Parthia27 Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Some people on the forum who know me will be aware that I have been battling head and neck cancer and it's side effects since mid 2008. I now feel well enough to be able to post again and even start some basic modelling again after another close call earlier this year. I've now decided that after my latest episode that I'm going to finish work and take early retirement from my job. It is a lot earlier than I thought, I'm 50 this year and didn't plan to finish for at least another 10 years, but due to my long service in the rail industry with Bombardier I have a good pension pot built up and can manage things financially without too much of a problem. I have had to put the shed and shed layout on hold as I am too weak physically to undertake such a project and most of the money that I had saved for the last three years has been used to pay for trips to London for myself and my wife to have the treatment and consultations I require. What little remains has been banked to pay for future treatment. However, I am not deterred. Giving up is not in my nature. The BNSF transcontinental layout is now located from time to time on the floor of our lounge using a stash of Kato HO Unitrack I have acquired over the years. I can build a 20 x 8 foot loop including a 12ft passing siding, and can operate a 12 car intermodal consist plus a similar sized manifest, coal or grain train with a couple of GEVOs, Dash 9's or EMD AC Units up front. Ideal? No, but it is good fun running the trains round what is the best type of setup I can have at the moment. It can only go down for a few hours at a time but hey ho. I'm still slowly expanding my fleet and I am currently building an Ethanol train financed by selling off stuff I have in the loft. I hope to get round to building a conventional BNSF / LAJ switching layout sometime soon, but for now I'm happy with what I have. The painkillers I'm on prevent me from doing much in the way of detailing or weathering other than when I have a rare lucid moment. Shaky hands managed to destroy the handrails on an Intermountain ES44C4 the other day whilst fitting a Tsunami chip and speaker. Hopefully I can get some replacements or make up some replacements using some precision scale stanchions and brass wire. Anyway it is good to be back, for however long that may be. TTFN Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parthia27 Posted August 22, 2015 Author Share Posted August 22, 2015 Thank you everyone for your expressions of support, I'm determined to get my modelling health, quality of life and modelling projects back on track but I have to be patient. Hopefully if I can remain free of any more tumours for a while, there is a chance that I can have an operation which will prevent the recurring infections and bad pain I am constantly feeling. It will not get rid of 100% of the complications I have been experiencing, most of which are as a result of the intensive radiotherapy I had in 2008, but any improvement will be welcome. Cheers Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allegheny1600 Posted August 22, 2015 Share Posted August 22, 2015 Dear Chris, Good for you! I think that your mental determination to "beat it" is going to stand you in great form against this most cruel of diseases. You're about the same age as me (I was 50 in June!) and I've no idea how I would cope in your shoes. I wish you all the very best and hope these few words can carry my deepest empathy and support to you. Cheers, John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted August 23, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 23, 2015 Chris: can you take immediate retirement? Over here, immediate retirement keeps you on in some of the company's other benefit plans (in Canada, that's supplemental health, dental, possibly life insurance.) It may be different in Britain with the government health being more comprehensive. Something to ask your HR advisor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parthia27 Posted August 23, 2015 Author Share Posted August 23, 2015 John, thank you so much for your kind words, there are many a day when my resolve is not as strong as it might be, but then I think of my family, particularly my wonderful wife, and that gives me the determination to carry on. I try to do what I can despite being physically unable to do so some days. I think most people find a way to cope, otherwise they give up and do not survive. Positivity is a strong force and definitely helps, as does the love and support of those around you. The generosity of love and moral courage from others is essential. One thing I do know is that if I knew what I know now 20 years ago I would not have procrastinated in my modelling :-). Cheers Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parthia27 Posted August 23, 2015 Author Share Posted August 23, 2015 Chris: can you take immediate retirement? Over here, immediate retirement keeps you on in some of the company's other benefit plans (in Canada, that's supplemental health, dental, possibly life insurance.) It may be different in Britain with the government health being more comprehensive. Something to ask your HR advisor. Hi, there are a number of options I have available, the most favourable one being a corporate insurance policy known as permanent health insurance for which I may qualify. Under this policy after the 52 weeks of mandatory sick leave has expired my company will pay me 75% of my annual salary which they offset against this policy. I am effectively a non working employee until retirement and will continue to build up pension credits and retro access to the company's private health scheme again until retirement. This is actually a very financially attractive option, it is a significant cut in salary and means we will have to cut our cloth accordingly, but is more attractive than early retirement which if taken means my pension pot becomes frozen and I take a pension which though enhanced by the pension scheme, is less attractive than the phi. Cheers Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium jjb1970 Posted August 23, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 23, 2015 Unless you have an incredibly good pension it is extremely unlikely a pension taken at 50 will come anywhere near the income you'll get from your employers medical severance arrangement to continue paying 75% of your salary. Given your health I'd be amazed if you are not eligible and my own employer who operates a similar scheme has shown compassion in applying discretion to cases like this so I'd talk to Bombardier about this option. My best wishes that you continue enjoying your modelling and as good a quality of life as is possible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parthia27 Posted August 23, 2015 Author Share Posted August 23, 2015 Bombardier have been absolutely amazing in the support they have given me throughout my illness. It was their idea that I pursue the phi option but the final decision is down to the insurance provider, a company who specialise in this area called Unum. There has recently been a case at Bombardier similar to mine which has been accepted so I am hopeful. My application went in several weeks ago after I took independent financial advice so I should know soon. Cheers Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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