Information Please

jl1960
jl1960 Member Posts: 6
edited March 2014 in Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine) #1
I was diagnosed in 11/05 with Vulva Cancer and VIN III, had surgery in 01/06. To make a long story short, after 5 weeks post surgery I was having symptoms as before. Went back to my Onc. a small spot had appeared, he wanted to watch it. I was to go back in June, I had been out of work since October, couldn't afford to keep my insurance and so I dropped it. I didn't return for the Dr visit in June as I should have. I am now looking for affordable insurance tha will cover me(impossible) or some orginization that could assist me. I'm afraid that if I wait too long, the cancer may go into other parts of my body, if it truly is cancer this time. I tried going through the Tennessee Gov. for help, but they only only cover women that have breast or cervical cancer! Can you believe it?! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Comments

  • marie3135
    marie3135 Member Posts: 4
    #2
    I am sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. Maybe you could try to see if a Family Planning or similar center may be able to give you direction. I live in WI and we have what is called Badgercare. I have not heard of anyone being turned down-of course there is an income restriction. I just had my 3rd surgery (laser) on 07/05/06 for VIN III. I will be off of work approx one month. This has been ongoing for me since 1994. I am still in some pain ( not as bad as I remember from the last laser) but the areas done are quite large. I would have to say it is easier than the wide local excision done last time. Any advice on how to make this more comfortable or faster healing?
    Please do not wait to go in. I cannot stress enough the importance and necessity to have this taken care of now. Have you talked to your Onc about ins/pmt? I am sure you have talked to them. I will keep my eyes and ears open. I would like to think TennCare would accept you as long as the income criteria is met,but I guess is it doesn't surprise me.
  • jl1960
    jl1960 Member Posts: 6
    #3
    marie3135 said:

    I am sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. Maybe you could try to see if a Family Planning or similar center may be able to give you direction. I live in WI and we have what is called Badgercare. I have not heard of anyone being turned down-of course there is an income restriction. I just had my 3rd surgery (laser) on 07/05/06 for VIN III. I will be off of work approx one month. This has been ongoing for me since 1994. I am still in some pain ( not as bad as I remember from the last laser) but the areas done are quite large. I would have to say it is easier than the wide local excision done last time. Any advice on how to make this more comfortable or faster healing?
    Please do not wait to go in. I cannot stress enough the importance and necessity to have this taken care of now. Have you talked to your Onc about ins/pmt? I am sure you have talked to them. I will keep my eyes and ears open. I would like to think TennCare would accept you as long as the income criteria is met,but I guess is it doesn't surprise me.

    Thank you for the concern. I had no idea that vulva cancer or VIN III even existed until last November! Since then, looking at this website and others, it's terrifying to know that there are so many women out there with this. No, I hven't talked with my Onc. personally, I know that I should. I've been out of work since 10/05, I am back to work. This is my 4th week,(of course, they do not offer insurance!), just trying to get my life back in order finacially has been an ordeal. I guess I've just let my health issues go unattended. The health care issue here in Tennessee really stinks, too many people that don't need the help have it and the others don't. I'm going to check on some places here in Tennessee that may be helpful to me. Thanks again for replying, it helps alot to have someone to talk to about this that REALLy understands.
  • marie3135
    marie3135 Member Posts: 4
    #4
    It is comforting knowing I can talk w/ someone who is going thru the same thing. I am sick of explaining my 'illness' and having to answer a million questions. I found out that in WI, to have their medical assist, you must have children. Not very fair. If you would like, you can email me. I know we are not to give out our email addresses, so you can send me one thru this site and we can go from there. I go for my follow up on Tues 07/18/06. Not looking forward to it. I just hope this is the last procedure for a few more yrs. This has been the pattern. I know what you mean about leaving the health issues unattended. I didn't want to go in when I knew something was wrong because I didn't 'have time'. I finally made myself go in. My 4 soon to be 5 yr old keeps me very busy. Please email me and we talk more. I am looking forward to it.

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