Triple Negative Breast Cancer

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MadMax
MadMax Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I just received my diagnosis on Friday, Sept 4, 2009, and I am lost. I just moved to a new place for a new job that does not offer health insurance. I only have a limited coverage health plan that I pay for myself.

What I want to know if I can't pay for treatment is it OK to ask for just pain control until I pass? I do have some savings and I think that it is enough to pay for pain control medications. I have been paying out of pocket for all of my doctor visits and test, but this coming Monday, I am to see an oncologist for treatment determinations and additional test. I will not be able to afford x-rays and MRI's or CAT scans.

I am too young for Medicare and make too much money for Medicade and have been turned down by several insurance companies for health insurance coverage. I just do not know what to do. I just need to know what are my options.

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  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565
    #2
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    Mad
    call ACS in your area and ask if you can speak to a patient navigator. Tell him/her about your financial/insurance problems. I would definately start there if I were you. Let us know how things go.You really need these tests and care -pain control meds aren't going to help you,they'll just mask what's going on.
    I hate the fact that insurance and money have to get in the way of getting help to beat this beast!
  • djteach
    djteach Member Posts: 273
    #3
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    Hi MadMax,
    I am so sorry
    Hi MadMax,

    I am so sorry that you are going through this. Outdoorgirl gave you some great advice. Please call American Cancer Society and go from there. You don't say what type of b/c you have, but if it is in the early stages, you can't afford not to get treatment. If you are close to a teaching hospital, they will sometimes wave charges or use a sliding scale for payment. Your life if worth every penny.

    You are not alone in this. We will be here for you. Let us know what happens, okay?

    Love and gentle hugs,
    Donna
  • MadMax
    MadMax Member Posts: 2
    #4
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    outdoorgirl said:

    Mad
    call ACS in your area and ask if you can speak to a patient navigator. Tell him/her about your financial/insurance problems. I would definately start there if I were you. Let us know how things go.You really need these tests and care -pain control meds aren't going to help you,they'll just mask what's going on.
    I hate the fact that insurance and money have to get in the way of getting help to beat this beast!

    Triple Negative
    Thanks and I will call them but because I make about $40K per year, I doubt that I will qualify for any of their assistance programs. I just don't want to be a burden to anyone and I am all by myself. I just wish that I could fade away, but without the pain. I know I sound down, but I am just being practical because I know that I can't beat this without health insurance and someone to help me and I have neither! Again, thanks.
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    #5
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    MadMax,
    I've been thinking about your post for a few days. Your life is precious and too important to forgoe treatment. There are many things you can do, starting with calling the American Cancer Society and asking for advice. There is absolutely no reason you should have to do nothing and wait for death. I am very saddened by this. Triple negative breast cancer is not a death sentence. All early stage breast cancers have a high rate of survival. With treatment, you are very likely to be in good health and live out the rest of your life cancer free.

    I have heard from others that financial and insurance problems can sometimes feel worse than the cancer itself. I believe it. But you can overcome this. I am thinking that you are in shock from your diagnosis and want all this to go away. You may have hit a wall and feel emotionally and physically drained. That is understandable. But please, your ability to pay for treatment does not in any way doom you or correlate with the value of your life. Please do something. We can help. Write back.

    Mimi
  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    #6
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    You're still in shock and
    You're still in shock and that's understandable but you need to talk to someone and ACS is the place to go. You know what they say about the word "assume" don't you??? Don't assume anything, esp when your feeling down or you may miss many opportunities. The universe is full of surprises, some good, some bad, but you won't know till you call. Ask your oncologist too, he/she may know if there are any programs at the hospital. Your life/future is worth it and this part of your journey won't last forever. There are too many wonderful things awaiting you in your future to quit now. I wish you all the best.

    hugs
    jan
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #7
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    You can still get treatment.
    You can still get treatment. I know someone who didn't have insurance and was diagnosed with cancer. She didn't have the money to pay so they set her up with a payment plan where she paid under $100 a month. After awhile (she didn't say how long but I think it was a few years) they wanted to clear it off their books and 'forgave' the balance. We have posted in previous messages about financial help. Try doing a search for 'financial'.

    There is help and you can get the treatment you need.
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #8
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    Mad Max
    I hope you get back to us on this because you have very many sister in Pink here cheering you on!!!

    If you talk to the American Cancer Society and tell them your plight i am sure you will get so much help and support, they really are great! Please dear don't give up, I also am too young for medicare but I did recieve Medicaide, I only had to report my earnings, and not my hubbies. There are loopholes. You do not and should not ever be denied medical treatment, Even if you are there are options (FILE BANkrupsy) or make small payments, your life is sooooo worth it. this is only money, which is nothing in the whole scope of things, love you, jackie
  • Aortus
    Aortus Member Posts: 967
    #9
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    rjjj said:

    Mad Max
    I hope you get back to us on this because you have very many sister in Pink here cheering you on!!!

    If you talk to the American Cancer Society and tell them your plight i am sure you will get so much help and support, they really are great! Please dear don't give up, I also am too young for medicare but I did recieve Medicaide, I only had to report my earnings, and not my hubbies. There are loopholes. You do not and should not ever be denied medical treatment, Even if you are there are options (FILE BANkrupsy) or make small payments, your life is sooooo worth it. this is only money, which is nothing in the whole scope of things, love you, jackie

    Just a friendly bump in case Mad Max is here
    Please do as our dear Jackie says and get back to us ASAP.

    She is absolutely right in saying that nobody should ever be denied medical treatment - there is always a way, and the American Cancer Society is the best place to start looking for one.

    Wishing you and your loved ones the best,
    Joe (and Moopy too)
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #10
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    Aortus said:

    Just a friendly bump in case Mad Max is here
    Please do as our dear Jackie says and get back to us ASAP.

    She is absolutely right in saying that nobody should ever be denied medical treatment - there is always a way, and the American Cancer Society is the best place to start looking for one.

    Wishing you and your loved ones the best,
    Joe (and Moopy too)

    Hey Mad Max
    I have had you on my mind, I hope you can reply to this. There really are so many options, you just need this network of wonderful sisters (and Joe who does so much research for us) get back at us with what you need. we are here for you. love, jackie
  • PattyR.
    PattyR. Member Posts: 1
    #11
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    Triple negative breast cancer
    Please do not give up!!!!!!!!!!! I was originally diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2004. This is a very aggressive cancer and was resistant to treatment. I had chemo, mastectomy, radiation with oral chemo and then some more chemo. The tumor was estrogen receptor positive and I was on Aromasin to inhibit it until this past March 2009; when upon my routine Pet Scan a hypermetabolic lymph node was seen behind my sternum. A biopsy was done and found to have morphed into a more aggressive higher grade triple negative cancer. I was devastated because I felt I was taking this pill daily to block the estrogen the tumor needed to grow; and here it was changing into something that didn't need anything to grow. My news is quite positive, I have recieved Avastin and Taxol chemotherapy and the last 2 Pet Scans have shown NO evidence of hypermetabolic activity (in other words NEGATIVE FOR CANCER)!! There was and is clinical trials that offer these exact drugs and I wonder if for these trials perhaps you wouldn't need insurance. Research the clinical trial aspect. Also, cancer places have social workers or access to them. See about getting Medicaid for emergency/temporary treatment. Good luck and please know that I am praying for you. It is an overwhelming situation but one you can get through with the right support systems.
  • mlmjt1
    mlmjt1 Member Posts: 537
    #12
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    Hey Max
    DONT YOU DARE GIVE UP and YES I AM SHOUTING AT YOU!!!!!

    Talk with your oncologist and tell him or her that you need to speak with the hospital social worker. Most hospitals offer sliding fee scale or charity care for people who cant pay. I truly believe that they can work something out for you.

    Let us know how you come out because we will all worry about you!
    HUgs
    LInda T
  • adan57
    adan57 Member Posts: 4
    #13
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    I AM SO ANGRY
    What kind of a world do we live in where we are allowing people to feel this way?
    It is bad enough to get the news...but to think that you have to just let your life go because you support yourself, cant get insurance, but let me tell you...have 5 kids and come here from somewhere else and we will take care of you just fine. I know that sounds like I am a terrible person, I am not, I watched my sister 6 months ago almost bleed to death because of not having insurance.

    I can feel for you, I am 52 make good money but am a contract person, no benefits I think about what I would do....but something occured to me not long ago after my sisters health scare and no insurance....what will I do when it is my turn???

    Did my Godfather, Grandfather, Uncles have this America in mind when they fought in WW2?

    How about all of you that are in my age group...your dad may have been right beside mine in Korea is this the world they visioned for their children?

    How about Vietnam, Uncles, cousins, good friends, what was it they were fighting for??

    WHERE IS THIS GOVERNMENT WHO TAKES ALL MY MONEY AND I DONT HAVE A SAY AS TO WHERE IT GOES


    Please dont think I am nasty or crazy, I am just so angry because NOTHING sets us apart.
    Just the luck of the draw. I can NOT stand to think what you are going through right now, my heart is breaking.
    I travel for my work and am leaving shortly for the airport, I know a lot of people in a lot of different places. If you let me know your city, and state I may be able to get you some information. You would be surprised how strangers will reach out. You are in no condition emotionally right now to have to even start looking up numbers never mind having to keep repeating the story to each agency you phone.

    If you would like to take me up on my offer, my email is... anndantuono@gmail.com
    It wouldnt hurt for me to reach out to people who may live in your community.
    I am so sorry you have to go through this, just know it sounds to me like the GIANT CRACKING sounds you are hearing....the sounds of a million people's hearts that are also breaking for you.

    If you want any help, please reach out to me, if not it is ok, I understand but please
    try to take care of yourself and something will come your way.

    Best of Luck and we are all praying for you,
    Annie

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