Seems to me that we've had other guys who, over the years, had lost their medical and the company kept them on, doing management-type stuff. A RayF comes to mind. Although we don't know your particular situation, and assuming that although you don't currently (or may never again) be able to hold an FAA medical, there are places within the FedEx company, that will allow you to use your expertise and remain gainfully employed. You could start looking for those opportunities, if you so desire. Regardless, Good Luck!
RAC,
I've been there and done that ------ and I WON! Three different cancers; treated, back and dong well (praise God). But the thought of losing my job was devastating to me and sadly to say the FEDEX MEC was the weak link in the entire process (I must have been the first guy to ever lose their medical, because there is NO helpful info on the ALPA website) -- however, the ALPA medical guys in Denver were great --- and to any of those non-union types, the benefit we get from having those guys on our side is worth every penny of my dues -- you should sign up. Obviously, I don't know your situation, and prayerfully it's not life threatening, but get several opinions and keep a positive attitude -- that's 80% of the battle in my opinion. Feel free to PM me if you like. One of the worst parts of getting sick is that there is no pilot support system (that I'm aware of); no one to talk to. No one to give you the "big picture" of what do I really need to do do.
JetJok actually PM'd me, and even called me, to offer fantastic and much needed mutual support -- it was comforting to know it's not the end of the world (even if you don't get your medical back), and to have someone give you the "gouge" on what you need to do (medically and professionally). We have great insurance (so take comfort in that) -- thank you to ALPA and all of the guys that negotiated this great benefit. Also the company was very good at working with me to make sure I was being taken care of. Best wishes to you, never give up!
Although I agree with most everything you said in your above post, I wholeheartedly disagree with your comment about the FedEx MEC being the weak link in the entire process. First of all, if you think about it, it's not our MEC's job to act as a go-between, either between you and the FAA; you and the company; or the FAA and the company. For that we have Doctor Kendall's group out in Denver (Palmer Lake actually), who actually do a very fine job doing all of the above. Now, that said, after having cancer 3 times, and then that open heart surgery thingy, I never, not once, remember receiving either a phone call, a letter, an email, or some flowers, from our MEC, or for that matter anyone else in the union, except of course some close friends, who were just checking up on me to see if they were about to move up a number.. Also, and more interestingly, I never received a phone call, a letter, an email, or flowers, or any other communication from any company official. Not my ACP. Not the SCP. Not anyone, except I did get a call from the lady who kept the popcorn popper stocked. That was nice. I was so put off by the whole thing that I personally called the Chief Pilot and gave him a piece of my mind, to which he replied that when he was going through cancer treatment, no one ever called him! I suggested that two wrongs don't make a right, then told him I'd see him when I'd see him. After that, and through the remainder of my rehab, do you know how many calls I got from them? You guessed it....None!
Dr. Kendall's group did fine, getting me back to work, when I felt like going back to work. He specifically told me to take some time (after all the therapy was done and the FAA had cleared me back), and then to let him know and he'd let the company know that I was ready to return to work.. That worked perfectly, even though I was done with therapy, I really needed some time to grow stronger, both mentally and physically, before I started flying again.
This sounds like a dumb question, but while you're going through treatment and unable to fly, do you still draw a paycheck either from the company or from some insurance? The loss of income would be devastating on top of the medical worries.
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