windsock29
12-03-2011, 03:56 AM
Just got the bad news that I have breast cancer, wondering if any pilots have had and got medical back
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View Full Version : Breast Cancer
rickair7777
12-03-2011, 04:14 AM
Sorry to hear that.
Like any other cancer the FAA medical issue depends on your ultimately being cancer free, with no significant side-effects which would otherwise affect medical certification.
Most folks (including my Mom) recover from BC just fine, so the process should be routine for the FAA. You will need proper documentation, and may want to employ an aviation medical service to help you with that (unless your AME is really sharp).
Focus on your health and loved ones and don't worry too much about the FAA right now, there will be time for that later.
Like any other cancer the FAA medical issue depends on your ultimately being cancer free, with no significant side-effects which would otherwise affect medical certification.
Most folks (including my Mom) recover from BC just fine, so the process should be routine for the FAA. You will need proper documentation, and may want to employ an aviation medical service to help you with that (unless your AME is really sharp).
Focus on your health and loved ones and don't worry too much about the FAA right now, there will be time for that later.
lbfowlerjrmd
12-03-2011, 07:12 AM
+90 to 95% can enter remission after treatment. After all done as pm7777 mentions above you will able to get your certificate back. IF chemo is necessary (radiation Rx) usually last a few months) it could delay your return as the medication(s) maynot be approved. Once surgery/rad Rx completed regardless of possible chemo, ask your AME to reapply with certificate deferred. Then the FAA will parse all RX to date and issue a guideline letter.
windsock29
12-03-2011, 08:43 AM
Just feels like a double blow. Not being able to work and having to fight for my life.
rickair7777
12-03-2011, 10:44 AM
Just feels like a double blow. Not being able to work and having to fight for my life.
Will your company give you ground duties? If not, request company medical leave and then get a job somewhere else. You can go back when you are better.
Ask for company leave or "medical leave" first. If they don't grant that, then you can probably use FMLA but there are time limits on that.
Will your company give you ground duties? If not, request company medical leave and then get a job somewhere else. You can go back when you are better.
Ask for company leave or "medical leave" first. If they don't grant that, then you can probably use FMLA but there are time limits on that.
Petethedog
12-22-2011, 05:28 PM
Hey Windsock,
Sorry about your news. I am in a similar situation and had a few ideas that I wanted to pass along that have helped me considerably. If possible, find an oncologist who is also an AME (or vice versa). They can help alot when navigating the FAA. Getting your medical back will be a project. But, according to my AME, being proactive can help alot. Keeping copies of all your medical files is big. So is notifying the FAA of your condition (though you prolly want to run that by your AME before sending anything in).
In any case, best wishes for a successful recovery and return to flying!
Sorry about your news. I am in a similar situation and had a few ideas that I wanted to pass along that have helped me considerably. If possible, find an oncologist who is also an AME (or vice versa). They can help alot when navigating the FAA. Getting your medical back will be a project. But, according to my AME, being proactive can help alot. Keeping copies of all your medical files is big. So is notifying the FAA of your condition (though you prolly want to run that by your AME before sending anything in).
In any case, best wishes for a successful recovery and return to flying!
chopper pilot
12-24-2011, 07:11 PM
Good luck Windsock. I have a close family member currently going through kemo. Keep your chin up.
N9373M
12-24-2011, 07:36 PM
Over a 16 year period 10% of the ladies in my office (40 employees) had breast cancer. All recovered. Best of luck for remission and a quick recovery.
In one case, it was the husband that found the lump :)
In one case, it was the husband that found the lump :)
iceman49
12-26-2011, 06:26 AM
Good site to start with. Good luck
Aviation Medicine Advisory Service -- FAA Medical Expertise -- Our Physicians...Your Solution! (http://aviationmedicine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home)
Aviation Medicine Advisory Service -- FAA Medical Expertise -- Our Physicians...Your Solution! (http://aviationmedicine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home)
