SSI

Hma4
Hma4 Member Posts: 38
edited February 2017 in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

I was diagnosed with stage 3 grade 2/3 uterine cancer in June followed by, a radical hysterectomy, 6 rounds of chemo Taxol/carbo, 25 external radiation treatments and 3 Brachyytherapy treatments- I have read where some have filed for SSI - I was working at a daycare and was told it was better for me not to work, because kids carry  germs and as much as we love our children, some parents don't hesitate to leave them when they are not feeling well- my question is what are my chances of getting disability- my neuropathy is bareable on my hands, but my feet and body takes a little bit to get going- I'm also experiencing pain in my back- it doesn't feel like it's getting better , any help is greatly appreciated - I have not heard those beautiful words (cancer Free) right before my first external radiation my oncologist said my tumor markers were in the lower teens- I go for my first follow-up since my external radiation tomorrow- I finished all my treatments before the end of the year- I am getting all kinds of anxiety waiting for my scans and labs  I pray for all good news- but very scared and nervous- (What If?)

Comments

  • sshhaarrii
    sshhaarrii Member Posts: 38 Member
    edited February 2017 #2
    Go online to the Social

    Go online to the Social Security web site, there you will find all kinds of helpful information and checklists and applications for applying online. You can also call your local he Social Security office and make an appointment, too.

    I have not applied, but did the reasearch. 

    Good luck to you.

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    #3
    Hma4

    Everything you are thinking and feeling are quite normal - we all feel that way- I just had my 3rd followup since Sept. 21 when chemo ended and my bp was 160/104! My pulse was 80... I didn't think I was particularly nervous but apparently my body was like- OH YES YOU ARE!!!  Today I am back to normal- 120/86 pulse 54 ;)  By the way I was told my internal scars (April 28 surgery) looked healed nicely, everything was smooth, pink and healthy looking- they never go as far as saying the words No Evidence of Disease but I guess that's what all that means.  I don't have any markers to watch and my Dr. doesn't believe in any scans unless there are symptoms.

    I don't have any info on the SS question- I did look into it some and I think others might have better answers for you. 

    All the best tomorrow we'll be thinking of you and sending prayers and (((HUGS))) let us know how it goes <3

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 790 Member
    edited February 2017 #4
    HMA4, good luck to you on

    HMA4, good luck to you on your appointment tomorrow. Hopefully you will hear those wonderful 3 letters - NED!

    I have not filed for disability personally but I've read quite a few posts about it. Here are some links from those posts that might prove helpful to you:

    Here is a link to the gyn cancer listings tht qualify for disability: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/13.00-NeoplasticDiseases-Malignant-Adult.htm#13_23

    Depending on the type of uterine cancer, you may qualify for the compassionate care allowance which is an expedited approval process. Here is a list of all of the diagnoses that qualify: https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm#E

    Kim

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member
    edited February 2017 #5
    I got SSI

    I applied for SSI and with in a month I got it.  It's worth a try to apply and they said mine won't be reviewed again until 5 years.  After 2 years you qualify for Medicare.  I suspect my doctors are very skilled at completing the paperwork since I go to a major cancer center. 

  • ncg007
    ncg007 Member Posts: 138 Member
    #6
    SS & Back pain

    Your chances are good you will qualify for SS Disability. Another good resource is a Social Worker at the hospital your dr is affiliated with, they can help with application and coordinate paperwork with your doctors office.  I would have never thought to apply since I have long term disability insurance through my employer, but it was the hospital social worker that told me about SS as soon as I was scheduled for chemo radiation.  The Social Worker knew the right things to include to get me qualified and I was able to collect both LTD and SS.  

    I understand your anxiety, the what if's never seem to go away.  I also had 28 radiation/6 chemo treatments and was left with much pain caused by neuropathy and an MRI found extensive spinal/lumbar nerve damage thanks to radiation.  What I found though that was causing the majority of pain in my back, hip and leg, was a tilted pelvis.  The pelvis bones were weakened by the radiation and got out of alignment.  Took a long time to figure this out as doctors just wanted to give me spinal epidural to mask pain, which I refused.  It was a Physical Therapist that found one leg was an 1.5" shorter due to pelvic tilt.  I've been getting adjustments from chiropractor to put my pelvis back in place and this is working.  All of my bones and muscles were so weak and now that the pelvis/back pain has lessened I am able to exercise and strengthen my core; the stronger it gets, the longer my pelvis stays in place.  For months I could barely walk and I complained to doctors about back pain with no real answers or relief, so the chiropractor has worked a miracle!  So pelvis alignment might be something to consider since you had radiation.  I wish you the best with your results and that you get some relief from pain soon.

    Nancy

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member
    #7
    Be Careful

    i would highly suggest that you get the back pain investigated before going directly the chiropractic route. My back pain was caused by an insufficiency fracture of the sacral bone. Big surprise!

  • ncg007
    ncg007 Member Posts: 138 Member
    edited February 2017 #8
    CheeseQueen57 said:

    Be Careful

    i would highly suggest that you get the back pain investigated before going directly the chiropractic route. My back pain was caused by an insufficiency fracture of the sacral bone. Big surprise!

    Yes absolutely need to get

    Yes absolutely need to get xray of back/hip/pelvic area first to see what is going on.  It was orthopedic doctor that advised me to go to Chiropractor, MRI were shared with chiropractor so he knew exactly what to address.

  • Hma4
    Hma4 Member Posts: 38
    edited February 2017 #9
    ncg007 said:

    SS & Back pain

    Your chances are good you will qualify for SS Disability. Another good resource is a Social Worker at the hospital your dr is affiliated with, they can help with application and coordinate paperwork with your doctors office.  I would have never thought to apply since I have long term disability insurance through my employer, but it was the hospital social worker that told me about SS as soon as I was scheduled for chemo radiation.  The Social Worker knew the right things to include to get me qualified and I was able to collect both LTD and SS.  

    I understand your anxiety, the what if's never seem to go away.  I also had 28 radiation/6 chemo treatments and was left with much pain caused by neuropathy and an MRI found extensive spinal/lumbar nerve damage thanks to radiation.  What I found though that was causing the majority of pain in my back, hip and leg, was a tilted pelvis.  The pelvis bones were weakened by the radiation and got out of alignment.  Took a long time to figure this out as doctors just wanted to give me spinal epidural to mask pain, which I refused.  It was a Physical Therapist that found one leg was an 1.5" shorter due to pelvic tilt.  I've been getting adjustments from chiropractor to put my pelvis back in place and this is working.  All of my bones and muscles were so weak and now that the pelvis/back pain has lessened I am able to exercise and strengthen my core; the stronger it gets, the longer my pelvis stays in place.  For months I could barely walk and I complained to doctors about back pain with no real answers or relief, so the chiropractor has worked a miracle!  So pelvis alignment might be something to consider since you had radiation.  I wish you the best with your results and that you get some relief from pain soon.

    Nancy

    back pain

    Thank you- you really helped- dr. Said arthritis, but I will investigate more- pain started between ex/internal radiation and seems to be getting worse- and I feel it's affecting my arm  leg pain-Does pain get worse before it gets better? I don't think last month was this bad.

  • ncg007
    ncg007 Member Posts: 138 Member
    #10
    Hma4 said:

    back pain

    Thank you- you really helped- dr. Said arthritis, but I will investigate more- pain started between ex/internal radiation and seems to be getting worse- and I feel it's affecting my arm  leg pain-Does pain get worse before it gets better? I don't think last month was this bad.

    Back pain

    Everyone's experience will be different. I was told arthritis too by my PCP, which I believed at first because pain started in knees and it didnt start until 3 weeks after I finished all chemo treatments (March 2016).  Neuropathy spread and got much worse over time and peaked after 6 months and then slowly got better.  My arms seemed to get better first, not fully gone yet.  For me I felt the numbness and the pain were two different things and kept investigating instead of writing it all off as Neuropathy.  I was also taking Gabepentin for Neuropathy and had many weeks of PT, both helped.  Has PT been suggested?  Your body has been through a lot and needs time to recover and strengthen.   Hope you get relief soon.

    Nancy

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