I know we have had the discussion here before, but it's been a long while and I'd like to revive it again if you wouldn't mind talking about it.
Anyone here been thru this process?

My cancer was Stage 3.
I haven't worked since just a short time following chemo & radiation.
I worked thru treatment, though not a lot.  Following, I was unable to "do my job" as my job required, but that's beside the point.  My job ended when my position was eliminated (I worked for a big co. & my boss allowed me to keep my job ... but then there was a big corporate wide setback & I was one of 2000 let go).  I collected my unemployment, took a rest, sent out resumes (required) ... joked with the girls @ the unemployment office that nobody was going to hire a gal with a chemo cap on her head (waiting for my hair to grow in).  With the fall season approaching, I decided I would "go back to school," and that's what I've been doing since.

I enrolled full time, 12 hours.  Time consuming but I manage.
I do well, but each semester is not without challenge.
It's not easy.  It's my life.  When I'm in school, my family comes second.
Sick.
I've had to drop classes here & there, due to health complications, fatigue, the demands of going to school, just not being able to keep up the pace.
But fortunately too, I've had Professors willing to work with me so that I can complete my coursework or semester.  My grades are good.  A couple Professors knocked off some responsibility from my load.  
Then I was hospitalized with the DVT and Pulmonary Embolism.
That nearly ended my school career, but I dropped back to two classes.
One on campus, and one online.
Even that was tough last semester.

I'm taking a summer class.
Very intensive.
Starts on Monday .... honestly, I'm dreading it.
This is not good for my health.
My dr. even tells me to "be careful."

So, I (finally) applied for Social Security.
I nearly have to.
One of these days I won't be able to apply, for having been out of work too long.
Then I'd really be up the creek without a paddle.

I worked just fine before the cancer fiasco.  
School is ok 'cause it's at my pace. 
No employer would tolerate my "not feeling good" shenanigans.  
Know what I mean?
While FLMA is a step in the right direction, we cancer survivors/patients know it won't save us from being canned if an employer wanted to.

Since the DVT & PE, all previous fatigue, pain, effects of cancer treatment (shortness of breath, no lifting, etc.) have gone out the window as far as I'm concerned.  The big focus now is on prevention of another DVT & PE.
I am cautioned to not sit for more than an hour at a time.
I physically cannot stand for a length of time.
And that leaves what kind of job I can do?
I still have shortness of breath & chest pain.
It's likely I still have an occasional clot.
My dr. now has lengthened my treatment to 3 years, or life, of the blood thinner.
The wait & see approach.

Chemo brain is a very real thing, altho I didn't really feel the full effect of it 'til about a year ago.
My chemo was in '09.
Now that I am switched from Tamoxifen to Exemestane, oh boy ... I really have chemo brain ... focus issues, etc.  Just tonight I was writing a check .... wrote out the name and couldn't remember how to write a "G."  I am serious!  When it rains I don't drive.  Why bother if I have to focus that hard.

So ..... my disability application was denied.
When talking with the "preparer" of my claim she said I had a good chance of being approved, having gone from cancer to vascular disease to a pulmonary embolism.
My doctor said he put the things he restricts me from on his form.
SS sent me to a Psychologist.  She told me my "chemo brain" or forgetfulness is valid.  
I failed that part of the exam.
The physician they sent me to saw that I have trouble with joint & muscle pain.
I failed his eye screening and now have an appt. to get my eyes checked.
I didn't know chemo increased my risk of eye trouble.  I-yi-yi.  Did you know this?

How frustrating this is.

I immediately filed an appeal.
Now what?

Any advice?

I'm so reluctant to hire an attorney, because of the cut that they take.
My SS is a very modest sum.
SS says the system is set up in such a way that I do not need an attorney.
If the appeal is denied, I get one more chance in front of a judge.
I can represent myself.
Really?
I represented myself once in traffic court & got taken advantage of!
Female judge & police officer seemed to be in cohoots ... very friendly with each other.
I got a failure to yield ticket in a snow storm.  I slid out in front of another car.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Dear Pin,
 
I do not have any personal experience with Social Security Disability. But I have heard from many sources that most people are turned down the first time they apply but in the long run most applicants are granted their wish.
 
A couple of things you wrote stood out. You said you did not want to get an attorney because they take half of what you get. Are you referring to a one time payment or ongoing payments you would have to make? The other thing is you claim you are entitled to represent yourself. From what you wrote about your impairments that could either help your case or bury you because you will need a lucid presentation that is well crafted and emphasizes all the points you wish to make in a cohesive and coherent manner. Are you positive you can make such a presentation yourself? On the other hand, if you stumble and fumble all over the place when in front of a judge, your impairments might speak for themselves. But that is a risky strategy.
 
Before you make your decision I think it would be wise to at least interview an attorney or two experienced in the ins and outs of filing disability claims.
 
Good luck and keep us posted.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Good luck and keep us posted.

Lumpectomy 4/14/05 at age 69
Stage 1, 2cm, Node Negative
Grade 3, Triple Negative
AC/Taxol, Radiation,
BRCA2 positive (It's always something!)
No Family History

Applying for disability is quite a process and seems even more difficult because of so many unemployed people are trying to get it and the system seems clogged. From what I understand, disability lawyers have caps on their fees-Social Security has personally put restricitons on the process-but I'm sure there are "exceptions"!
 I was just approved for Disability-2 days ago. I'd applied a year ago but was denied because I made too much $$ (quite a joke). I just kept working and "bit the bullet" I fell under the compassionate acceptance clause because I have IBC and stage IV..I have a very savvy & super nice advocate at SS.
What have your doctors said about your conditions? Have you gotten on the SS website to see if any of your medical problems fall under the compassionate rules? I am so sorry you have so many problems and then you have this SS battle. Read ALL you can on websites-reputable sites. Do you have in  your posession your doctors' diagnoses so you can see how your medical problems are interpreted by disability rules. Liked so many things in life, it stinks when you have to fight so hard for what you really deserve.
 
good luck ...
Vicki