Is it a good idea to postpone my surgery ?

Loulee

Hi all,

My final report came out on the 08/14 ... Infiltrating duct carcinoma , grade 2,associated with solid -type intermediate ductal carcinoma in situ .

I don't have insurance and not working , so i have to figure a way out to finance this  !!

It takes time to do this . Don't know if its gonna get worse !!

BrooksideVT

So sorry that you're joining us, but happy this forum is here to help all of us with every step we need to take. 

Probably the first thing I learned about IDC was that all my preconceived notions were wrong.  In particular, my assumption that immediate surgery was critical turned out to be absolute hooey.  Just figuring out all the options, hammering out the details, and scheduling the surgery takes time.  My lumpectomy was almost exactly two months after my problematic mammogram, and none of my docs was the least bit concerned.  Please do check with your breast surgeon, of course, about this, but, generally, IDC does give you time to get all your ducks in a row.  I assume you are beginning by talking with your PCP, your surgeon, the social worker and the financial department at your hospital?  I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable about other routes, except to be absolutely certain that they exist, and they want to help.  Hopefully, someone with experience in this area will post soon.

edwards750

Loulee. I think we all would agree you are at the proverbial calm before the storm phase. Once you begin the process as to surgery and treatment it usually moves rather quickly and not as bad as you thought. 

I have IDC Stage 2, Grade 1. I had a lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments. I think we can also agree too  that you'd should do your homework and ask questions. Rely on friends and family because support is important. Don't be afraid to ask for help. 

BC isn't the death sentence it used to be. We are proof of that. So take it one step at a time; we will help you in any way we can. This forum is a godsend and my lifeline through the process and beyond. 

As for paying for all of this there are agencies and organizations that can help. I had insurance but of course they don't pay everything until you meet your deductible. It only took 2 months to meet ours but once it did BC paid 100% of my BS bill and all the radiation treatments which cost in the 35k range. Some facilities play hardball about payments so I would be prepared for that. They should work with you; mine did. 

Not trying to scare you - just preparing you. The most important thing is your health. 

There are a number of links on this forum that address insurance, doctors, etc so do take advantage of the experience of those ladies too. 

Above all keep the faith and keep us posted. 

Diane 

new2bc

Hi Loulee,

I came across another lady in these forums who lived close to you. She went to Parkland. Since you are already diagnosed, this hospital may speed the process for you so you don't have to wait too long. I also know 2 other places where they may help with some procedures but I am not sure about surgery. 

1. Moncrief  (817) 288-9800

2. Bridge Network  (214) 821-3820

Please let us know what happened and which facility will help you with the surgery. 

 

noonrider

From diagnosis of IDC until I had surgery was almost 6 weeks. My surgeon didn't want to wait much longer than that though. 

MelissaDallas

Loulee, who diagnosed you? Have them refer you to Parkland's Oncology department. You will get excellent care & if you are not working & have no insurance they will help you. Or call & ask to speak to a social worker there, or call the oncology department there to see what you need to do to be seen.

Loulee

Thank you for the info , as matter of fact Moncrief helped me already with my biopsy and told me about the bridge network !!

The bridge do charge 500 dollars before any of the procedures one has to undergo , and of course one has to qualify !! And yes Parkland is an option , i was advised with Parkland by the center i did my tests at !!

Thank you again for your responce !! 

Blessings2011

Loulee - I was dx'd with IDC Stage 1A in September 2011. At first, they scheduled my BMX for Halloween (October 2011). I thought that was SO far away! But that got cancelled (couldn't coordinate the BS and the PS's schedules.) 

Then I got rescheduled for November 8, 2011. I got sick with the flu and they made me cancel. I was sure the cancer was growing rapidly and spreading throughout my body. The Nurse Navigator set me straight on that - it wasn't.

Finally I had my surgery on December 5, 2011......three months after dx. No one thought that was a big deal.

According to Dr. Susan Love, by the time cancer can be detected, it may have been in your body for 8 - 10 years.

Wishing you the best, and hoping everything works out for the financial assistance!!!

rozem

I think it depends on your circumstance...the docs are good at fast tracking the ones who need rx faster than others.  That was my experience in Canada anyway.  Some cancers do not take years to develop and there is more of a urgency for treatment.  Grade 3 ,her2 positive, triple neg and IBC.  My doctors couldn't get me in to chemo fast enough with my grade 3 her 2.   I know when my mother in law was treated she didn't have surgery for about 6 wks with her 3mm grade 1 tumor.  Its a mental game as well, you just want it out but I agree that for slower growing, non aggressive tumors a reasonable wait is not going to make a difference 

bevin

HI there, I guess it depends on how long you are seeking to delay.  You could ask your doctors what is considered "safe " for your circumstance.  Since you stated you are without Insurance, please call the hospital you are being treated at; often they will work on a sliding scale, and they can set up payment arrangements for you.Sometimes they also have access to grants etc that they can apply to you depending on your personal circumstance.  Its worth the call. Not all of my radiation was covered and the hospital waived the balance that wasn't paid when I called their billing department.

Loulee

Hello everyone ,

Am back into square 1 !!!!

I was qualified by the bridge for almost a week , then my husband got a new job and i got disqualified !! Insurance doesn't kick in before almost 3 months ..

During this week , i got to see a breast surgeon and she scheduled me for last week of September , didn't see an oncologist yet !!   

Know i need insurance for 2-3 months !! My family is gonna support some of my expenses !! I just don't know what might be a good deal for me , as i still cant pay that much !!!

Advice please !!