Been a long time...for many things

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keepnthefaith
keepnthefaith Member Posts: 36
in Colorectal Cancer #1
I became a member here when I was diagnosed with cancer, but am mostly just a "stalker". Now I feel a need to vent (if nothing else).I was diagnosed with Stage III rectal cancer in 2008, had surgery, radiation and 6 months of chemo. All my checkups, labs, scans and colonoscopies (polyps found and removed last time) have been clear up thru last year. I have not had anything done in over a year, including visiting my oncologist due to no longer having health insurance. I really don't have the finances to pay for all the follow up testing, etc that should be done. I did find a place that will do a colonoscopy for a set price and I am waiting to hear back from them for my appt. The crazy thing is that every ache and pain I have brings on anxiety that it somehow might be cancer, when I know that it is just normal stuff. Right now I am suffering with lots of pelvic pain that even wakes me from sleep. Even if I did have all the recommended tests, etc. I could not afford treatment if cancer was found again. I am in a very difficult position. I guess if anyone knows of a place or way to get tests (lab / ct scan) I would appreciate the info.
I hate cancer.
But even so, I am still "keepnthefaith"

Comments

  • relaxoutdoors08
    relaxoutdoors08 Member Posts: 521 Member
    #2
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    Thinking of You
    Hello,
    My heart hurts for you and others who do not have health care coverage. I owe my life to the Health Care Reform which provided cancer screenings for women which included a colonoscopy. Saved my life so far. I did a google search and if one lives in New York State one can get the tests and treatment under the Cancer Partnership Program. Can you check with your oncologist to see if there is a similar program where you live. Also can you check with a National Cancer Center to see if they have a similar program in your area.

    Hopefully someone who is more experienced will check in soon with more information. I share your feelings every time I too have aches and pains and understand how valuable those tests are to reassure oneself that everything is OK. Prayers for you.
    NB
  • thingy45
    thingy45 Member Posts: 632 Member
    #3
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    relaxoutdoors08 said:

    Thinking of You
    Hello,
    My heart hurts for you and others who do not have health care coverage. I owe my life to the Health Care Reform which provided cancer screenings for women which included a colonoscopy. Saved my life so far. I did a google search and if one lives in New York State one can get the tests and treatment under the Cancer Partnership Program. Can you check with your oncologist to see if there is a similar program where you live. Also can you check with a National Cancer Center to see if they have a similar program in your area.

    Hopefully someone who is more experienced will check in soon with more information. I share your feelings every time I too have aches and pains and understand how valuable those tests are to reassure oneself that everything is OK. Prayers for you.
    NB

    So sorry
    So sorry to hear about insurance difficulties. Then I am blessed to live in Canada and before that in Holland.

    Me also, everytime I have an ache or a pain that last longer then an hour I am so worried and that causes more pains and aches.
    I try to be positive, but that is not always possible. I stay a worryward, and then I read the posts and am glad I am not the only one, who worries.
    Your pelvic pain could also be from the uteris etc.

    I send prayers and positive fibes your way for a clean bill of health.
    Marjan
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #4
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    So sorry
    I don't know the answer, but I want to wish you well. I hope someone will have a great answer for you!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • Minnesotagirl
    Minnesotagirl Member Posts: 141
    #5
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    Stage 3 Rectal Cancer also
    Hi Keepnthefaith,

    First of all, I am so sorry that you don't have insurance. I can't imagine how frightening that is...and yes, you are in a difficult situation. I too struggle with being scared of every ache and pain. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer at age 49 in September, 2010. My treatment was very similar to yours. I am now dealing with a nondisplaced fracture of the sacra ala (hip) due to radiation. Gives me plenty of time to sit and read.

    I don't know if these will help you but I found these numbers for you...Colorectal Careline 1 866 657 8634 and the Lance Armstrong Foundation at 1 866 673 7205. I found them while reviewing an old post from LizzieDavis posted here 3/26/2010.

    I do think you should have a colonoscopy or maybe even a colography (even if you have to borrow money) because you will worry constantly until you know the truth of what your pelvic pain is. Best of luck to you and I will certainly add you to my prayer list here in Minnesota. Blessings~

    Minnesotagirl
  • Buckwirth
    Buckwirth Member Posts: 1,258 Member
    #6
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    What State
    are you in? They each offer different programs and there may be one local to you that one of us is aware of.

    Have you looked into the federal program for those with a pre-existing condition? Again, some are state managed, so it matters where you live.

    Hope you find some assistance,

    Blake
  • keepnthefaith
    keepnthefaith Member Posts: 36
    #7
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    Thanks to all who responded
    Thanks to all who responded and most especially thanks for the prayers!! I will follow up on the leads to see what I can find out. I had a complete hysterectomy years ago so I know the pelvic pain is not from that. I live in Texas and am really not sure what my state offers in the way of assistance. I am planning on calling my oncologist next week to see what they may know.
  • Buckwirth
    Buckwirth Member Posts: 1,258 Member
    #8
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    keepnthefaith said:

    Thanks to all who responded
    Thanks to all who responded and most especially thanks for the prayers!! I will follow up on the leads to see what I can find out. I had a complete hysterectomy years ago so I know the pelvic pain is not from that. I live in Texas and am really not sure what my state offers in the way of assistance. I am planning on calling my oncologist next week to see what they may know.

    Here you go
    Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan: Texas


    The plan looks pretty good, about what I have through my former employer.

    Good luck!
  • TXBCCS
    TXBCCS Member Posts: 1
    #9
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    Contact BCCS Program
    We received an email to follow-up with you regarding your post from the NY Department of Health. My name is Tiffany. I am with the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) in Texas. You may contact our office at (512) 776-7796 so that we may be able to put you in contact with a provider that is in your area who may be able to get you in for a low-cost to no cost screening pap, mammogram, or other services needed. If you would like to visit our website, the address is: www.dshs.state.tx.us. If you feel that it would be easier to go straight to a BCCS provider and get a pelvic screening you may visit www.bccstexas.com and click on the map in the area that is closest to you, or scroll down the list and look for the provider that is closest to you. The websites included will also help you to learn more about our programs in Texas and other programs that we collaborate with such as the LiveSTRONG and the American Cancer Society (will direct you to the links for the other programs). If you have any questions you may email the BCCS program at bccsprogram@dshs.state.tx.us or call the number I listed above.

    Thanks,
    Tiffany
  • csebesta
    csebesta Member Posts: 1
    #10
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    keepnthefaith said:

    Thanks to all who responded
    Thanks to all who responded and most especially thanks for the prayers!! I will follow up on the leads to see what I can find out. I had a complete hysterectomy years ago so I know the pelvic pain is not from that. I live in Texas and am really not sure what my state offers in the way of assistance. I am planning on calling my oncologist next week to see what they may know.

    More about Texas PCIP
    Just wanted to add my two cents worth. I have been on the Texas PCIP program for almost a year after my cancer recurrence. I have had(so far)a wonderful experience with this group. Of course premiums are higher than many are used to, but as you know, just a few tests and treatments are much, much more! There has been no problem w/ them paying claims so far. The mail order pharmacy for my Xeloda is extremely efficient. The company also has a cancer care management program at no additional charge. Very personable oncology nurses will call/email every few weeks to see how you're doing, any questions, concerns, etc. I have also gotten some co-pay assistance w/ my chemo meds that helps.

    By the way, I'm in Georgetown.

    Sending prayers and best wishes your way!

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