BC Causes Long-Term Financial Burden for Many, Esp. Those w/ LE

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Breast Cancer Causes Long-Term Financial Burden for Many People, Especially Those With Lymphedema
August 23, 2018
Twelve years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, women had between $1,000 and $3,300 out-of-pocket medical care costs per year. Read more...

wrenn

Only in America.

I am Canadian and have never had a financial thought with cancer.

hugz4u

For me in Canada I spend much out of pocket on caring for lymphedema. I joke and call all my lymphedema supplies “my new car" because I could have owned a new car by now but instead dump the money into lymphedema garments etc. I indeed do drive an old old car.

Two measly sets of garments a year sets me back 1500 and I get 500 back from insurance but then I pay about 100 a month for extended health medical insurance.

Then there is monthly MLD therapist to keep things in check. 100 a treatment. My extended medical covers up to 200 a year combined with Physio therapy. That runs out quick.

If I have a lymphedema problem that requires weekly treatment that's 100 more out of pocket weekly. Wrapping supply's spendy. Ok I'm getting even more Specific . Antibiotic and ointments if infection. Gas and wear and tear on car to get to treatment. Water bill, washer, dryer electricity, special soaps and glues and donning aids which help make sleeve last longer.Compression tees and camis, compression bra.Night garment I think was close to 3,000 out of pocket.

Eeeks LE is an expense hobby. Can't use cheap moisturizer on arm. Ohhhhh the list goes on! Managing ok now but might eat something close to dog food when DH retires! But I must have a glove and sleeve!

Edited to add:Thank goodness I only have le on one upper side. Can't imagine the bills for bilateral le and leg le combined!

Spent so much on le and medical bill for Physio rehab from cancer that one year government red flagged me and asked me to resend in everything to redo taxes. They thought I was frauding. I wasn’t and that cost me 600 to redo my taxes with accountant. Only one word I can say to le. Ughhhh