Posted on 08/07/2012 2:15:34 PM PDT by AlmaKing
My sister has been diagnosed with breast cancer, stage 1. An MRI was followed up by a biopsy at a clinic in Brooklyn after she detected lump. I don't know if she has seen a cancer specialist yet. She is having a tough time just communicating.
She just started a job 3 months ago, and her company health insurance is not in effect. So, no help there.
The clinic told her to apply for help through Medicaid. She makes maybe only $35,000. She was told that after getting accepted into some type of financial aid program that then she could seek a doctor who treated Medicaid patients. She has to wait probably 2 weeks to go through this paperwork before the next step.
We don't know what the next step would be, alhough she's been told that it might be radiation.
She wants to continue working while undergoing whatever treatment occurs. She lives alone in Brooklyn, and I fear she may not be able to handle work and treatment.
However, if I take care of her at my home, she'll lose her new job. She will also have to go through the Medicaid application again since I'm in a different state (so I've been told).
Can anyone tell me what we should be asking or doing better? I'd like to hear from people who have gone through this. I like having a plan.
I've watched a father-in-law go through stomach cancer, but no treatment helped. He went quickly after diagnosis. I'm hoping this has been caught early enough that that doesn't help.
Stage 1 is early. My mother and a dear friend both had stage 1. Both are fine many years later. The prognosis should be very favorable
First of all - get rid of fear. Fear of cancer, fear of money, fear of change. Make sure your sister takes charge of her health.
Our country is still a great one, despite the fact we are screwing up our medical system worse every day. I don’t know a single doctor or hospital who will not do their best to give help to someone who sincerely needs treatment. Those options could be company insurance, it could be medicaid, it could even be charitable programs run by the hospital - but don’t sit back and let “the system” decide what is best for you. Make it work for you!
God Bless
2 Timothy 1:7
Very curable. If she lives near a major medical center she should go to the surgery clinic run by the surgical residents but is overseen by the Professors of the medical school. Surgery will be no different than that of a private patient. Excellent care and Medicaid accepted.
My friend had Stage 1, both breasts, a couple of years ago. Did lumpectomies, chemo, radiation. Chemo is not great, of course, but today she is active, has all her hair, has her entire life back and then some. I think she was driving herself to chemo (out-patient) and radiation (out-patient).
Your sis will be fine. Another woman friend, low-level job with no insurance, found a doctor who would treat her with chemo and radiation. This also should be no problem. Prayer will help immensely, however.
Prayers up.
Prayers out for your sister, no just a for her healing, but for a good solution to her health insurance issues.
I say just apply for medicaid until her benefits kick in at her new job. She’s paid her taxes so she deserves something in return.
I’m glad the cancer was caught early so the odds of a full recovery are in her favor.
My wife has survived breast and uterine cancer. I am in the middle of chemo for lung cancer. Things will work out!
Go here for questions, advice, and support.
Inspire.com
They are all in treatment for all types of cancer - or have loved ones who are. Wade right in and ask for help.
Thanks everyone. I think I feel better. Now, I have to help get my sister on track.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.