Round 2 herceptin/projeta & quit my job..

[linn65]

Today,

I see the doctor and will be asking questions about why stage 1v now without being in organs and bones. Also, stable vs NED.....

The SE I have had have been my ankles aching like when I was a teen getting cramps is the only way I can explain it. Runny, water, and sore throat which could be just allergies idk. I did accupuncture yesterday, and I didn't wake up in the middle of the night with my ankles aching.....

I did quit my job which in my mind I wonder or feel embarrassed to say I am going to be on social security if others ask what do i do for a living. I just knew with no time at work left because using it up on my last surgery in March and doctors appointments. Now, to do treatments every three weeks, if things do not turn out the way I hope then I didn't want to live my life at work with all the stress of working and needing time off for each appointment. I have never not worked, being single and the buck stops at me it's a bit scary. In my heart I knew I want to work hard, without worry, enjoy my life and if my life is cut short, and I came to the conclusion work isn't my life, and I want to live and not worry as I have the past two years about missing work for all the appointments and focus on living my best life. I will receive cobra for 18 months and fleeting thoughts about getting insurance for continued treatments scares me, but I tell myself don't worry and enjoy today it will all work out.....

I will sign up for social security 10/1/14 which I don't know how that all works. I was told I could maybe get my ex-husbands social security, and I was told I can't if he isn't deceased....so clueless about that too. However, I have been soooo blessed by my co-workers and manager working for me to get accelerated life insurance so all my bills are paid off, and I haven't pulled my retirement out yet. Another thing I have to figure out is pulling retirement and where to put it to help myself with paying the least on taxes.

It's strange to know on one side diagnosed and the doctor put in writing the cancer is terminal but a life insurance check to pay all my bills and money to live on in the other.....if anyone knows advice to give about the social security thing let me know. I am doing well with my OCD mind, but I have moments of fear and the what ifs....however, I feel at peace with my decision the majority of the time.

Btw I had a great 49 birthday party and danced so much my body was killin the next day but well worth it.

[thinkpositive]

I quit my job also for a lot of the same reasons you mentioned. It is scary but at the end of the day I've never meet anybody who wished they would have worked more.

As far as social security, you should be able to get it pretty quickly if you are stage 4. They will accelerate processing your request because stage 4 is listed as one of the diagnosis that according to SS, get the "fast track". If you are stage 3c, you will likely still qualify but it may take months for SS to make a determination. I was stage 3C and applied for SS. However, I decided to withdraw my application because after all treatments I was NED and didn't feel disabled.

My understanding is that if you were married to your spouse for at least 10 years you can collect on his SS. I don't know how the process works or if he has to be full retirement age.

Glad you had a great time dancing on your 49th!

[eva9310]

I'm sorry for your diagnosis but hope that SS will fast track your file and hopefully remove the stress of that. I wish you the best and hope that you enjoy everyday!

Eva

[kk1]

Linn;
First I am so sorry to hear that you are stage IV but it sounds like giving your mind and body the space and time for the treatment to work is the right thing for now. With a stage IV DX it is very straight forward to apply and received ss disability. You can simply apply on line (I put the link below) and then they will call you to come in for a very quick interview.

6 years ago I felt the same as you, after 2 liver resections and a lung resection, I figured enough was enough even though I loved my job. I quit and applied on-line the same day....a few weeks later I was approved for ss benefits. I was on ss disability for 2.5 years and it allowed me to better take care of myself and have time with my family...at the time I really thought I did not have much time left on this earth and like you I did not want to spend it working. To my surprise and everyone else too, I again became NED ....I think partly because I did give myself the space to heal and fight. After a few years of NED I still missed my work and through the ss disability wages to work program I slowly went back part time. Don't despair you don't have to always be super woman--give your mind and body the space to get rid of the invaders.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/

['lizbeth]

I think that you will receive disability from Social Security, and not retirement.

The retirement looks like you cannot remarry before age 60 and your former marriage needed to be at least 10 years.

Sounds like everything is falling into place.

[Jackie07]

Sounds like there's a lot of 'change' in your life the past few years. But the recent one seems to be reducing a lot of stress. You should get the SSD/I in just a few months.

Sending you good vibes.

[DianaMK]

I applied for social security disability when I was diagnosed stage 4 and received it quickly. In regard to medical coverage, after being on disability for one year I was eligible for medicare. Depending on your financial situation you could also be eligible for Medicaid.

Enjoy each day without the added stress of work. Wishing you the best!