Stuck at an impasse

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PFCRS
PFCRS Member Posts: 2
edited June 2015 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

I'm stuck.  Maybe input from others will help me to get off the fence?

My internist is concerned my BC may be active again. 

History......IDC, 2003, Stage 2, locally invasive, node positive (extra-capsular nodes).  Lumpectomy was followed by a year of active treatment.....chemo (Adriamycin, Cytoxan, and Taxotere) and radiation.  Followed by one year of Tamoxifen (until officially menopausal), and then followed by 7 years of Arimidex which was eventually discontinued because of osteoporosis.  Treatment kicked my butt!  Physically, emotionally and financially.  The tremendous amounts of Dexamethasone left me with an 80 lb weight gain (since lost).  Side effects.....almost too numerous to mention....depression, GERD, Thrush, hot flashes, neuropathy, insomnia, sexual dysfunction (menopausal dryness!), inability to maintain potassium (too much sweating with the hot flashes), osteoporosis, lymphedema....and borderline poverty from all the expense!  Hot flash misery eventually progressed to the point that I went against recommendations and started Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.  Some of the side effects diminished (hot flashes went away and for the first time in 11 years I could have sex again and possibly save my 38 year marriage) but my own personal fear level went on high alert because I was doing something contraindicated.

Current issue.....I have, for the last month, felt a pain in the ribs under the BC breast.  During 2003 surgery for tumor removal some rib had to be taken to facilitate tumor removal.  Internist wants a breast MRI.  I know we are both very concerned with what is going on. Federally mandated health insurance, in my experience, stinks!   Out-patient facility wants several thousands of dollars in insurance deductible plus my 30% co-pay.  No payments are offered. 

I find myself stuck over what to do.  If I go ahead with the testing and am fortunate enough to get good results, I have essentially taken every bit of disposable income we have for the next year and thrown it away.  If I go ahead with the testing and the results are not good, I'm not 100% sure I'd go through treatment a second time anyway.  I don't know what to do.  I've been struggling with this since May 18th and STILL cannot decide what to do.

Appreciate any input.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2015

    We are so sorry to hear what an ordeal you have been through all these years. Your insurance situation is really unfortunate, given the expenses you incurred with your initial treatment. We assume you are too young for Medicare? Would your internist or your treatment facility from 2003 be able to give you a financial deal to get the testing? This is naturally a very personal decision, and you will need to figure out if you can emotionally manage not knowing what, if anything, is going on. We are sorry you need to go through this.

    Warmly,

    The Mods

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  • PFCRS
    PFCRS Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2015

    The cancer center (90 minute drive each way) where I was treated all of 2003 is no longer in existence. It has been purchased by another facility and moved to a new location. And, despite asking, no one has EVER given me so much as a 50 cent discount on cancer related treatment or medication I've ever had. Current hospital I'm dealing with for the MRI in question won't even allow me to make payments. I have approached any number of organizations for help without success. From my perspective all the "help" and "support" I hear about and read about is for other people.....it has never applied to me.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited June 2015

    Moderators, you probably should correct your post to inquire about MediCARE (the federal program for those age 65 and over), not Medicaid...

    PFCRS, I have recently seen a stand alone MRI clinic ad for $3000, about half of what the hospital charges. Perhaps there is a similar business venture in your area? It might save you a little. Of course, they need to have breast coils and be able to offer IV gadolinium contrast in order to have comparable results

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited June 2015

    PRCRS, some misc thoughts... Can you possibly start with something less costly than an MRI? Would some blood work, for example, disclose any addiitonal information, such as elevated tumor markers (CA27-29) or liver functions? Hopefully if they're fine, you won't worry as much until you can figure out what to do. If anything is elevated (which I hope it's not!), at least you would have more info' to help you decide if the MRI is necessary. I'm also under the impression that a CT Scan -- though not cheap -- may be somewhat less expensive than an MRI, so might be worth asking about as an alternative. Your local imaging center's lack of a payment plan seems unusual. Can you possibly travel to a center (even if you have to drive a few hours) that does offer a payment plan? Or can you open a credit card that offers 0 interest for a year or 18 months and pay it off that way?

    I totally get where you're coming from. Medical bills these days are outrageous and depressing even for those of us with good health insurance! (((Hugs))) Deanna

    Editing to add a PS that, as terrifying as the thought of having mets can be, bone mets especially is very treatable -- especially if it's localized and caught early. In fact, it's referred more and more to these days as a chronic condition. Just wanted to add that to your thought process, since you mentioned not knowing if you would want tx if you do have something going on in your ribs.

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