I am a 22 month survivor after Whipple surgery at Jax Mayo. I also am a retired lawyer. When I was actively practicing law I represented a few clients in disability issues. It was my experience that Social Security Disability employees almost always denied a claim on first filing but almost always approved it on re-filing. While you and I are at the moment in remission, we still have many issues from the surgery, chemo and radiation,which are a direct result of the cancer. You might want to consult a social security disability attorney to review your case. In my day, the lawyer did not charge a fee unless he or she was successful in getting the benefit approved.
I hope and pray that you and I both continue in remission. With some adjustments we can continue with our lives.