Lung Cancer and Work - Cancer: Lung Message Board

HELLASRULES · 04-06-2007, 01:10 PM

Hi Everyone,
Since I am having some pretty severe financial problems due to having lung cancer and all the appointments, treatments, side effects etc. I haven't been at my job since December 16th.
Just wondering if everyone else is working, and I'm being a wimp here for staying home all this time. Should I just push myself to get back at my desk?
Or does everyone stop working when they are being treated for cancer.
(By the way, I'm stage IV NSCLC with mets to the brain, nodes and possibly liver, for those of you who don't know.)
Sure would like to know how everyone else handles the work issue.
Thanks!
Faith

Cee10 · 04-06-2007, 02:03 PM

Hi Faith,

You are not a wimp you are very ill and being very brave going through all the treatments you have been having. I think cancer is individual to the person, some seem to be less affected perhaps it's down to the tumour position, metabolism, age, how long they have been living with the disease, or a thousand other things. Please don't think you are a wimp, your fighting for your life.

There is no way I could work right now, even a trip to the supermarket is out of the question and I am not even having chemo!

Is there anyway your employer would let you work part time from home if you feel up to it. Can you get some sort of sickness benefit or disability benefit where you are?

God bless you

Cee

HELLASRULES · 04-06-2007, 03:03 PM

Hi Cee
Thanks for the reply. I actually have disability insurance thru work but it pays 60% of my regular pay and I also have to pay my health insurance premiums of $500 a month now. It leaves no money for food, health insurance co-pays, meds, transportation costs etc. My savings is going fast, and I feel like I am being forced to work even with a terminal illness! Unfortunately the brain tumor affected my vision and that will make doing my job (even if I was well enough to) a lot more difficult! I'd like nothing better than to be able to work and be normal again.
The cancer is nothing compared to the financial stress. That'll probably kill me before the cancer has a chance!
Hang in there and Feel better.
Faith

Xant · 04-06-2007, 03:54 PM

Faith, what a horrible time you are having! Its hard enough having such a terrible illness without having to worry financially aswell.

Do you not have any relatives that could help you out a little?

bt8425 · 04-06-2007, 03:55 PM

Could be wrong, but think stage 4 will qualify you for almost immediate SSA Disb. (approx 6 Weeks), But Medicare Ins. two years beyond that effective date. Alreday on SSA Disb and only stage one NSCLC, I could not have worked, check it out, as they may give you a retro active time for the start, or you may qualify for SSI with health benefits. Who knows, employer may agree to pay the 500.00 health ins til Medicare kicks in. Talk to SSA and your HRD. Hope all workd out for you. Bill B.