Help.....

normalcani · November 2009

Hi all.... I am a 5 1/2 year survivor and have recently been having some severe back pain. I have no clue what to do as I do not have insurance any longer. I've not had an onc check up in a couple years along with no mammograms.... Its a constant pain, also felt through my abdomen, and I also have several very tender spots on my ribs that hurt when touched.... I don't know what to do, where to go, seems my brain has left me since all I can think about is this stupid pain... Any help would be greatly appreciated....

Hugs.....

TriciaK · November 2009

Hi,

I don't have much advice as don't live in the states but have you tried calling the patient advocacy?

The komen helpline can also advise on help in your area. I have a few friends in the US without insurance and they managed to get a mammo and treatment free of charge.

I hope someone else can help you more.

Tricia xx

pitanga · November 2009

Normal,

I´m so sorry to hear what you are going through. When I am in pain it is hard to think about anything else too. And the insurance issue...don´t get me started on that. It is incomprehensible to me that a country that prides itself on being a world leader lets people fall through the cracks when they are unemployed or under-employed. I see you are from Michigan. That is my home state and I know it is not the best one to be in, in your circumstances. Wish I could wave a magic wand and create some affordable public health centers there, for you and other people I know...

I think the first thing would be for you to see an oncologist. When we have had breast cancer we really can´t let those checkups slide. S/he will probably suggest a bone scan and then if that shows anything, an MRI. Are there any clinics near you that have a sliding scale? Can you get some guidance from the local chapter of the American Cancer Society about finding affordable clinics?

In the meantime, for treating the pain, you may want to consider acupuncture. I have chronic back pain and I have found it to be really helpful, more so than most pain meds.

All my best,

Lisa

Sue-61 · November 2009

http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/

normalcani

please check out this website. I see some stuff in MI that offers free care via the Hillburton law..Not sure where u live (I am in MA) but there are monies available for folks without health care.

I wonder if you can preset yourself to a emergency room? I am sorry you are not feeling well and seem so scared. Let us know how you are doing.

Also, is there medicaid available in MI? I believe you can apply on line; at least in MA you can.

I wish I could be more helpful. I do not know your financial situation but there is a lot of free care out there......even if you go back to the ONC, tell him you can make some kind of payments arrangements, even if it is ten bucks a month.

Please let me know if any of this info helps. I am a retired RN casemanager...Sue

chainsawz · November 2009

Also, please check with the state provided healthcare in your area - I know it is called different things in each state....medicaid, ahcccs, etc. Many states do have special provisions and coverage for breast cancer patients. Best of luck to you!!! lisa

JeninMichigan · November 2009

Norma

I think you need to devote a morning to spending a couple hours on the phone. Start with your oncologists office and explain the situation and ask for referrals to social services numbers. Or if no luck there, try your cancer center at your hospital. When I first started treatment, the cancer center have me a book of numbers. Here are some websites that might provide some direction:

There IS assistance out there for you to get testing done especially mammograms. You do need to get this pain checked out. It could be something much easier such as gallbladder but if it is mets you need to get it checked sooner than later. Since you are HER2 with a high grade, it moves fast. Take advantage of whatever program you can get. When I was first diagnosed my mom called a whole bunch of numbers (sorry I don't have them anymore) but there was alot of help available. I have/had insurance and my income was too high to qualify but really the thresholds are not hard to meet to get assistance...even someone to drive you to treatments. My mom just through since I was a single mom that I should be able to get some help. In the end, I told her those program are really meant for people who do not have insurance and I wouldn't feel right taking the help anyway. Its out there ... please get yourself checked out!!!

Jennifer

normalcani · January 2010

Thanks for all the advice.... Its much appreciated..... Smile

chainsawz · January 2010

Are you still experiencing the severe pain? Also, did you get any help from an agency to help cover your medical costs? I hope all worked out well for you!!

normalcani · January 2010

No, not yet... Just got word from previous insurance agency that they wouldn't insure me again for a year so now I'm gonna start the process of research and go from there.... sigh.... and the pain is gone but the side of my left arm and hand are numb... it's always something, isn't it..... tyvm.....

Help.....

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