My Father-in-law

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jimbohd54
jimbohd54 Member Posts: 8
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hello everyone. What a relief to find this site. My Father-in-law was diagnosed with E.C. stage 4, last week! It took almost a year. He's 67 years old. I'm not faulting Kaiser Medical, but the process does seem slow. He had a PET scan Saturday and will know the results at his appt. this Friday.
Does anyone have experience with Kaiser Medical when it comes to cancer? Especially in the Stockton, Sacramento, CA. area. At his consultation, after the CAT scan, the Doctor told him to go home and enjoy what's left of his life!
He still eats well and started drinking 'Ensure' with minimal problem. Unfortunately we haven't been able to ride our 'old' Harleys for a month, now.
Thanks, Jim

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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
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    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • jimbohd54
    jimbohd54 Member Posts: 8
    #3
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    My Father-in-law
    William: Thank You.
    We are roughly 375 miles away from UCLA. There are Cancer Specialists at Kaiser Medical in Sacramento, so I'm urging him to follow-up there, first.I've been reading Jymbob's story and replies. I will ask my Father-in-law to look into 'erbitux'.
    In the last year, he was getting weak and dizzy.He was diagnosed with COPD.He then quit smoking,but with few improvements. Then he started losing weight,also.More basic tests were done. Doctors determined he was low on blood. Internal bleeding, but from where? They did a colonoscopy and a sigmoid(excuse the spelling). He passed out before one of the tests due to the 'flushing cycle'. Then in the last 6 weeks,they put the tube down his throat and found the E.C.
    Also,up here we have UC Davis and UCSF(San Francisco). My In-laws live three miles from me,so I will relay your questions and message, tonight.
    Thanks again, Jim
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #4
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    jimbohd54 said:

    My Father-in-law
    William: Thank You.
    We are roughly 375 miles away from UCLA. There are Cancer Specialists at Kaiser Medical in Sacramento, so I'm urging him to follow-up there, first.I've been reading Jymbob's story and replies. I will ask my Father-in-law to look into 'erbitux'.
    In the last year, he was getting weak and dizzy.He was diagnosed with COPD.He then quit smoking,but with few improvements. Then he started losing weight,also.More basic tests were done. Doctors determined he was low on blood. Internal bleeding, but from where? They did a colonoscopy and a sigmoid(excuse the spelling). He passed out before one of the tests due to the 'flushing cycle'. Then in the last 6 weeks,they put the tube down his throat and found the E.C.
    Also,up here we have UC Davis and UCSF(San Francisco). My In-laws live three miles from me,so I will relay your questions and message, tonight.
    Thanks again, Jim

    Jim,
    I must caution you
    Jim,

    I must caution you about HMO medical insurance for seniors and how they refuse to provide second opinions or medical services out of network unless you create huge waves. My father was 78 and instead of being on medicare with his military TRICARE for life supplemental insurance he was talked into signing up for a Humana Gold Plan --- because it gave him a health club membership at no cost and he thought that was a great idea.

    If he had had Medicare he would have had no insurance problems for the most part. With Humana they refused to allow him to get a second opinion at a major cancer center, not merely refusing to allow him a second opinion at an esophageal cancer center. They offered him a second opinion at a local hospital down the road. Absolutely absurb. My dad's primary care physican and even his oncologist ordered the second opinion at Sloan in NY --- and my dad traveled at his own expense and saw the doctors. I must say the second opinion from Sloan entirely changed my dad's treatment plan and may have saved his life.

    Even with the efforts of his doctors and the information about how valuable the second opinion was and how essential it was to his care because of the rare cancer and my efforts and information as well, Humana refused to allow the second opinion at Sloan and refused to pay for it. We were fortunate that Sloan reduced some of the charges and that our family has the financial resources to pay for this second opinion. But it didn't stop there.

    Given the treatment of my dad by humana, the advice of some medical professionals and others, the family decided that it would be better to be on Medicare, I was able to cancel the Humana health insurance policy and get my dad on Medicare so that he doesn't have to deal with the horrible HMO process. You may have some problems because there may be enrollment issues and open window dates (we were lucky we were within the official cancellation timeframe). But in talking to the Insurance Commissioner of my State and the Medicare folks I am certain that if Humana had refused to allow him to change his policy to Medicare that we would have been able to get it down even if it took a few extra months.

    I might add that I also think that his cancer could have been diagnosed earlier as well - he went in over a year and a half before his final diagonosis complaining of swallowing and digestive problems --- but was ignored. In fact they even put a camera in his stomach to do a stomach emptying test and didn't check his esophagus - unbelievable. Just kept telling him he wasn't chewing his food properly.

    Good luck. And if you have any questions don't hestitate to ask or send me an email on this site or at collinscin@gmail.com

    Best,
    Cindy
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
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    unclaw2002 said:

    Jim,
    I must caution you
    Jim,

    I must caution you about HMO medical insurance for seniors and how they refuse to provide second opinions or medical services out of network unless you create huge waves. My father was 78 and instead of being on medicare with his military TRICARE for life supplemental insurance he was talked into signing up for a Humana Gold Plan --- because it gave him a health club membership at no cost and he thought that was a great idea.

    If he had had Medicare he would have had no insurance problems for the most part. With Humana they refused to allow him to get a second opinion at a major cancer center, not merely refusing to allow him a second opinion at an esophageal cancer center. They offered him a second opinion at a local hospital down the road. Absolutely absurb. My dad's primary care physican and even his oncologist ordered the second opinion at Sloan in NY --- and my dad traveled at his own expense and saw the doctors. I must say the second opinion from Sloan entirely changed my dad's treatment plan and may have saved his life.

    Even with the efforts of his doctors and the information about how valuable the second opinion was and how essential it was to his care because of the rare cancer and my efforts and information as well, Humana refused to allow the second opinion at Sloan and refused to pay for it. We were fortunate that Sloan reduced some of the charges and that our family has the financial resources to pay for this second opinion. But it didn't stop there.

    Given the treatment of my dad by humana, the advice of some medical professionals and others, the family decided that it would be better to be on Medicare, I was able to cancel the Humana health insurance policy and get my dad on Medicare so that he doesn't have to deal with the horrible HMO process. You may have some problems because there may be enrollment issues and open window dates (we were lucky we were within the official cancellation timeframe). But in talking to the Insurance Commissioner of my State and the Medicare folks I am certain that if Humana had refused to allow him to change his policy to Medicare that we would have been able to get it down even if it took a few extra months.

    I might add that I also think that his cancer could have been diagnosed earlier as well - he went in over a year and a half before his final diagonosis complaining of swallowing and digestive problems --- but was ignored. In fact they even put a camera in his stomach to do a stomach emptying test and didn't check his esophagus - unbelievable. Just kept telling him he wasn't chewing his food properly.

    Good luck. And if you have any questions don't hestitate to ask or send me an email on this site or at collinscin@gmail.com

    Best,
    Cindy

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • jimbohd54
    jimbohd54 Member Posts: 8
    #6
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    todays appointment
    William, Today I went with my Father-in-law and Mother-in-law to a follow-up appt. after the PET scan. I was surprised to see it was with a Thoracic surgeon.He told us it was stage 3!!! The cancer has not spread to any organs!!! He made an appt. with a different Oncologist to discuss Chemo and Radiation.It was an Oncologist, who told him to'go home and enjoy the rest of your life.' We do know the cancer may not respond to treatment, but we are upbeat and keeping our fingers crossed.
    You and this site have been so helpful and educational. Last week I didn't know what an oncologist was or thoracic surgeon!
    I told my Father-in-law, now we have to excercise and bulk up. Thank you, everyone.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #7
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    jimbohd54 said:

    todays appointment
    William, Today I went with my Father-in-law and Mother-in-law to a follow-up appt. after the PET scan. I was surprised to see it was with a Thoracic surgeon.He told us it was stage 3!!! The cancer has not spread to any organs!!! He made an appt. with a different Oncologist to discuss Chemo and Radiation.It was an Oncologist, who told him to'go home and enjoy the rest of your life.' We do know the cancer may not respond to treatment, but we are upbeat and keeping our fingers crossed.
    You and this site have been so helpful and educational. Last week I didn't know what an oncologist was or thoracic surgeon!
    I told my Father-in-law, now we have to excercise and bulk up. Thank you, everyone.

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • jimbohd54
    jimbohd54 Member Posts: 8
    #8
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    more tests
    William, Thanks for all the information. My Father-in-law will be getting more tests, ordered by his NEW oncologist. I will post more,when I know more. Thanks again, Jim
  • rtaustin
    rtaustin Member Posts: 1
    #9
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    unknown said:

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    Any advice on how to procede?
    My Father in-law was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last year and has since had his esophagus removed. The doctors considered him their miracle patient since he was recovering so well and was living so fully.

    Yesterday we learned the cancer had returned.

    We're kind of at a loss for where to begin now, this second time around. Tests are still being done and the doctors will have their recommendations soon. We want to keep hope. Do you have any advice?

    I don't think they can do further surgery...? and he's so skinny already that I worry if his body can handle another round of chemo. I notice you had some tips on 'bulking up' -- they may not apply since this is the second time around, but I'd be interesting to know what they are.

    Thank you. Kindly.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #10
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    rtaustin said:

    Any advice on how to procede?
    My Father in-law was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last year and has since had his esophagus removed. The doctors considered him their miracle patient since he was recovering so well and was living so fully.

    Yesterday we learned the cancer had returned.

    We're kind of at a loss for where to begin now, this second time around. Tests are still being done and the doctors will have their recommendations soon. We want to keep hope. Do you have any advice?

    I don't think they can do further surgery...? and he's so skinny already that I worry if his body can handle another round of chemo. I notice you had some tips on 'bulking up' -- they may not apply since this is the second time around, but I'd be interesting to know what they are.

    Thank you. Kindly.

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • JimsBrother
    JimsBrother Member Posts: 94
    #11
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    unclaw2002 said:

    Jim,
    I must caution you
    Jim,

    I must caution you about HMO medical insurance for seniors and how they refuse to provide second opinions or medical services out of network unless you create huge waves. My father was 78 and instead of being on medicare with his military TRICARE for life supplemental insurance he was talked into signing up for a Humana Gold Plan --- because it gave him a health club membership at no cost and he thought that was a great idea.

    If he had had Medicare he would have had no insurance problems for the most part. With Humana they refused to allow him to get a second opinion at a major cancer center, not merely refusing to allow him a second opinion at an esophageal cancer center. They offered him a second opinion at a local hospital down the road. Absolutely absurb. My dad's primary care physican and even his oncologist ordered the second opinion at Sloan in NY --- and my dad traveled at his own expense and saw the doctors. I must say the second opinion from Sloan entirely changed my dad's treatment plan and may have saved his life.

    Even with the efforts of his doctors and the information about how valuable the second opinion was and how essential it was to his care because of the rare cancer and my efforts and information as well, Humana refused to allow the second opinion at Sloan and refused to pay for it. We were fortunate that Sloan reduced some of the charges and that our family has the financial resources to pay for this second opinion. But it didn't stop there.

    Given the treatment of my dad by humana, the advice of some medical professionals and others, the family decided that it would be better to be on Medicare, I was able to cancel the Humana health insurance policy and get my dad on Medicare so that he doesn't have to deal with the horrible HMO process. You may have some problems because there may be enrollment issues and open window dates (we were lucky we were within the official cancellation timeframe). But in talking to the Insurance Commissioner of my State and the Medicare folks I am certain that if Humana had refused to allow him to change his policy to Medicare that we would have been able to get it down even if it took a few extra months.

    I might add that I also think that his cancer could have been diagnosed earlier as well - he went in over a year and a half before his final diagonosis complaining of swallowing and digestive problems --- but was ignored. In fact they even put a camera in his stomach to do a stomach emptying test and didn't check his esophagus - unbelievable. Just kept telling him he wasn't chewing his food properly.

    Good luck. And if you have any questions don't hestitate to ask or send me an email on this site or at collinscin@gmail.com

    Best,
    Cindy

    Hit the nail on the head
    Cindy, you did your homework before replying to Jim's post, excellent job.

    Kaiser is not a medical facility, it is a insurance company. They sell Medicare advantage type policies. Without knowing exactly what coverage he has I can't determine the differences between Kaiser Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare.

    The first thing I would suggest is that Monday you get with your FIL and call Kaiser, see what your options are regarding the second opinion, and what facilities you are able to seek your treatment from. Second, get on the phone with Medicare and see if you would be better off changing from Kaiser. Be very careful to examine the differences, especially with regards to the prescription plan you may have with Kaiser, and the Medicare part D. The donut hole can be very costly when it comes to the drugs he may need. That is the coverage gap between 2500 and 4000 in prescription costs of which you pay 100%. Don't quote me on the amounts I used, they are not exact but close.

    There are pro's and con's when selecting Medicare, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Advantage plans. You may want to speak with a insurance agent licensed in California. I have found AARP is a fantastic source of information, and there are advocates that will also help you with Medicare questions. I believe you may change insurance companies under a lifetime single exemption, if you are outside the yearly time periods, that would be something else you may need to know.

    I wish I could give you more specific information, since I am in NY, what is available here may not be available there. Beware of anyone that tells you to cancel the coverage you have and sign up with another company. I made that mistake and it was months before I was able to get things straightened out between Medicare and the so called better coverage.

    Good luck, I hope your FIL gets the treatment he needs without the headache of having to worry about his insurance coverage too.

    If we only had a president that would reform the medical coverage in this country and make it better. The operative wording "make it better", unfortunately I think we are all in for a big surprise as time goes by, but that is for another discussion.

    Once again, best of luck to your FIL, and If I can help at all, please feel free to message me here.

    Rob
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #12
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    JimsBrother said:

    Hit the nail on the head
    Cindy, you did your homework before replying to Jim's post, excellent job.

    Kaiser is not a medical facility, it is a insurance company. They sell Medicare advantage type policies. Without knowing exactly what coverage he has I can't determine the differences between Kaiser Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare.

    The first thing I would suggest is that Monday you get with your FIL and call Kaiser, see what your options are regarding the second opinion, and what facilities you are able to seek your treatment from. Second, get on the phone with Medicare and see if you would be better off changing from Kaiser. Be very careful to examine the differences, especially with regards to the prescription plan you may have with Kaiser, and the Medicare part D. The donut hole can be very costly when it comes to the drugs he may need. That is the coverage gap between 2500 and 4000 in prescription costs of which you pay 100%. Don't quote me on the amounts I used, they are not exact but close.

    There are pro's and con's when selecting Medicare, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Advantage plans. You may want to speak with a insurance agent licensed in California. I have found AARP is a fantastic source of information, and there are advocates that will also help you with Medicare questions. I believe you may change insurance companies under a lifetime single exemption, if you are outside the yearly time periods, that would be something else you may need to know.

    I wish I could give you more specific information, since I am in NY, what is available here may not be available there. Beware of anyone that tells you to cancel the coverage you have and sign up with another company. I made that mistake and it was months before I was able to get things straightened out between Medicare and the so called better coverage.

    Good luck, I hope your FIL gets the treatment he needs without the headache of having to worry about his insurance coverage too.

    If we only had a president that would reform the medical coverage in this country and make it better. The operative wording "make it better", unfortunately I think we are all in for a big surprise as time goes by, but that is for another discussion.

    Once again, best of luck to your FIL, and If I can help at all, please feel free to message me here.

    Rob

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

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