Camp Lejeune Family Member Program

Rosiesmum

hi folks,

I’m just back in the US after living abroad for identification and treatment of all 3 of my breast cancers (ILC, IDC, DCIS) double mx, and DIEP flap reconstruction. I was a dependent on Camp Lejeune during the water poisoning days and am applying for coverage through the VA as I’m having symptoms of Mets but have NO insurance back in the good old USA until June. I’ve been sick and extremely exhausted though, and the Urgent care doc wanted to send me in for CT scan and bloodwork after 2nd occurrence of bronchitis in less than a month along with chest pressure, and extreme fatigue that puts me out of commission for an average of 1-2 days/week. I’m fortunate to still have a job!

I have been unable to find a decent primary doc, and the one oncology department in our small town will not schedule an appointment for me, despite a referral from a primary doc.

So...I’m completing paperwork for the CL Family member program through the VA to help cover expenses, and I may have to drive 2 hours to the nearest VA, but I Have tons of questions.

Has anyone else here qualified for or used this program? Any tips? My dad died from one of the 15 covered conditions and with my new symptoms, especially the bone crushing fatigue (miraculously better with steroids - uh oh?) so that’s scary. I’m eager to get registered with them so that my family won’t have to cover the outrageous costs of ongoing and related treatment.

In case you have any insights to share, I’d love to know about your experience as a Camp Lejeune breast survivor (I saw a thread in men’s breast cancer, but I’m a woman...). Also any information on survivor rates for the CL exposed vs others with similar cancer hx or general population would be helpful. Google isn’t getting me there today.

Anybody using the family benefit through the VA? How does it work? Any land mines or dead ends to avoid? Do I have to find my own docs or will they provide medical care?

Thank you