Talk some sense to me!

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Mareny109
Mareny109 Member Posts: 34
edited March 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Please talk me off the literal cliff. I have a week and a half before my biopsy. I had to schedule it out due to my work schedule. I took a Thursday and Friday off so I can have the procedure on Thursday and have 3 days in case I'm in pain and can't sleep. ( I sleep on my sides) I've been waiting what seems like forever to find out. Money is also the factor that's nagging at me. I just got a bill from my PCP for a visit from October. Had I known there was additional billing I would not have gone. I am self pay. The Breast surgical office I'm going to told me to pay 490 and whatever discount they give me the pathology lab will give me the same discount. BUT- I'm not getting any idea of the amount. I take it she really thinks I have it b/c she said once we get you a diagnosis we can get aid for you to help pay for treatments. I'm just not sure what to do. I don't want to die. I don't want to bankrupt my family. I'm paycheck to paycheck. I tell myself it's only money, but making payments of almost nothing I'll never get it paid off. Plus they'll just keep tacking on interest. Not to mention I have breast implants from once upon a time when I had money to get them. So if she ruptures my implant then I have to find a way to get them removed before it decides to break through my skin. There's only so many hours in a week to earn, and I'm only ever going to make so much $- I'm not at a highly skilled money making job. Sure I could work 2 jobs 24-7 ......IF I was feeling good. Which I'm not, which is why I went to the Dr. in the first place. Now we have the stupid Corona virus. Will there even be money to be made? I don't even know what I'm asking. I guess just tell me to do it and it's going to work out somehow. Thanks for letting me freak out and vent.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2020

    Marney - sorry to hear everything is so difficult for you but glad you felt able to vent here. I'm sure you are frustrated and angry & frightened. We will be holding your hand virtually.

    Are you having just a biopsy? I had a full auxiliary lateral node dissection surgery from a recurrence and the surgeon was able to go around my existing implants & not hit the capsule. That was 6 years ago and I've had no problems. You should be able to go back to work on Monday if you're not lifting heavy things.

    If the docs office is going to work with you on the balance, do they really tack on interest? Pin them down if you can.

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited March 2020

    Mareny109 I am so sorry you are going through this right now. I know it is very scary right now especially right now. I don't know what State you live in but there might be an option to get on your State insurance. Our State here has a sliding scale based on income and I am disabled and my husband is as well and mine is very inexpensive for good medical coverage.

    This site also has a section on helping to pay for care if you have found it and it is here: https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/paying


    Best of luck to you!

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  • Mareny109
    Mareny109 Member Posts: 34
    edited March 2020

    Thank you Minus Two. It's a core needle Biopsy. Glad to hear from someone else with implants. Also the virtual hand holding is greatly appreciated.

    Thank you bcincolorado.

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  • learningtoletgo
    learningtoletgo Member Posts: 57
    edited March 2020

    Mareny, it must be so hard to have to worry about money and having to pay bills at a time when you are dealing with the possibility of bc, too. It is really not fair at all.

    I too, am dealing with the unknown right now. I just had a us guided core needle biopsy on Friday and am waiting on results. Just want to say that I am hoping for your money worries to go away and that your results will be benign!

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited March 2020

    Hey Mareny,

    I'm so sorry that you have to be dealing with this and the money issues at the same time. For what it's worth, there is relatively a lot of aid for breast cancer out there, even for diagnosis sometimes. This Susan J. Komen page can be a good place to start: https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/FinancialResour...

    Also, if it does end up being breast cancer, you will hopefully have access to a social worker at your treatment center. They can be wizards at finding financial and other support. If not, I know that Sharsharet has social workers that will call you and work with you. You don't have to be Jewish. I'm sure there are other orgs too, but that's one I've had personal good experiences with. They can help you find financial help and organize records and applications.

    Sending good vibes!!

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited March 2020

    If you get treated at a teaching hospital, their financial office will work with you to develop a sliding scale payment based on income.

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  • Mareny109
    Mareny109 Member Posts: 34
    edited March 2020

    Thank you Salamadra and AliceBastab!

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