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worried

pmacdona1
pmacdona1 CSN Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
1 week out with radical mastectomy of left and simple of right breast; 2 of 3 drains were removed on the 23rd. I have not been able to keep appointments for home health aides/visiting nurse/therapist at $40.00 a visit! Also worried not able to keep up with bills, utilities, car payments and rent!!!!
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  • LynnKT
    LynnKT CSN Member Posts: 47
    #2
    I know it can all seem
    I know it can all seem really overwhelming at first. Just realize that it will get better! I had a bilateral mast. in Nov '09. Everything looked so huge at first. Just take some deep breaths and give yourself time to recover. I will be praying for you. It will get better.
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  • mariam_11_09
    mariam_11_09 CSN Member Posts: 691 Member
    #3
    Is there something specific


    Is there something specific the home health aides and visiting nurses do that a friend can't? I am not sure of your situation. I had my mother help me out for several weeks after a mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. While I was able to shower on my own I needed help taping up the drains and it was a confort knowing there was an adult there in case anything happened. SHe also helped with dressing the incission on my stomach when I got infection and various other things including many doctor's appointments at $30 a visit.

    As for bills, I only paid what was necessary after surgery, such as rent, I didn't want to think too much about it, I just wanted to heal. It has been 3 months since my surgery and I am now catching up on the payments (utilities etc) including the co-payments, the clinic has setup a payment plan for me.

    Focus on healing, prioritise you bills and do what you can. It won't always be like this.

    Best wishes.
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  • sunny_girl
    sunny_girl CSN Member Posts: 33
    #4
    help
    Sorry to hear of your situation. There is a tremendous amount of financial and other help for women with breast cancer. You don't say where you live, but you should try any of the following sources:

    Komen Foundation: use the link below, find your local branch and click on "Grants"

    http://ww5.komen.org/affiliates.aspx


    American Cancer Society: call 1-800-227-2345 or use link below: put in zip code, click location, click "assistance"

    http://www.cancer.org/docroot/HOME/pff/pff_0.asp

    BCCTP - helps with insurance/ treatment for low income women - Google BCCTP with your state

    Wellness community: http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/


    This is a good start and should be able to provide help with all your needs.

    Good luck with everything.
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