I am an AF Reserve Pilot, with about 17 years active duty time and 19 good years.
On 6 Dec 2014, while deployed, I found a 1.2 cm lump on my right breast. I was examined by the deployed location docs and directed to follow up with my home base docs. After returning home three days later, I filed LOD paperwork, and was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer about a month later on 15 Jan 2015.
My LOD was initially found EPTS/LOD NA. During my battle with breast cancer, my Wing Commander battled for my ILOD finding. After a year and a half of no points/no pay and medical bills piling up, my illness was found ILOD. I began MEDCON IN Feb 2016. (I am so overwhelmed that I have yet to file for BCMR.)
My treatment for breast cancer included a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, reconstruction, a full hysterectomy, and now I am on hormonal suppression medication, (my tumors were estrogen receptive.) The lasting side effects of everything has been weakness, fatigue, neuropathy, and joint pain, in addition to a lot of scar tissue/adhesions/numbness.
I am still doing physical therapy 2xs a week to regain my strength. I went from less than 0 push ups and sit ups to 8 and 8. I went from barely walking from my bedroom to kitchen to now being able to walk/run 1.5 miles. I am improving weekly. (Prior to my deployment, I scored an excellent on my FIT Test and thought they were required to bring me back to where I was or as close as I can get.)
I am still being treated by the endocrinologist to figure out my fatigue issues. He put me on thyroid hormone pills and says once he gets that set, he will test my adrenal glands. (My body responds slowly to changes in temperature.)
I am doing whatever I can to improve my health with nutrition, which includes moving towards a gluton free, plant-based, whole foods diet with calcium and Vitamin D supplements. I've also cut down on my coffee and sugar intake.
I initially wanted to get back on flight status, but I felt the pressure of it was detrimental to my health. Since chemotherapy, I am way more sensitive to stress. I break out in hot flashes and become short of breath. I also break out with extremely painful mouth sores, which limit my ability to eat. I'm learning to gain control of the overwhelming feeling with meditation and journaling.
I have also been paying out of pocket for acupuncture, but had to stop due to the expense. Since I stopped, my joint pain, neuropathy, and hot flashes have gotten worse and, something really odd, my tenitus has gotten bad. Yesterday, my Flt Doc recommended I double up on my Paxil to help...
Like I said, I have been on MEDCON since Feb 2016. They submitted my MEB paperwork in Jul 2016. I just found out last week that my IRILO found me Fit for duty, with an ALC-C3 and ended my MEDCON orders.
Understandably, my Flt Doc said he could not recommend me for a flying waiver at this time because we do not have my fatigue, neuropathy, and joint pain under control, especially since I'd need waivers for my medication.
Since I came to the Reserves, I worked/flew 71% of the time. I flew 2-3 times a week. Because of my Fit for Duty finding, I am only cleared to attend UTAs and Annual Tour. Since I am not waived to fly, essentially I do not have an option to earn a living.
The person who is supposed to help me (PEBLO?) seems to be overwhelmed herself and is basically admin. It is a lot to digest, especially while trying to digest medical info and make decisions regarding my health.
I'm concerned that I am being set up to be separated with no benefits. I think they should have sent me to a full MEB, but didn't want to keep me on orders. The VA has rated me at 100% until I am done with my hormonal suppression therapy, (10 years,) since they consider hormonal therapy still treatment for cancer.
I am overjoyed to be alive, but feel like I'm fighting for my life. I'm always smiling because that's all I know how to do, so everyone thinks I am back to 100%, like I just had a cold.
I don't understand how I have no way to appeal this Fit decision. Can you point me in the right direction?
On 6 Dec 2014, while deployed, I found a 1.2 cm lump on my right breast. I was examined by the deployed location docs and directed to follow up with my home base docs. After returning home three days later, I filed LOD paperwork, and was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer about a month later on 15 Jan 2015.
My LOD was initially found EPTS/LOD NA. During my battle with breast cancer, my Wing Commander battled for my ILOD finding. After a year and a half of no points/no pay and medical bills piling up, my illness was found ILOD. I began MEDCON IN Feb 2016. (I am so overwhelmed that I have yet to file for BCMR.)
My treatment for breast cancer included a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, reconstruction, a full hysterectomy, and now I am on hormonal suppression medication, (my tumors were estrogen receptive.) The lasting side effects of everything has been weakness, fatigue, neuropathy, and joint pain, in addition to a lot of scar tissue/adhesions/numbness.
I am still doing physical therapy 2xs a week to regain my strength. I went from less than 0 push ups and sit ups to 8 and 8. I went from barely walking from my bedroom to kitchen to now being able to walk/run 1.5 miles. I am improving weekly. (Prior to my deployment, I scored an excellent on my FIT Test and thought they were required to bring me back to where I was or as close as I can get.)
I am still being treated by the endocrinologist to figure out my fatigue issues. He put me on thyroid hormone pills and says once he gets that set, he will test my adrenal glands. (My body responds slowly to changes in temperature.)
I am doing whatever I can to improve my health with nutrition, which includes moving towards a gluton free, plant-based, whole foods diet with calcium and Vitamin D supplements. I've also cut down on my coffee and sugar intake.
I initially wanted to get back on flight status, but I felt the pressure of it was detrimental to my health. Since chemotherapy, I am way more sensitive to stress. I break out in hot flashes and become short of breath. I also break out with extremely painful mouth sores, which limit my ability to eat. I'm learning to gain control of the overwhelming feeling with meditation and journaling.
I have also been paying out of pocket for acupuncture, but had to stop due to the expense. Since I stopped, my joint pain, neuropathy, and hot flashes have gotten worse and, something really odd, my tenitus has gotten bad. Yesterday, my Flt Doc recommended I double up on my Paxil to help...
Like I said, I have been on MEDCON since Feb 2016. They submitted my MEB paperwork in Jul 2016. I just found out last week that my IRILO found me Fit for duty, with an ALC-C3 and ended my MEDCON orders.
Understandably, my Flt Doc said he could not recommend me for a flying waiver at this time because we do not have my fatigue, neuropathy, and joint pain under control, especially since I'd need waivers for my medication.
Since I came to the Reserves, I worked/flew 71% of the time. I flew 2-3 times a week. Because of my Fit for Duty finding, I am only cleared to attend UTAs and Annual Tour. Since I am not waived to fly, essentially I do not have an option to earn a living.
The person who is supposed to help me (PEBLO?) seems to be overwhelmed herself and is basically admin. It is a lot to digest, especially while trying to digest medical info and make decisions regarding my health.
I'm concerned that I am being set up to be separated with no benefits. I think they should have sent me to a full MEB, but didn't want to keep me on orders. The VA has rated me at 100% until I am done with my hormonal suppression therapy, (10 years,) since they consider hormonal therapy still treatment for cancer.
I am overjoyed to be alive, but feel like I'm fighting for my life. I'm always smiling because that's all I know how to do, so everyone thinks I am back to 100%, like I just had a cold.
I don't understand how I have no way to appeal this Fit decision. Can you point me in the right direction?