Hi Blayne,

I am really excited to hear you are 8 months cancer free. Your story is yet another example of what we all seem to go through trying to convice the medical folks something isn't right. I am truly sorry for the journey you have had and want you to know you are a true warrior to have endured what you have had to get to this point.

I don't know if you are aware, but I believe you would qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. You have to be disabled for one year and after a five month waiting period, you will receive an amount that is somewhat close to what you would receive if you retired, based on what you have paid in to your account. It is not automatic but I can't imagine not getting approved based on the level of surgery, etc., you have endured. You can check it out on www.ssa.gov or call the nearest Social Security office.

If you take hit the "New Topic" button on the top of this page, you can start your own thread under any topic you desire. It may be especially helpful to get more responses to your questions. For example, After Treatment Issues might be a better place to ask your question about the Obturator with that listed as your topic.

Best wishes to you.

Ed

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023