Here’s an update to my Mother’s situation (as of July 23, 2007):
- My Mother was Diagnosed with inopperable Stage III Pancreatic Cancer on June 28th.
- She is still employed at the company; she has not been verbally terminated or notified by mail. Though, all of her personal items at work have been removed.
- Her Health Insurance was terminated at work.
- She has asked that the Health Insurance be reinstated (they have refused and have suggested alternatives). My Mother had to call the California Department of Cobra to request a packet as not to lapse her coverage.
- Her Employer stated “She can not return to work until she is in remission of Cancer and/or Cancer-free”. They have also stated this to a member of the California Labor Board. Everyone we have spoken to agrees this is not legal.
- She has since received a Cobra packet, and submitted it with payment. She is in the process of seeking disability and Social Security coverage.
- It has been a long couple months…
- We are now seeking a Labor Law Lawyer to review her situation and understand if we should proceed with a lawsuit to get her restitution.
- She had her 1st appointment with The City of Hope Hospital last week…it was a 3+ hour meeting. She has a CT Scan and meets with a Radiologist tomorrow and begins Chemo Wednesday. From the CT Scan we will understand how intense the Cancer is and how aggressive the Radiation/Chemo should be. Additionally, we will have a better understanding if the Doctors will be able to conduct a surgery to remove the tumor.
- She has had a surgery about a month ago where they stated the Cancer was inoperable. The City of Hope Hospital will serve as our second opinion.
- She wants to return to work once she is well and is up to the challenges that face her.
I would love to know your thoughts, advice, and recommendations on anything I mentioned.
Thank you!