H1N1 Flu Season

ninetoes

Hey everyone, it has been a while since I posted. I have been dealing with my brother, he has lost sight in the left eye, hearing in the left ear, dizzy spells,vomiting,and bad headaches. I'm taking him today for a MRI of the brain, doc thinks he has a tumor. The bad part is he has no insurance. I hope the doc is wrong. Any ideas where my brother can go with out insurance would be helpful.

Anyway, has anyone here dealt with the flu and chemo? I work for the Archdiocese Of Chicago and they were called in by government officials to discuss the up and coming flu season. My boss has suggested I work from home during the flu season. They are predicting many cases here in Illinois. Does anyone know how long it takes for your blood counts to go up after chemo? I'm on my 7th treatment of 12, so I won't be done until the middle of November. I think flu season goes from October - April?


Anyway, any help would be appreciated.

Dave

PhillieG

Hi Dave
Sorry to hear about your brother. I'm not sure about this but I don't think hospitals can turn people away if they can't pay. there must be someplace to get more info on this. Maybe the Cancer Institute of America? People on this site are full of knowledge, I'm pretty sure someone will have some ideas on that issue.

Now, to the flu. I have never had a flu shot. I've been on chemo 5 1/2 years and never had the flu. I've rarely caught a cold even. I think the chemo kills everything. I have not had the usual immune system issues that many people get. This year though, I'm more concerned than in the past. I spoke with my Onc's team about the flu shot and they said we will talk more about it when the shots come in. I think the jury is still out on it. Some on here are for it, others are not. I don't know about the blood counts since I have never had any low blood count issues. I think if you could work form home that might be a good idea though.
Sorry I was much help with answers.
-p

Patteee

Here in Mpls I would say
Here in Mpls I would say that Hennepin County Medical Center would be his best bet for care without insurance. - not sure what is available in Chicago, I am guessing most county hospitals will work with him. BTW- they are still very good hospitals- HCMC is a trauma hospital with outstanding doctors. If it is cancer/tumor, work with his doctor on getting him on medical assistance or MA.

If you have the opportunity to work from home during chemo and flu season, I say go for it. This swine flu isn't expected to take a normal path at all. So the dates of past seasons aren't much help. The only time my WBC were an issue was after treatment one where they hit the gutter. Never had an issue with them after that. I also got a flu shot and pneumonia shot and took huge precautions while on chemo- I worked at home as much as possible (I am a teacher) and basically wiped down everything with lysol many times a day. Steering wheel, gear shift, door handles, phone, pencils, pens, tables- and it helped, did not have the flu or a cold last year! Think I am going to continue to be like this- kinda nice not being sick with the crud!

PamPam2

ins
Hi Dave.
I didn't have any insurance either. When you go to the hospital, they have social workers that can help you find resources. The hospitals have special monies (Hillburton sp?) that can help with hospital expenses. I wound up qualifying for Social Security, there is SSI and SSDI and when you qualify for these, you qualify for medicaid. Any public funded, university hospital has to take you, I go to the James cancer center at Ohio State University hospitals, and have received good care. As far as the flu, some people are more susceptable than others, the most important thing you can do it wash, wash, wash your hands. I carried hand sanitizer too. I worked in a very public place on my off chemo weeks, did not get sick, but if you can work from home that could be a good idea too. Best hopes for you and your brother.
Pam