What i've done VS. What you should do; Monnnaaayy!

Well I officially have no faith in our government.

I have seen the flaws and holes and corruption throughout my entire battle. And.. NO FAITH!

When I was sick I had to fill out FMLA paperwork for my job. That was a little health leave buffer of another 3 months.. The Family Medical Leave Act- Is paperwork that is suppose to ensure your job, so I thought. While I was sick I tried applying for money and grants through various programs- but found out that unfortunately the time of year I had gotten sick- is coincidentally the ending to alot of these programs 'fiscal year' aka no more money. Even more so- I lived off of savings most of the year I was sick.

Now Im broke. Broke, broke, broke, broke.

In May of this year I received a call from my employer (who's name I will not mention) telling e that my 'health leave' time had exceeded and unless I could go back to work by Monday (this phonecall being Friday) that I would be fired. This isn't a little hole in the wall place of employment- this is a major fortune five hundred company on Long Island. I was stunned. And actually (THANKS HR WOMAN) Because I had just gotten home from chemotherapy and the news mad me sick. After having a couple of mild panic attacks and after using almost a whole roll of tiolet papered tears- I got up from my bathroom floor breakdown and started talking to my mother. My mom always spent the day of treatment with me- and She was wondering what all the fuss was about. She immediately told me I needed to get down to Social Services and file for Medicaid, Food Stamps, and any other services they could provide- and thats just what I did.

Then about a month later I was told that I was eligible for Social Security benefits. So the following day- I went down to the social security office and filed for disability. I waited 6 months and I finally got a letter in the mail. DENIED.

Ok here's my VENTING SPACE::::::::::::::::::::::::

The letter had stated that because of my age my ability to recover was greater than that of an older individual. FUCK YOU DISABILITY! You straight up told me that because Im younger- I can't get money. Even though your own doctors said I was completely eligible for benefits. My earnings printout stated that I had paid into the system enough to receive as well. So it shouldn't matter the age- Just the reason for the disability. Plain and simple.

END OF VENT.

I just couldn't believe what I was reading. I realize that they want to save benefits for retirees- But I had CANCER. I was completely disabled- and Now I got a lawyer- Just to prove a point. And I will go after my ex employer- for the same reason. This should not continue to happen. I lost my job- and are now still not cleared to go back to work- IN A RECESSION. A little help from the government I paid into for so long - would be nice.

O K SO LESSON?

Newly diagnosed.. get your financial shit together!

Cancer sucks- But you're not going to die. You're not. If you think you will.. then... What can I say? Don't believe everything you hear. I've seen people beat the odds.. tons of people- So first get your shit together- so when You want to go back to work- You wont have bills upon bills piled up around you- and no job to go back to.

First things first..

YOUR EMPLOYER!

Make sure you have all paperwork filed and signed for short term disability. At the time you get sick- If you do not have Long term disability- You can file for it as soon as you know of your diagnosis. (I didn't know that.. I learned) Talk with your HR dept or your boss and discuss your options.

HOW LONG DO YOUR DOCTORS EXPECT YOU IN TREATMENT?

If it is over a year - FILE FOR DISABILITY NOW! AS SOON AS YOU GET SICK.. bc the process is long and hard- and HIRE A LAWYER! Do not wait- Like most people say until you receive your denial letter. Just call Binder & Binder and have them worry about all of the paperwork- While you can focus on getting well. *Their fee is 25% of whatever you win. Costly but reasonable- JUST DO IT!

SAVE EVERY RECEIPT!!!

You can apply to certain organizations and foundations for reimbursement.

American Cancer Soceity has mileage reimbursement. .5 cents per mile (I got a 50 $ check for over 400 miles) Its not much but its something!

**BOYCOTT THE ACS** Where does there money go- if not the patient?

Healthwell Foundation will reimburse you for either you copays or you can apply to have your insurance payments paid by them. Again- all of this is partial to their fiscal year- If you're sick at the end of the year- just try and wait until a grant opens up.

CALL CANCERCARE!!!

First of all they have a 200$ grant *if you qualify

Cancercare is a great organization because they have boatloads of info for you! They will even send you a little packet of resources in your area. Its great! They also have counseling over the phone, which I ended up using on those days- that are just plain horrible.

AND last by not least.. SOCIAL SERVICES

Its hell. Im not going to lie to you. I was sick off of the chemo and waited for over 3 hours to see someone to just file the paperwork. I'll never forget it- But they will help you! I receive about 160$ in foodstamps and about 305$ towards rental assistance a month + Medicaid. IM NOT ASHAMED! My boyfriend didn't want me to 'blog' about it online- but who cares? The stigma of foodstamps and medicaid is ridiculous.. if you really need the help! I needed the health insurance after my employer canned me- so... it was my last resort!

*They even offer help with heating payments in the wintertime*for those who qualify

SO dont make my mistakes!

Know exactly what your options are and take full advantage of everything.

=) Megan