folks here that responded are right. I used to be a provider who had to fill out those long, long questionaires. As I told my husband and my clients BAD=GOOD to get a quick response and positive benefit.

Yet I can appreciate how this much have scared you.

FYI: I got my SSDI in 4 months. I was prepared for the long long wait and expecting to get denied my first attempt. My case is NOT related to RCC. But I finally got to read my primary doctor's working diagnoses at time she was filling out the forms. She painted it to be "the worst"...I had a complicated case and well, she was just good at being my advocate. She too, talked me into quitting work way before I wanted ($$). But she knew me well and it was best.

Hopefully, you'll have a that talk with your oncologist. If you cannot wait, then ask his nurse to relay your message to him and take it from there.

Let us know how you are doing and how this turns out. I hope you get the SSDI in a timely matter.

Gentle hugs, Jan

Before you abandon ship have a sit down with your OC. If your condition is a grave as he described it's a given he would have addressed it with you.Be sure to speak directly with the Doctor!Not 'someone' in the office.l hope it was only his attempt to expediate your SS request. Also if your prognosis at that stage I'm sure he would have suggested Hospice. Have the conversation now! Don't wait.....for you sanity's sake!

Big hug!!!!!!! GatorBob

Are you still at Emory??? If so what days? I ended my Lily study after 27 months of no growth! A node popped up on my last scan so I've switched to an in house study using Afinitor. First scan is next month.Have you had the conversation with your OC??? How's the Bear? He's still working hard for you!!! I know these are tough times,but you're  tough kid!!

foroughsh said:

Phoenix
Did you talk to your

Phoenix

Did you talk to your oncologist? I'm hopefully waiting for good news from you

Forough

 

Phoenix,

     How are you? Hopefully things are not as bad as you thought, and you are doing really well and have just been to busy to post!

                                Prayers for good health!

                                Brenda