Thinking about going on short term disability - need input

SunnieC
SunnieC Member Posts: 37
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi All -

I was diagnosed her 2 new pos on Sept 15th - I started on trial with kaiser in october - did adriamycin and cytoxan for 4 cycles with minimal sickness - started paclitaxel and lapatinib one month ago (have 4 cycles to go) - the first cycle I got sick on the 2nd dose and on my week off I ended up in the hospital with a respiratory infection - I am supposed to schedule my surgery about a month after these treatments and then will be on herceptin for a year after the surgery - I am seriously concerned about all the sickness...I work directly with the public and with my immune system so depressed, it seems like I get sick every time I turn around -

Has anyone else gone on short term disability? I have run out of sick and vacation time already and am very limited on my fmla time left - I am desperatly needing advice and you all seem like you know shat is going on...

Are there any other options that I should know about? I can't be without a paycheck or a job for that matter.... How have the rest of you handled this?

Any input would be wonderful...

Blessings and hugs to all of you {{{{{xoxoxoxox}}}}}
Sunnie

Comments

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #2
    Yes
    I was for 6 months. It was very smart things to do. I worked directly with microorganisms and my primary care physician insist on STD. You can write me a Private message/e-mail so I can answer your specific questions.
    Take care,
    New Flower.
  • debbie054
    debbie054 Member Posts: 12
    #3
    New Flower said:

    Yes
    I was for 6 months. It was very smart things to do. I worked directly with microorganisms and my primary care physician insist on STD. You can write me a Private message/e-mail so I can answer your specific questions.
    Take care,
    New Flower.

    Been on short term since Dec
    Been on short term since Dec 1st. My ono sugested it would be a good idea to stay off work at least until I get through with the c&a. But i can only stay on std for 6 months after that Iwill lose my job and insurance.
  • xskeetshooter
    xskeetshooter Member Posts: 169
    #4
    disability
    it takes 3 -6 months to even get it, so if i were you i would get going on it
  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    #5
    xskeetshooter said:

    disability
    it takes 3 -6 months to even get it, so if i were you i would get going on it

    You should definately use your short term disability.
    I am a general agent for a company who sell short term disability to businesses. I suggest you file a claim as your health calls for it. Unlike social security, short term disability claims should go through sooner than from 3 - 6 months. I have all claims start with my office so my staff can review them for anything that could hold them up in processing. Do you know the carrier? The key things that can hold up a claim in processing: The employer section does not get completed in a timely fashion (Stay on HR to be sure it is submitted), there is an error on your section (For example, HIPPA isn't signed), or the doctor either doesn't fill it out properly (omits treatment dates, puts "unsure" on a return to work date). Follow-up is most important. Normally, a claim is input in 24 - 48 hours. Then they are generally completed in 10 - 12 days. Be sure to find out who the broker is who sold the company the policy. They usually have a support staff and you can contact them for information and follow-up. Because they are probably placing a good bit of business with the carrier, they will have more clout than you do as an individual. That's why I get involved with the claims process for my clients.

    Please file your claim. That's what short term disability is designed to do. It helps us get well without financial worries.

    Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

    Roseann
  • lisamnovak
    lisamnovak Member Posts: 27
    #6
    STD
    Do it! It is there for a reason, and right now that reason is you. You need to take the time to heal. HUGS!
  • shortscake
    shortscake Member Posts: 228
    #7
    i am
    I am on short term disability my HR put me on it in Nov when i told them i was dx with bc don't know how long i am going to be on it, right now my doctor don't know when he is going to let me go back to work just started on my 2nd set of chemo(6treatment)i know i have to do 3 sets then we will see what needs to be done next so right now i don't know how long i am going to be off work,I would love to know what next step that i should take? don't know if i should go and apply for disability right now i am lost.not a good feeling not knowing what to do.girl power
  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757
    #8
    I Think
    I think if your company offers STD or you can get it through social services, you should do it. I was fortunate and didn't have to have the red devil but I have heard it can make you incredibly sick. I think you can be on disability as well if your cancer and treatments make it to where you cannot work. Contact the ladies above who are on STD for their help.

    Take care,

    P
  • mom62
    mom62 Member Posts: 604 Member
    #9
    Short Term Disability
    Hi,

    Yes, you should get on short term disability asap. It usually only pays between 60 or 80 pecent of your salary but you don't have to have taxes taken out if you don't want to as your take home for the year will be less. It will allow you peace of mind and let you be out for up to 6 months depending on your company policy. Contact your human resource manager and ask her for the paperwork as you and your doctor have to fill out seperate areas and get it back soon so you can have some money coming in.
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #10
    mom62 said:

    Short Term Disability
    Hi,

    Yes, you should get on short term disability asap. It usually only pays between 60 or 80 pecent of your salary but you don't have to have taxes taken out if you don't want to as your take home for the year will be less. It will allow you peace of mind and let you be out for up to 6 months depending on your company policy. Contact your human resource manager and ask her for the paperwork as you and your doctor have to fill out seperate areas and get it back soon so you can have some money coming in.

    HR
    just want to add. My STD was through my employer. My Human Resources manager gave me paper work ,for me and for my doctor. It had to be updated every 30 days and was administrated by my employer. The pay was depended from years of service from 100% to 50 % for max 6 months and all other benefits. They took taxes out of it like from regular salary. I highly recommend everyone who has STD benefits on using them.
    Good Luck,
    New Flower
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #11
    shortscake said:

    i am
    I am on short term disability my HR put me on it in Nov when i told them i was dx with bc don't know how long i am going to be on it, right now my doctor don't know when he is going to let me go back to work just started on my 2nd set of chemo(6treatment)i know i have to do 3 sets then we will see what needs to be done next so right now i don't know how long i am going to be off work,I would love to know what next step that i should take? don't know if i should go and apply for disability right now i am lost.not a good feeling not knowing what to do.girl power

    Shortcake
    Sorry for you feeling lost. Your Human Resources manager should explain your company policy, including max length of STD benefits, your state regulations and option for Long Term Disability benefits. Your company has a policy so could ask for it.
  • SunnieC
    SunnieC Member Posts: 37
    #12
    New Flower said:

    HR
    just want to add. My STD was through my employer. My Human Resources manager gave me paper work ,for me and for my doctor. It had to be updated every 30 days and was administrated by my employer. The pay was depended from years of service from 100% to 50 % for max 6 months and all other benefits. They took taxes out of it like from regular salary. I highly recommend everyone who has STD benefits on using them.
    Good Luck,
    New Flower

    Thank you everyone
    I cannot tell each of you how much I appreaciate your input - I know that the state I work for has a 60% payout for STD and that will create some hardship but I am at the point that I cannot afford to be in the hospital because I get sick either - so thank you all - I hope that each and every one of you is blessed with this day (and many more) being easy and calm - to quote Filmore from the movie "Cars": "There's a lot of love out there..."

    Blessings -
    Sunnie
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #13
    sunnie wishing you the best
    sunnie wishing you the best with your STD decisions. My onc advised against working because I was in constant contact with the public in a medical setting. I think I may retire since I'm 67 and low on energy.
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #14
    natly15 said:

    sunnie wishing you the best
    sunnie wishing you the best with your STD decisions. My onc advised against working because I was in constant contact with the public in a medical setting. I think I may retire since I'm 67 and low on energy.

    STD
    Hi, definitely apply for the STD. My last day at work was Dec.11 as I had surgery on dec. 15. I didn't think about the STD until my husband mentioned it n early Jan. I called HR at the BOE to initiate the policy and within a week it was approved and I received back pay from Dec. 11. It is about 60% of my salary but every little bit helps since I don't plan to go back to work until after spring break (mid april).They said after you have been out for 10 days you can apply for your STD and after 6 weeks LTD. Good luck and make that call!

    rene9
  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757
    #15
    natly15 said:

    sunnie wishing you the best
    sunnie wishing you the best with your STD decisions. My onc advised against working because I was in constant contact with the public in a medical setting. I think I may retire since I'm 67 and low on energy.

    Enjoy
    Enjoy your retirement should you take it. I got my mom set up for disability and it has been the best thing for her. She is rested, her health is better, and she is enjoying her life.

    P

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