Is there anywhere to turn when.... - Page 4

Mindy D · ‎05-23-2010

@Mom2Dogs When shopping for a new policy, cancer . Net has a checklist of what to look for in the policy

Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

Who diagnosed her cancer? Where did she get a prescription for a lift chair? The people who diagnosed her cancer should have a social worker on staff who takes care of these things. One need a prescription for a lift chair if it is the kind doctors recommend for end-stage cancer patients.

what kind of treatment does she need? Are you talking about chemotherapy or pain drugs or just what? These are issues that should be addressed by the doctor who made the diagnosis or the oncologist to whom she was sent.

There are some treatments and I know from my own medical care, that no insurance will pay for. I had to pay for my chemotherapy when I was nonambulatory with multiple sclerosis because the treatment was not approved by FDA at that time and it was not approved by my insurance company later. We sold our house in order to pay for it.

I had a lawyer friend with stage IV lung cancer (not from smoking but we won't address the reason she had it) and her insurance company only paid for some of her care. She realized it was a moot point to pursue litigation and she died without treatment. We don't live in a perfect world. In socialist countries, there is very little care for cancer at certain ages and stages.

Right now I cannot get treatment from an immunologist for immunoglobulins that I need because no immunologist will see me with my insurance and my hematologist and endocrinologist cannot get my insurance company to pay for the treatment, so I don't get it. There are, sometimes, reasons that insurance companies do not pay for some treatment. I don't know this person's whole situation as I am not her doctor or her social worker, but social worker with her doctor is where she should start.

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

@Mom2Dogs

Have your friend check in to the Healthwell Foundation dot org.

They have government grants for the 'underinsured' for many diseases/drugs, their motto is "When health insurance is not enough".

I currently use one of their grants for my Prolia (osteoporosis) which with my insurance still costs $1,500 a vial, every 6 months.

I hope they have a grant which can help your friend, their website is very user friendly!

Removed link requesting donations

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@KingstonsMom Thank you, While researching last night I came across the grant information...my friend has passed everyone's advice/information to another family member so that they can help their sibling get some much needed help...I appreciate all the replies.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@bikerbabe ...the issue is there is no treatment - because of her insurance (which I guess covers very little) she has yet to begin any treatments.

She has been given a lot of advice, my last comment to the friend is some one else beside the patient needs to step in and help her out with going thru all options....sooner rather than later.

@Mom2Dogs this is just my personal opnion, unless you want to step in and become her patient advocate, relay the information here and step away. When things go south, you'll be the one blamed for it.

willomenia · ‎07-31-2011

@Silkeej wrote:
You would think the American Cancer Society would be helpful but they really are not. I have a friend who had breast cancer and they limited the number of rides she could get from them for her treatments. I couldn't believe it when she told me. Lucky for her she has loving friends who all pitched in to help her get to her radiation appointments. We were and are very disgusted with the American Cancer Society that was wrong.

american cancer society is the WORST organization going. I wouldn't ever give them money.

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@CelticCrafter Yes, you are correct, I am not interested in being to involved in this situation...my friend has the info that was given to me here plus other information I gave her about getting assistance with meds....it's now in her hands.

Imaoldhippie · ‎06-10-2015

@Mom2Dogs ...............why cant she get Medicaid?

BE THE PERSON YOUR DOG THINKS YOU ARE! (unknown)

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@Imaoldhippie ...since I am not related ...just a friend of a friend - I am not sure but I expect they have to much money - ..possibly you have to be near the poverty line in order to get benefits, I am not sure. I do know that she appealed the denial.

Ladybug724 · ‎03-12-2010

@willomenia wrote:
@Silkeej wrote:
You would think the American Cancer Society would be helpful but they really are not. I have a friend who had breast cancer and they limited the number of rides she could get from them for her treatments. I couldn't believe it when she told me. Lucky for her she has loving friends who all pitched in to help her get to her radiation appointments. We were and are very disgusted with the American Cancer Society that was wrong.
american cancer society is the WORST organization going. I wouldn't ever give them money.

The CEO makes about a million dollars a year in salary and compensation. Disgusting.