Tim

[texacoll]

Hi my name is Tim.  3 weeks ago, after a week and a half of severe abdominal pains, I went to ER & ended up being hospitalized and having surgery.  My appendix was removed as was part of my colon, as this was colon cancer.  I had no idea.  I've seen an oncologist and he has diagnosed me with Stage III, just about Stage IV (he said; call it stage IV, he ultimately did as the lymph nodes and cancer cells have busted through the colon wall).  I'm 22 days out of surgery and the oncologist says I must wait 8 weeks for chemo (Forfox).  He said I have only a 20% chance of a cure but that"s at least A chance.  Kind of like sending your worst hitting pitcher up to pinch hit but, hey, it COULD happen.  Anyway, we know this is VERY expensive.  And I've discovered I want to live.  I want to give that pitcher a chance at a single, at least.

Here's the kicker:  I do NOT have health insurance.  I was self-employed, at home, doing medical transcription but I only made a few hundred a month, living with my mother.  I've suffered from agoraphobia, panic attacks and depression, sometimes severe, for over twenty years.  At some point I should have gotten disability but never did; I was too proud, but that's spilt milk.

Can anyone steer me anywhere where I can obtain assistance?  I've contacted the state's indigent health care program in my county.  I've contacted SSI and am working on Medicaid; I have an interview for the 6th of September.  Completed SSA-3368, for disability.  The hospital social workers said the indigent plan would be my best shot at Shivers, with no money.  The oncologist was doubtful and said I may end up in M.D. Anderson or Galveston.  And I'm confused, scared and pretty desperate.

Can anyone point me to an organization or place I can contact to try and get health care for this chemo?  Any and all help would be greatly appreciated beyond your wildest dreams.  Thank you.

[DonnaH]

(((Tim)))

First off, you have every bit of sympathy from me. My situation wasn't nearly so dire, even though I knew my cancer had progressed. Like you, though, the financial situation scared me (well, us really) no end. When there's no income or insurance, you're really at the mercy of the Fates it seems.

Where are you located? If you're in Waco, have you contacted Bill at Community Cancer Association? If not, that's one place I'd try because that was a life saver for my husband and me when we started getting help. They help with prescription costs, medical supplies, and travel related to a patient's cancer treatment. 254-202-8082. If you're not in McLennan County, you might still want to call him  because I would bet there's a network of groups like that across the state and he would know who they are.

One thing my radiation oncologist (at Fentress Cancer Center) told me was that if we ended up doing chemo (and we haven't had to yet) I would be admitted to a hospital for the duration because they would have to absorb the cost. Essentially the hospital would take that cost and the chemo doctor would then bill pretty much for his time.

Please keep us posted on what happens. We know just  how scary this can be even when the financial side of things isn't an issue.

[texacoll]

Donna,

Thank you for every word and sentiment.  Much appreciated.

I'm in Elgin, about 20 miles east of Austin, in Bastrop County.  Have sort of always called Austin home since it's so near. 

I might give Bill in Waco a call.  Thanks for the information.  I'm sure there are programs out there for people like me and will attempt to find them.

Thanks again,

TRB

[DonnaH]

Donna,

Thank you for every word and sentiment.  Much appreciated.

I'm in Elgin, about 20 miles east of Austin, in Bastrop County.  Have sort of always called Austin home since it's so near. 

I might give Bill in Waco a call.  Thanks for the information.  I'm sure there are programs out there for people like me and will attempt to find them.

Thanks again,

TRB

Tim,

Seriously do give Bill a call. What I found out when I began looking is that you want to utilize every contact and resource that you come across. These groups can be very well networked and once you get in with someone, you tend to get referred to the place(s) you need. I was on a hamster wheel for a couple of months just trying to find out WHO I needed to see...I would never have dreamed it was an Ear, Nose, Throat doctor who would ultimately do the surgery on my tongue.

Bill was a tremendous source for us. Really nice guy to talk to and is still who I'd go to if I need help getting pointed in the right direction.

Have you contacted Livestrong? I know with Lance Armstrong's home being down there, there might well be a source they could recommend. http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2660611/k.BCED/Home.htm if you haven't gotten them on the web yet.

[texacoll]

We will call Bill, Donna.  It's a good idea.  I cannot thank you enough.  And I just logged on the Armstrong site and am looking around.

You are good people.  Thanks so much (although I'm not saying goodbye ).

[DonnaH]

We will call Bill, Donna.  It's a good idea.  I cannot thank you enough.  And I just logged on the Armstrong site and am looking around.

You are good people.  Thanks so much (although I'm not saying goodbye ).

Tim,

Hopefully I've been able to help you some. Please do drop back in and let us know how your search went and how things are going.