recurrent ovarian cancer

help
You should apply for disability ASAP if you know you are going to be off work. Call the American Cancer Society and see what programs them might have available. The prescription companies often have programs to provide free medicine if you don't have insurance to cover the cost of prescriptions. Ask for assistance for the hospital/clinic social worker who can help walk you through the paperwork and find programs you may not be aware of.

I was blessed with friends holding a benefit for me and that is how I pay all of my co-pays and whatever the insurance doesn't cover. Once that is gone - who knows. But right now I can get by and I'm working. Paycheck pays for normal things - but the medical bills? Nope.

I hope you reach out and ask for help - people are willing to be of assistance and there is help out there. Even getting in a trial may be of some benefit.

Take good care.
Kris

what I did financially when I was sick
I've been in remission for nearly 18 months and during the time I was going thru the surgery and treatments, I was not able to get temporary dissability (no such thing in my state) so I had to go back to work after 6 weeks as a checker in a grocery store. But I did apply for Housing assistance and was able to get it after 4 months. They put me on the priority list because of being ill plus having a child at home under 18. And I also got food stamps (Quest card) to help with groceries. So that really helped. I should also add that I had Medical Assistance because I couldn't get insurance at my job. But I had that already before the cancer, thank God.

If the cancer comes back I am covered with the medical assistance I still have because I work about 29 hours a week and my daughter is 14. And I am keeping my Housing assistance. I no longer have Food Stamps because the amount got so low ($20 a month) that it haven't worth keeping up all the paperwork. However, I can get it back again if I get sick and can't work. I feel relatively secure now in case of recurrance. I hope this helps you. Unfortunately, the government seems to help more when you have a child under 18 at home, like I do. Good Luck!

SSDI
Sorry to hear your cancer is back, but they say if you had a long remission the first time you are likely to have good results if/when it comes back. Anyway about SSDI, I would apply right away if you think you'll be off for 6 months. Also good idea to see what information ACS has. Other people I know who don't have a build up of vacation or sick time or any type of Long Term Disability have had some fund raiser things that helped them through this time.

Let us know how things turn out, sending lots of prayers and hugs. Bonnie