Cancer Survivors Network

Thank you Steph...It's really great to be able to talk to people have have walked a path that I am getting ready to. It's very scary right now because I don't have a clue what to expect, or really what to do. I am sure I will have lots of questions for you ladies coming in the near future. So glad I have someone to talk to :)

Mandi

There will be many, many people to talk with and to help you through this. Some will jump in to help you understand what your path report says, others will be there for surgery questions, chemo questions, rads questions, hormone therapy question etc. Almost any question can be answered by someone and if not someone will know where to go to help. And then of course they will be your team. They should be there to answer your questions and to do so thoroughly and completely. One suggestion I will make is to take someone with you to appointments. A 2nd pair of ears is good and you will be in a bit of a daze. And be your own best advocate. If it isn't clear, ask until it is. And no question, either here or to your team, is dumb. It can be scary but just know that we have some long, long term survivors and we are all warriors. And so are you. That's a very cute picture of you. My heart always goes out to you that are so young facing this. Mimi can tell you about another board that has young survivors that you might want to touch base with also. There are often unique issues faced by younger women and it helps to talk with that peer group as well.
Again, we are here and you are in my kindest thoughts.
Stef

Yes, I had my biopsy already, my surgeon removed 2 masses. There is still a few more spots that need to be taken care of. I meet with my surgeon tomorrow to see what he recommends to do. I don't have an onocologist yet but I am sure that will be addressed tomorrow also. I am keeping my fingers crossed! Thank you sooooo much!

Mandi

I am sorry. You mentioned that you are a full time student. Does your University provide a health insurance?
Some Universities do. Find out if your University has a social worker who can help with insurance issues. Also when you see your oncologist ask about financial assistance.
Hugs

Dear Mandi,

I didn't have insurance when I was diagnosed either. I honestly was more concerned about finances than my initial diagnosis. I found out through my ob/gyn office that there was a program in my state that pays for breast screenings and biopsies for women without insurance. Ask your doctor. The advice above about talking to your university is a good one too.

Do check out the young survivor's network on this website. I'm ten years older than you ... but I've been amazed at how many young women like you are going through this. I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with this. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow.

Much love and a big hug,
dh

Hey Mandi
So sorry that you're having to deal with this at such a young age. Also ask the people at the hospital about the insurance ...they will know all the available programs for non insured people.There is help out there, so focus on getting well and worry about the finances later.

OMG...you ladies are awsome! Thank you all so much for your concern with me, I truly appreciate it. I will let you know what I find out from my appointment today...*positive thoughts* I know that I will be alright, I have always been a metally and physically tough. I am ready to kick the crap out of this thing! I feel like I have a second family here which make me even stronger...Thank You!

XOXO

Mandi

That's the way to stand up and face "the beast"!!

Im from Georgia and I know the health dept has a program that helps women with cancer and no insurance.
Deb

hello mandi and welcome

I live in Canada so I can't help out with the insurance part but just know you are not alone , I found this site about 1 month ago as I am newly diagnosed at 38 , the woman on here are AMAZING and I feel sooo good when I come here so again welcome...... and best wishes Lisa

I'm more than double your age and it saddens me to hear that this beast has locked onto such a young woman. You already sound like a survivor. I don't know much about the financial solution but sounds like you might have some options, just need to check them out. You will need to explain your situation to all your drs. They may know of resources too. Wishing you the best and hoping for better days for you soon. Let us know what's going on and welcome to our young sister. You have a huge family here already in place, just waiting to help and comfort you. Let us help!

Hi Mandi, Welcome to our club that no one really wants to join. So very sorry you have to be here. You will find so much help here and some answers to your questions and just be able to vent when you need to with no one passing any judgement. This cancer thing is a scary thing and it helps to be a part of a group that can really understand what it is your going through. I wish you luck and again welcome.

Thank you :)