Hi all.
I was signed off work on the 17 of June due to severe pain due to arthritis and awaiting a hip replacement operation which was scheduled for August/September. This was all agreed by ATOS.
On 9 July I went to my doctors with a cough I have had for a while and after many tests I was told on 8 of August That I have malignant lung cancer.
Should I get in touch with my union rep and managers and tell them the change in my circumstances?
I am still unable to work due to the pain in my hip.
Should I wait until I can no longer get paid by Royal mail and then claim IHR.
My mind is everywhere at the moment but I am trying to get things in order for the sake of my family.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Rob.................
I don't think there would be any problems from your LM m8.
The main thing now, is for you to be positive about this.I can't imagine how you are feeling right now fella but while you are going through all the treatment just remember you are not on your own.
There are colleagues who have and are going through the same as you, there is a RM helpline 0800 688 8777 if you need to talk give them a ring m8, please don't tackle this on your own.
I wish you and your family all the best and hope the treatment goes well.
Yes tell them at the earliest opportunity.
Cancer is covered under the Equality Act from diagnosis.
Talk to someone who knows what they are talking about.
If the outcome doesn't look good death in service may be better than IHR.
Not a nice topic but it needs to be discussed.
The societies of consumption and squandering of material resources are incompatible with the idea of economic growth and a clean planet.
We had a lad at our place,similar circumstances,he had a tumour the size of a small grapefruit in one lung,he had his lung removed and is fine now,he was pressured into taking ill health and feels he was shafted,so I hope they have found your cancer in time and you can have a similar outcome,I see the lad quite often and he is fine,I wish for you a similar outcome
clashcityrocker wrote:Yes tell them at the earliest opportunity.
Cancer is covered under the Equality Act from diagnosis.
Talk to someone who knows what they are talking about.
If the outcome doesn't look good death in service may be better than IHR. Not a nice topic but it needs to be discussed.
You are quite right Clash, robber12, you will need to get hold of your Rep/Area Rep also the Equality Rep of your Branch
IIRC IHR equates to about 18-19k if you hit the the top end where as death in service is 4 times your annual salary
obviously not knowing all the details it is a bit difficult to advise exactly, i hope that the information is useful in helping you, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Glenno
I am sorry to hear of your circumstances and it brings back some sad memories, having lost a sister at age 38. However, treatments have progressed enormously since and survival chances are getting better by the year. I have been fortunate to survive a nasty malignant melanoma and can understand the anxiety you must have at present.
In terms of your financial situation, I would certainly find out from Pensions, under what circumstances Death in Service payments are made. As previously stated it would not be in your interest to accept ihr even if offered, if this means that your family will lose this benefit should you not survive.
Good luck for whatever the future may hold, and make sure that you get sound advice before committing to anything in respect of your current employment position.
Sorry to hear about your condition and I hope all turns out well for you and your family. It is important for your sake and the sake of your family that you tell your manager and union rep ASAP. They should both be able to guide you through this difficult time and not being at work is irrelevant in this case. You need to do what you have to do for you an your family and despite what some might say the business and union will help and guide you , they have all the support and advice you will need . All the best for the future .
Hi all.
Thanks for all your replies.
I should have my full diagnosis on Thursday so I think I will get in touch with my union as soon as possible.
My tumour is 7 cm but I don't think they can operate for some reason.
I am only 51 and don't want to go just yet.
I will keep you informed with my prognosis and how I get on at work.
Thanks.
Rob....
robber12 wrote:Hi all.
Thanks for all your replies.
I should have my full diagnosis on Thursday so I think I will get in touch with my union as soon as possible.
My tumour is 7 cm but I don't think they can operate for some reason.
I am only 51 and don't want to go just yet.
I will keep you informed with my prognosis and how I get on at work.
Thanks.
Rob....
Well I got the news today that I have advanced lung cancer.
It cant be operated on due to the size and location.
I will have to chemo and radiology.
I have a lot to live for and will fight this with everything I have got.
Thanks for listening to me.
Rob ....
robber12 wrote:Well I got the news today that I have advanced lung cancer.
It cant be operated on due to the size and location.
I will have to chemo and radiology.
I have a lot to live for and will fight this with everything I have got.
Thanks for listening to me.
Rob ....
No problem,keep us informed please as some of us do give a fcuk about our fellow workmates.
robber12 wrote:Well I got the news today that I have advanced lung cancer.
It cant be operated on due to the size and location.
I will have to chemo and radiology.
I have a lot to live for and will fight this with everything I have got.
Thanks for listening to me.
Rob ....
very sad to hear that robber12 glad hear that you are going to fight it as hard as you can never give up Best wishes.