Dear Preet27

This is absolutely one letter that I am helpless to answer.  If you are a citizen of the United States, then I suggest you contact your local member of the House of Representatives for the state in which you live.  The first reference below gives an alphabetical list of states.  I’ve looked at a couple of Visitor insurance plans, and that is something your mother would have had to purchase prior to her visiting here as I understand it.  Here in this country no emergency room turns away a patient who comes in for emergency treatment, but it doesn’t guarantee that the person will continue to be cared for.  Usually they are advised to “contact their medical doctor” and then the patient returns home.  Follow-up care is made with a general practitioner of that person’s choosing. 

I’m truly sorry about your mom’s diagnosis of Peritoneal Cancer.  You say you have “no one in India”, yet you say she is visiting you from India.  If she returns to India, will she be able to receive free health care?  Or do people in India buy insurance just like we do here in the states?  In any event, occasionally we’ve spoken with patients from India and I know there are some good doctors there.  My only suggestion is if you are unable to get medical care for your mom here, but if she is eligible for medical care in India, with a diagnosis of Peritoneal Cancer, then that would seem to be preferable to have her return there.  I have included a reference that will familiarize you with Peritoneal Cancer.  If you are like most of us, often we have never heard of the type of cancer we find ourselves diagnosed with.  It is hoped that at least this might be of some help. 

I’m really sorry for both you and your mom.  This is the first time anyone has written about a problem like this.  For questions about charity hospitals for non-citizens, the best source of information I believe would be to contact the Congressman/Congresswoman in your particular district, wherever you live. 

Sincerely,

Loretta Marshall, PeritonealCarcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer Stage IV

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1.      http://www.webmd.com/cancer/peritoneal-cancer-prognosis-symptoms-treatments#1

Peritoneal Cancer - IN THIS ARTICLE

Peritoneal cancer is a rare cancer. It develops in a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen. It also covers the uterus, bladder, and rectum. Made of epithelial cells, this structure is called the peritoneum. It produces a fluid that helps organs move smoothly inside the abdomen.

Peritoneal cancer is not the same as intestinal or stomach cancer. Nor is it to be confused with cancers that spread (metastasize) to the peritoneum. Peritoneal cancer starts in the peritoneum, and hence is called primary peritoneal cancer.

The Link Between Peritoneal and Ovarian Cancers

Peritoneal cancer acts and looks like ovarian cancer. This is mainly because the surface of the ovaries is made of epithelial cells, as is the peritoneum. Therefore, peritoneal cancer and a type of ovarian cancer cause similar symptoms. Doctors also treat them in much the same way.

Despite its similarities with ovarian cancer, you can have peritoneal cancer even if your ovaries have been removed. Peritoneal cancer can occur anywhere in the abdominal space. It affects the surface of organs contained inside the peritoneum. 

The causes of peritoneal cancer are unknown. However, there are different theories about how it begins. Some believe it comes from ovarian tissue implants left in the abdomen during fetal development. Others think the peritoneum undergoes changes that make it more like the ovaries.

Risks of Peritoneal Cancer

Primary peritoneal cancer is more common in women than in men. Women at risk for ovarian cancer are also at increased risk for peritoneal cancer. This is even more likely if you have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations. Older age is another risk factor for peritoneal cancer.

Peritoneal Cancer Symptoms

Just as with ovarian cancer, peritoneal cancer can be hard to detect in the early stages. That's because its symptoms are vague and hard to pinpoint. When clear symptoms do occur, the disease has often progressed. Then, symptoms resemble those of ovarian cancer. Many of these symptoms are due to buildup of fluid (ascites) in the abdomen. Peritoneal cancer symptoms may include:

• Abdominal discomfort or pain from gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, or cramps
• Feeling of fullness, even after a light meal
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Rectal bleeding

• Shortness of breath…
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2.       https://www.house.gov/representatives/

Directory of Representatives

Also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. The number of voting representatives in the House is fixed by law at no more than 435, proportionally representing the population of the 50 states. Currently, there are five delegates representing the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. A resident commissioner represents Puerto Rico. Learn more about representatives at The House Explained...

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