Can FMLA - Family Medical Leave Act - help ?? It sounds like your part time status is only temporary for now and so I wonder if you can find protection under FMLA ?? I would think you have grounds to argue that you are not permanently disabled but need to gradually return to full time employment ?? It seems so totally unfair for you to be treated this way.

Do you have disability coverage through your health plan ?? Short term disability usually lasts about 90 days, anything longer than that I think is considered long term disability. I have long term disability coverage through my benefit package - I have to pay an extra premium for it - but I think it is good protection to have. If I were to be unable to work for a medical reason and the time out of work went over 90 days, I would at least get 2/3 of my salary.

It seems very wrong to let someone go for medical illness. I hope something works out for you.