A cancer survivor approved for disability is suddenly cut off. No income. No Medicare. After Ask Anthony stepped in, Social Security is now responding.
ORANGE PARK, Fla. — An Orange Park woman who beat Stage IV breast cancer thought the hardest part of her journey was behind her. Instead, she’s now fighting a new battle with the federal government after Social Security determined she is no longer disabled.
Jade Nunn is a mother of two, a cancer survivor and, until recently, a recipient of Social Security disability benefits and Medicare. Those benefits were cut off last year, leaving her without income and health insurance, despite ongoing medical issues tied to her cancer treatment.
“I’ve actually been through cancer treatment twice. It was about a year and a half between the two times. The first time I did it all by myself,” Nunn said.
Nunn said she reached out to Ask Anthony after months of appeals and frustration.
“I reached out because I have been going through several appeals with Social Security where they have stated that I’m no longer disabled even though I am disabled,” she said.
Her medical journey began years ago with aggressive cancer treatment that saved her life but left lasting damage. In 2018, Social Security approved her for disability benefits, citing the severity of her condition.
According to a letter from her doctor, Nunn suffers from permanent neuropathy and cognitive issues caused by chemotherapy and is considered unable to work.
“My spine is deteriorating. They said that this is all from the radiation, where your bones start breaking down,” she said.
She described daily pain and neurological symptoms that affect nearly every part of her life.
“Sometimes I can’t feel my fingers. It’ll go from numb to complete pain in my arm or from my legs to my toes. Sometimes when I wake up I’ll have a migraine. If it’s time to get the injection for my back, I’ll have a migraine so bad where I just lay there. The pain is just my entire body,” Nunn said.
Despite those conditions, Social Security recently notified her that she is no longer disabled and capable of returning to work. Documents from the Social Security Administration state that medical improvement has occurred because she completed chemotherapy and radiation.
Nunn has not received disability payments since June of last year.
When asked about Social Security’s determination, Nunn said she has tried to work.
“Social Security is saying they think you’re, you’re fine, that you can go to work. What do you say to that?” Anthony Austin asked.
“I’ve tried. I mean, I would love to be at work because someone that truly is disabled doesn’t want to sit at home. I’ve attempted to work several different jobs from which I keep getting let go because I have too many doctor’s appointments,” Nunn said.
By law, Social Security is required to periodically review disability cases. If benefits are terminated, recipients have the right to appeal, something Nunn says she has done repeatedly.
“I’ve been working with a lawyer. I’ve reached out to the congressman. I haven’t gotten anywhere with my situation or getting my income back,” she said.
The loss of benefits also meant the loss of Medicare, cutting off access to doctors and medications.
“With losing my Social Security, I also lost my Medicare. I had a whole month without medical insurance, so I couldn’t see any of my doctors,” Nunn said.
Cancer permanently changed her body. A government decision, she said, changed her life overnight.
When asked what resolution she hopes for, Nunn’s answer was simple.
“What would be the perfect resolution for you in this situation?” Anthony asked.
“For my payments to begin again and get my medical insurance to where I’m not worried about whether or not I’ll have my medication,” she said.
Anthony Austin contacted the Social Security Administration with several questions, including how someone previously approved for disability with Stage IV cancer could suddenly be deemed “no longer disabled,” whether Nunn’s doctors’ assessments were fully reviewed, and what protections exist for medically fragile patients.
Thursday morning, Social Security representatives contacted Anthony Austin requesting Nunn’s information. Just hours later, they called her directly to discuss the issue. We are hopeful that conversation leads to a resolution.
If you have a problem you just can’t solve, you can email AskAnthony@FirstCoastNews.com