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English Jan 
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Joined: Sep 23 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 97 |
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 Posted: Jan 28 2008 at 2:33am |
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Hey Sunbearz,
So you are on the West Coast of FL, me too.
I'm in Englewood.... rinky dink seaside town.
Are you far away?
Read your posts, thanks a bunch .. if you want a cup of tea one afternoon .. let me know.
I went without hat or bandana etc from the beginning. I have a loop I like to drive, up the caye and round.
When I feel really up to it, I stop and walk the beach a little. I know what you say about others showing you (again) of the beauty and delights of our tropical florida "home".
My relatives come from England save all year, to come for 2 weeks and I have the place for 52 weeks and hardly get to the beach!
Mind you God bless the Canadians and Snow birds who brave the "cold" Gulf .. I won't go in until the water is close to 90 degrees!!
Anyway if you want PM me, re " a spot of tea" or just a chat, know you have someone close by also.
Later
English Jan
PS Last rad today!!
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FL. 58yrs DX LIDC 8/18/07. 08/23/07 Lump+SNB Node -ve. T2.5cms clear margins, TNBC, Stage 2A Grade 3. 9/18/07 TX Cytoxan+Taxotere.Neulasta.4x3 wks.Rads 30+5 FINISHED 28th Jan 2008.
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Jan 28 2008 at 5:32am |
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Sunbearz your last post was so well said! Just another reason to admire you, for being able to put your thoughts thru the keyboard and onto the screen to share with us. I fumble so.
Oh and I too am a Yanni fan. I find his music relaxing. I saw him at a live concert as a gift from hubby when I had just finished my treatments from the first round. Yanni is a little cutie!
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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Sadie-Rose 2
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Joined: Jan 15 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 24 |
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Posted: Jan 28 2008 at 6:09am |
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Hi Sunbearz,
How are you doing today? I was just thinking about you and thought I would check in to see how it is going? Do you go to work today or do you get to stay home? I am home today. We had a beautiful snow here in the Northwest. When it snows even a little bit the schools close down and it is like a holiday. The trees are dusted with white and it looks like a winter wonderland outside my picture window. I'm going to go for a walk soon and make footprints and paths around my neighborhood. I hope you feel all the warmth being wrapped around you today by the loving women in this group. Warmly, Sadie Edited by Sadie-Rose 2 - Jan 28 2008 at 6:20am |
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sunbearz
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Joined: Jan 02 2008 Status: Offline Points: 295 |
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Posted: Jan 28 2008 at 4:59pm |
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You guys are great.I love the interaction were having. Some from the cold north enjoying its beauty as well as the south and from everywhere in all walks of life.A group of strangers who care for each other.We know more about each other than we know about our neighbors.
Jan, i am in Venice fl.Sadie, I love the beauty you see in everything.You are so positive.Pam, I saw Yanni 3 times, and I tell you , There is something about that man.
Im doing good , I think. Terrified about the radiation in a week .But I want the cancer gone there.My family is a little worried, But Ill be fine.Im going to the catholic church Sun. as it is some saint that is the Saint Of Throats Sunday.Im not Catholic, Im sure God doesnt care.
Im at my no stress job now 4 days a week.It was good.I ran a medical office, now I do billing stuff.
Funny thing happened today. Went to get my handicap sticker ,and That felt so strange.I felt
guilty like I should have gone in with a wheelchair.The person said"Can I help you sir? {the bandana thing I guess) I said Im a Mame. I felt like everyone was looking at me because being in Fl. I was the youngest one there.Like , I really have to explain.
They were looking at me, Like whats wrong with you?To humor myself I thought "well the next big sale at a store, I will be in front of you!
As you can see Im starting to get my humor back.
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Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip triple neg brca-gemsar Abraxine 2008 -gemsar/taxol combo Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung Mets Testosterone |
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Ronda
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Joined: Jul 31 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 587 |
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Posted: Jan 28 2008 at 7:40pm |
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Hey Sunbearz,
As a Realtor I can tell you one particular Catholic saint has always come though for me, St. Joseph, the saint for families (I'm not Catholic either). Everytime I've had a family use him, their home sold before they ran into trouble. I bet he's working overtime these days! Good luck with the rads and congrats on the handicap pass. Have you read the Crazy Sexy Cancer book?? It's a movie too, but I've only read the book. It's a kick! I highly recommend it to help get your groove back. She says if anyone comments on the no hair thing a good response is "My hair style is compliments of my oncologist!" she's cute.
Good Night
Ronda
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sunbearz
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Joined: Jan 02 2008 Status: Offline Points: 295 |
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Posted: Jan 29 2008 at 3:33pm |
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Thanks Ronda, What A good line!Thanks for the movie idea.
A co-worker of mine brought in some holy water she got from the river in Israel I think and blessed me with the hail marys . Im not Catholic so Im not sure if I have the right country.Anyway my best friend and Daughter are going to church Sun.Were going to go to mass and be blessed by the saint B-something.Then were going to the beach for a hot dog and watch the Super-bowl.
Hey I have a life and plans.
Thurs I go to the Rad Onc. to have the beams placed in the right position.
Next week its Game time.I pray they can keep the beams off my throat and hit only the lymph nodes. If I was a candidate for surg, they could take out the bed ,but I cant have any surg of any kind.
Please stay with me with your words of wisdom and help.
I had radiation once and thought it was no big deal until the end . So I already know what it is like.Then I have to jump right back on the Chemo.
I think Im ready.
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Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip triple neg brca-gemsar Abraxine 2008 -gemsar/taxol combo Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung Mets Testosterone |
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shellieh51
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Joined: Oct 10 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 218 |
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Posted: Jan 29 2008 at 3:43pm |
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Good luck and best wishes to you. You are a trooper. Take care.
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dx 11/6/2006 1.5cm IDC, Gr3, TN, BRCA-, lump, partial breast rads 1/2007, 4 AC, 12 wkly Taxol. Completed tx 8/2/2007. NED 12/2007. Malignant parotid tumor 4/2008. Clear head 4/09 & bones 11/08 -
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Ronda
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Joined: Jul 31 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 587 |
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Posted: Jan 29 2008 at 4:03pm |
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Hey Sunbearz, I didn't have radiation because I went with the mastectomy and was node negative... BUT the naturopath that I was seeing also was an assistant at the Chinese medicine school here in town. She said they actually had radiation oncologists attending the seminars because they were so impressed by the lack of side effects and the radiation's effectiveness on their patients who were received this treatment. I found these articles on the subject. The site I found was some kind of new and exciting search engine with a bunch of ads on it...so now you can find out about chinese medicine and shop at the same time!!! I totally don't know about any of the stuff their talking about...because I don't speak chinese, but it may be worth a look and maybe a consult with someone in your area.
Happy Super Bowl!!
Ronda
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sunbearz
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Joined: Jan 02 2008 Status: Offline Points: 295 |
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Posted: Jan 29 2008 at 5:23pm |
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Ronda, ill ask my rad onc about this.I had a rad mast and nodes removed. Only rads I had was to a hip,now to lymph nodes in the neck.Im just not thrilled about the area. I have never heard anyone having a problem with this area.Of course I was the first woman on the west coat of Fl to have a sentinal node bx and in 1998 they didnt know much about that.Go figure I would be the one to have some obscure issue. A guinea pig to say the least.But its ok.
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Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip triple neg brca-gemsar Abraxine 2008 -gemsar/taxol combo Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung Mets Testosterone |
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cg---
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Joined: Jul 20 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1379 |
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Posted: Jan 29 2008 at 5:52pm |
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Dear Sunbearz, Since my mother was certain I had a Book of the Saints (in case I forgot them)...I can tell you for certain St. Blaise is the Patron Saint of sore throat - (maladies of the throat), a candle is placed on either side of a person's throat-neck region and receives a blessing. Apparently, St. Peregrine (Patron Saint of Serious Diseases) is in charge of cancer. Because in the Prayer to St. Peregrine it says, "You, who for so many years bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. Ask of God and Our Lady the cure of these sick persons whom we entrust to you.....Aided in this way by your powerful intercession.
Of course, my Cathechism skills were a little rusty until my dear mother gave me a not so gentle reminder to get praying......and she started lighting the candles in churches, saying Novenas (for special intention), having masses said, and prayers everywhere.
I guess that is why it is sometimes called 'blind faith'.... we may not see it working but countless others have proven it does ... when nothing in science can explain why some patients recover.
I did those nuns proud....remembering all of the above. I was just filling in the names of the Saints in charge. I figure they must have been unionized. St. Anthony - in charge of lost items....St. Joseph - the carpenter. Yup, I definitely think it was a union shop!
cg
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sunbearz
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Joined: Jan 02 2008 Status: Offline Points: 295 |
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Posted: Jan 29 2008 at 7:06pm |
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cg, you are a saint. Im sure you know how I was feeling .Im going to a strange church I know little about, but i believe in it and I couldnt remember the saint or what it was going to be about.
You have helped me a lot. Good for your mother. Now I also know the saint for cancer.
Im not going to say too much now, But something happened today which
changed everyone at work today and I have two people going with me Sun to Mass. I hope the church doesnt mind me being there because Im not Catholic
Glad I helped you to remember the saints, may need your memory again.
This Sun Saint Blaise.I got it.
Thanks
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Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip triple neg brca-gemsar Abraxine 2008 -gemsar/taxol combo Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung Mets Testosterone |
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EWKSeattle
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Joined: Oct 25 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 218 |
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Posted: Jan 30 2008 at 7:04am |
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I've been reading this thread since it started, and I am in awe of you, Sunbearz.
Like you, I've been working full time through 2 years of nasty treatment, and now I have mets and feel like I'm starting over. Worst of all, preliminary indications are that chemo isn't working for the mets in my lymph nodes, so my cancer is now resistant.
I'm not ready to leave my job, as I'm 2/3 of our family income, and I think working is actually keeping me sane, but I am looking into disability coverages for when the time comes, which seems inevitable.
I have a couple of questions some of you savvy ladies might know the answers to.
I've looked at the Social Security benefit calculators to predict what my disability benefit levels would be. Do taxes come out of that amount?
Also, I have long term disability insurance through my employer that covers a pretty small percentage of my current salary. If I do have to go on disability, do taxes come out of that payment?
Thanks for any help you can give me here.
Love and prayers for all of you,
Elizabeth
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Dx 05/06 Stage IIIC
Local Recurrence 01/07 Mets in opposite side axilla nodes 12/07 Mets to mediastinal nodes confirmed 11/08 NED March 2009-March 2010 Brain met March 2010. |
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sunbearz
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Joined: Jan 02 2008 Status: Offline Points: 295 |
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Posted: Jan 30 2008 at 10:51am |
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Elizabeth, I have the same questions, Maybe one of these ladies can pave the way .I have the info to call and find out. Im sure someone has the pitfalls and what to look out for.
Its a big move.
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Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip triple neg brca-gemsar Abraxine 2008 -gemsar/taxol combo Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung Mets Testosterone |
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shellieh51
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Joined: Oct 10 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 218 |
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Posted: Jan 30 2008 at 4:05pm |
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I've been told that if the employer pays the premium for the disability insurance that taxes are withheld. I too am in this spot and am trying desperately to find an attorney to speak with. My HR department hasn't been as responsive as I would like and my doctor says that everything needs to be in writing with which I agree. I have a friend that did social security disability Stage II BC so I can ask her about that benefit.
I received the results of my cognitive testing today. Since none had been done before, they had to use female my age as the control group. I actually faired better than average for memory but they are requesting that I take some time off and shorten my days to 24 hours per week. I am ready to do so. I am also ready to take the plunge for a parotidectomy and have the pre-op appointment scheduled for 3/3 - surgery to follow during mid-March. This way I can get all of my disabilities addressed and heal and hopefully have a nice summer.
Whenever I get responses to my questions, I will post again. Good luck to you.
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dx 11/6/2006 1.5cm IDC, Gr3, TN, BRCA-, lump, partial breast rads 1/2007, 4 AC, 12 wkly Taxol. Completed tx 8/2/2007. NED 12/2007. Malignant parotid tumor 4/2008. Clear head 4/09 & bones 11/08 -
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sunbearz
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Joined: Jan 02 2008 Status: Offline Points: 295 |
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Posted: Jan 30 2008 at 5:25pm |
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My first day off, working 4 days a week.It was good.Working and going through treatments, tests, Drs appts takes time away from work anyway,so It made since just to take a day off a week, and no guilt feelings.
I think I would go insane if I didnt work.As long as I have enough me time and feel well, its ok.
I too want to get everything done before summer to enjoy a vacation.
Need to get a will done, insurance things. Things I was meaning to do ,but couldnt, working fulltime.
Then I can relax and maybe even read a book.
You know, just thinking about making a decision is more stressfull than just doing it.
Ill just get this rad thing done and thats over.Then move on.
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Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip triple neg brca-gemsar Abraxine 2008 -gemsar/taxol combo Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung Mets Testosterone |
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sunbearz
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Joined: Jan 02 2008 Status: Offline Points: 295 |
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Posted: Jan 31 2008 at 5:00pm |
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Wow. this must have been a pretty good week for most.People making friends with others. Wanting to see the person they are talking to.Comfort things and what makes you happy.Its nice to talk about the good things, so when things get tough we can remember.
May we all have a little peace and comfort this weekend.The old groundhog comes out or not tomorrow. Superbowl Sun.! Id rather be watching Desperate Housewives.
Stay warm wherever you are.
Jill
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Dx 1998 mast.Bone mets 2003
ac/xeloda,zometa,taxotere,,doxcil,rads to hip triple neg brca-gemsar Abraxine 2008 -gemsar/taxol combo Taxotere ,Ixempra,liver, lung Mets Testosterone |
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Feb 01 2008 at 4:13am |
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Sunbearz, I don't "do" football either so will probably find some sort of rerun or even better a good book to read.
It sounds like you are starting to find a bit of balance in your life. That extra day off will make alot of difference for you.
Have a relaxing week-end,
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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Sadie-Rose 2
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Joined: Jan 15 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 24 |
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Posted: Feb 01 2008 at 4:13am |
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Hi Sungearz,
Hope you get to have a restful and peaceful weekend. The groundhog won't see his shadow in my area. It’s gray and cold. I get to have a slow morning and I am going to savor it. How are you enjoying your new position at work? In hind sight, are you glad you talked to them about reducing you work hours? How are you feeling physically? I just think of you often and send you positive energy for healing. Warmly, Sadie |
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Jessie
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Joined: Aug 07 2007 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 515 |
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Posted: Feb 01 2008 at 10:58am |
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Elizabeth and Jill and All,
As luck would have it, I'm coming OFF my disability benefits just as you are beginning to use yours. It's a wonderful thing to have !
My short term disability kicked in when I'd exhausted my sick leave and continued for 3 months. This is an elected benefit which had been deducted from my salary so it wasn't taxable with I received it. (If YOU pay for it, it's NOT taxable.)
The long term disability started at the end of the 3 months. When I returned to work parttime, I received a prorated disability payment each month. Getting a partial disability payment seemed like an "I'm here if you fall down again" assurance, so it gave me a feeling of security. This is a benefit paid for by my company so it IS taxable income
 --- just received the W2 for that money yesterday. (COMPANY pays, it IS taxable.) Big decision on my part ! I'm going back to my 40 hr/week schedule ! When I recovered from my last surgery, my doctors had been kind enough to limit my work to 32 until I felt secure enough to resume 40. It's a strangly exciting milestone --- like "flying solo" again, taking off the "training wheels", trusting that I'm strong enough again to handle a full time job !!
Handling the whole work issue while dealing with hard illnesses is a problem I rarely hear or read discussed, yet it's something that most of us face. The world seems to assume that if you're dealing with cancer or other serious illness, work is not an issue, plenty of time for being extra good to yourself. Wouldn't it be great if there were a pill to resolve the money/work aspects of this experience !
Take care of yourselves,
Jessie
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IDC,Stage I,Grade 3,dx 4/06
dbl mast 5/06, systemic MRSA post surgery septic shock, heart attack triple bypass 1/07 no chemo due to infections and heart issues so far NED! |
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shellieh51
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Joined: Oct 10 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 218 |
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Posted: Feb 01 2008 at 4:22pm |
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Thanks for the input Jessie. I hope to meet with an attorney next week just to be safe before I speak with my employer about leave/disability. I just need to heal and it isn't happening with my work environment.
Take care.
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dx 11/6/2006 1.5cm IDC, Gr3, TN, BRCA-, lump, partial breast rads 1/2007, 4 AC, 12 wkly Taxol. Completed tx 8/2/2007. NED 12/2007. Malignant parotid tumor 4/2008. Clear head 4/09 & bones 11/08 -
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