Ovarian Cancer Support Group

I understand. I have to go and have surgery next month and I am going to have to take it without pay, plus the treatments. it is hard and tiring. I hope you will be ok, i will be praying for you.

I'm so sorry you are finding this so hard. I'm in the UK so I don't know very much about your benefit system in the US.. I haven't worked since I began chemo about 18 months ago. I don't get very much to live on, but then I don't have many outgoings, as I am mostly resting. My rent is paid for as well as my local taxes. Wish you had the same options in the US. People shouldn't have to work when going through chemo.. I know some find that they can but there are so many who can't.. Please take as much rest as you can.. big hug to you.. xxx

The health care coverage and reimbursement system in the United States needs a complete overhaul. Why should one person have her bill entirely paid while another is left with an enormous debt just because of where they happen to work? Or even worse, one goes without care because they cannot afford it while another gets the best of care because they have good insurance. I hope the government changes things quickly.

Well, enough ranting! Viv and Teresa, you two just worry about getting well right now and doing what you need to do about your health. Just do what you can regarding work. Chemo will end and you will feel better before you know it. www.canceradvocacy.org has information that deals with workplace issues. Plus, the Wellness Community (they are all over the US) often has workshops on workplace and financial issues. Best wishes, Janet

Today is my first day back on medical leave. I am trying to figure out what I am going to do with my days. I am off until August if all goes according to the plan. So I have lots of days ahead of me to rest and relax after treatments. My sister wants me to come to TX for a visit. But my nephew is also going thru chemo and I don't know if she will be able to handle two of us not feeling well at the same time. I would love to go but I think my nephew needs her more than I do. Maybe if I am feeling better I will go but right now I do not have the energy to fly for VA to TX. But who knows what the summer will bring.

Hi,
5 years ago, when I was first diagnosed my Doctor encouraged me to apply for SS disability. I got it and was off work until about 10 months later I felt back to normal. When I had recurrence it was easy to re-apply (not all the original paperwork.) Still on it, and with my second recurrence I am thinking I am now "retired." Not something I wanted to do...but with a cronic disease am thinking I will be on this until I do reach 62.
Your Doctor has to fill out a bunch of paperwork too...but this wasn't a problem for me. What SS sends is like a book...with a lot of really stupid questions.
Hope this may help you.
lindamae

Viv,

I am sorry to hear that you are having issues. I would talk to your doctor to see if they can suggest how to help you. The worst think that could happen is that you have to start telling people that you cannot pay them right know and when you pay off one bill you will let them you will pay them at that time. Or when this is over you can file bankrupcy. There has to be a way you can get help. I will do some asking around here and I will let you know what I come up with.

Hi Viv... I was sad when I read your post b/c it's exactly how my mom felt. She didn't go to the doctor when she started feeling bad b/c she didn't have a job or insurance. By the time she went, she had major fluid in her tummy and was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer. The bills were hard to deal with and most creditors don't care about your situation, but there are resources. My mom used social services to get assistance on electric bills and her house payment. She received food from several local places, etc. And for those she couldn't pay, she said she was sorry for now. You can only do so much... so don't beat yourself up. I advised her to pay what was detrimental to her - house payment, electric, car, etc. Credit cards and things like that may have to wait until your situation changes. I will pray for you...and I'm sorry for the added stress. Just know that I can sympathize with what you're feeling...

Hi Viv - adding to another post from lindamae, my mom was able to get approved for ss disability pretty quickly as well. I think it took 2-3 months, where it's normally much longer. She is receiving that now and doing fine financially. I wish you luck!

This is one of the things that scares me a bit. I have a good job....and a HUGE mortgage!! My company does not have a sick pay scheme so if I am unable to work during treatment, I really don't know how I will manage.I really hope I am not too badly effected by Chemo.

Its something I really need to speak to someone about....and soon! My treatment starts next week.

Have you been able to manage ok Viv?

xx

Being off has been a big relief. I am just now running into finical issues. The two months that I was at work I was able to set some money aside. But I am just getting to the end of that now. I am in the process for filing for SS however, I was told that I may get too much money from my short term disablilty. So we will see what happens. I have my last treatment next week. But my doctor has me out until the end of August.