Coming Off of Disability SSDI

Almost 6 years ago, my hepatologist found the tumor on my liver. Sure enough, it was malignant and it tore through my life like a tornado. Nothing prepares you for the “Cancer” word. I was placed on total and permanent disability quickly. I didn’t even have to go in, but was told over the phone that with less than 12 months to live, it was a done deal. Fast forward to my 5 year MRI last fall, and I made the decision to come off of disability or SSDI. 

Getting Approved for Disability

As I met with oncologists and began being listed for a liver transplant, I also had to turn my classroom over to another teacher. The Social Security Administration called me back within 2 days. I had less than 12 months to live. It was done. I was pronounced disabled and had my first Tace procedure. It was a fall like no other. I had a healing retreat in Sedona to kick off my treatment. I stayed with some amazing women who helped me toward my spiritual and physical path toward transplant or death. Knowing that my income would still be there made it easy. Having Disability SSDI was one less thing to worry about. I could focus on cancer – whatever that would look like. 

After close to 300 days, and multiple treatments, I received a life saving liver transplant. Nothing in the world feels better than opening your eyes every day. A generous mother made a decision at the end of her son’s life. His liver is now tucked under my heart. Thank you Shelley and Gavin.

Just before my 1^st Liverversary, I donned my mask and headed to the SSDI office to check on my disability benefits. They looked at my medical records and pronounced that I was totally and permanently disabled, and would not need a review for 10 years. I raced to my car, crying and calling Joe. “This is good news! You won’t every have to feel the pressure to return to work”, said my sweet kind hubby. This was great news, truly. I just felt so so so Disabled. Yes, I was also thankful to be a cancer survivor. Like you, I plowed on.

Getting Busy

During the next 5 years, so much happened in my life. The blog kept me busy, and I collaborated with many health organizations. It was a blast connecting with medical groups and growing my baby blog even more. It felt like my patient advocacy efforts were really making a difference in the liver disease and cancer space. I gained a lot of mentors, and also got to help out other advocates as well as patients. I had a lot of opportunities to travel. Who could ask for more?

In addition, my family life was very enriched during this period as well. We were empty nesters with kiddos nearby. I became the supreme housewife, and got to put my family first. This allowed us to spend more time together, deck sitting, bird feeding, talking, walking, fishing, tangled in blankets on the couch. I finally got a legit yoga certification in Arizona and then in Tai Chi and began to teach immediately. I had a great support group online and in my hometown. It has been my happily ever after – with lots of rest and healing days. Then COVID hit. 

COVID-19 and Home Office and Home School

My hubby has officed at home for a few years, and we have built great routines around that. We relax, work and play a lot, and dream big dreams together. He noticed that I kept coming up with new plans for teaching online classes. I partnered with a friend to host a workshop. Opportunities to travel and teach yoga came up and we jumped at the chance. In fact, I was leading online classes in facebook during COVID. I was also working with the AASLD on webinars and numerous other projects. But my teacher friends were describing what it was like to teach online to kids. Parents make great teachers, however, many were frustrated.

Everyone was working online, and discussion in education circles sounded bleak. What kind of gaps in learning were this COVID generation going to have? How could educators support families? These questions led me to taking a job with a virtual charter school. Within 2 weeks, I had a roster of students ranging from K-12. I was busy, and having a blast. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to leave an imprint on my fellow Oklahoman’s lives. I’ve never looked back. 

Coming Off of Disability SSDI

My call to the Social Security office last fall assured me that if there were any physical difficulties, I could go right back on with no questions. I had 9 months to teach while seeing if my health remained good. Last month I called again and told them that this was definitely working for me. I have an extended 36 months to go back on if something happens. That feels like an extra layer of insurance for me. 

In the meantime, I’m putting more into teacher’s retirement and making plans for the fall school year. I might have a few kiddos on my roster for another 10 years. I’m so thankful for the gift of life, and for being able to come off of disability SSDI.  Life saving transplants are truly a gift and I’m giddy with my ability to teach again. There were fears, and I promise a blog about all the obstacles, because I know you face them too. xo