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Old 06-18-2009, 06:24 AM   #3
Sheila
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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As soon as I went from short term disability to long term, I was forced to apply for SSDI. Once I received that (6 mos after my original disability began), the company designated insurance company began fighting with me about paying the amount to make up the difference. This went on for about 9 mos, I finally just gave up...so I only receive SSDI, which for me in Illinois is about 1578.00 per month, before taxes, which is a long cry from what I made through company disability, which was about 2900.00 tax free per month. I had to be off a full year before Medicare took over fro insurance, but since I am covered through my husband, i do not have to take it which saves me money as they charge for part B I believe, which covers certain things. Part A is free, but I remember the Part B was about 187.00 per month. As far as working goes, I am only allowed to earn a certain amount per month and stay on SSDI...which I think is 900.00 but I am not sure.
When I first was off, i couldnt wait to go back to work....I still miss it, but have filled my life with more important things, like health, grandchildren, enjoying each day...I miss the money but wouldnt trade my life now for anything! I think you are making the right decision.....
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Hugs & Blessings
Sheila
Diagnosed at age 49.99999 2/21/2002 via Mammography (Calcifications)
Core Biopsy 2/22/02
L. Mastectomy 2/25/2002
Stage 1, 0.7cm IDC, Node Neg from 19 nodes Her2+++ ER PR Neg
6/2003 Reconstruction W/ Tissue Expander, Silicone Implant
9/2003 Stage IV with Mets to Supraclavicular nodes
9/2003 Began Herceptin every 3 weeks
3/2006 Xeloda 2500mg/Herceptin for recurrence to neck nodes
3/2007 Added back the Xeloda with Herceptin for continued mets to nodes
5/2007 Taken Off Xeloda, no longer working
6/14/07 Taxol/Herceptin/Avastin
3/26 - 5/28/08 Taxol Holiday Whopeeeeeeeee
5/29 2008 Back on Taxol w Herceptin q 2 weeks
4/2009 Progression on Taxol & Paralyzed L Vocal Cord from Nodes Pressing on Nerve
5/2009 Begin Rx with Navelbine/Herceptin
11/09 Progression on Navelbine
Fought for and started Tykerb/Herceptin...nodes are melting!!!!!
2/2010 Back to Avastin/Herceptin
5/2010 Switched to Metronomic Chemo with Herceptin...Cytoxan and Methotrexate
Pericardial Window Surgery to Drain Pericardial Effusion
7/2010 Back to walking a mile a day...YEAH!!!!
9/2010 Nodes are back with a vengence in neck
Qualified for TDM-1 EAP
10/6/10 Begin my miracle drug, TDM-1
Mixed response, shrinking internal nodes, progression skin mets after 3 treatments
12/6/10 Started Halaven (Eribulen) /Herceptin excellent results in 2 treatments
2/2011 I CELEBRATE my 9 YEAR MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7/5/11 begin Gemzar /Herceptin for node progression
2/8/2012 Gemzar stopped, Continue Herceptin
2/20/2012 Begin Tomo Radiation to Neck Nodes
2/21/2012 I CELEBRATE 10 YEARS
5/12/2012 BeganTaxotere/ Herceptin is my next miracle for new node progression
6/28/12 Stopped Taxotere due to pregression, Started Perjeta/Herceptin
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