Stage IV and no health insurance Help!

texacol · New User Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Texas

Hi my name is Tim. I have Stage IV colon cancer and am a bit desperate as well as being sad and scared. Real quick: A little over 3 weeks ago, on August 5, after being sick with abdominal pains for over a week, I went to an ER, had an assessment and a CT scan and was admitted to the hospital, where I underwent emergency surgery the next day, August 6. The surgeon found that a colon cancer tumor had attacked the appendix, and he removed the appendix AND part of my colon, on the right side. Colon cancer. I was in the hospital 9 days recovering from the surgery, and on Wednesday, August 27, I saw an oncologist. He told me I had stage IV colon cancer and the cancer cells had busted through the colon wall along with many lymph nodes and was in the lymphatic system. Hasn’t settled in another organ yet, but he feels it’s inevitable, so he calls it state IV. Even though he estimates my chances for a cure at only 20%, there’s a chance, and even I had to admit that a small chance IS a chance. He wants me to have chemo (FORFOX) every 2 weeks beginning around October 1, 8 weeks after surgery, which I’m still recovering from.

Here’s the kicker: I don’t have health insurance. I have been suffering from depression and agoraphobia and panic attacks for over twenty years. I had a job transcribing medical dictation at home, but it only paid a few hundred dollars a month. I live with my mother and between what I made and her social security, etc., we don’t have much at all. I know now I should have applied for disability for the mental problems long ago, but was too proud. But that is spilt milk.

I live in a small town in Texas, right outside Austin. These chemo treatments and other charges are, as you know, terribly expensive. It’s a small chance, but one I want to take. I want to live if possible. I need these chemo treatments.

If anyone knows of social services or programs I can get into/contact/get help from to get chemo, I would appreciate whatever information more than you can imagine. Texas has a health program for indigents and I’ve contacted them and have an appointment. I’ve contacted SSI and am trying to get disability and Medicaid. But I’m very worried and a bit desperate. Any other source of help, I don’t know who else to contact. It’s only been 23 days since I knew I had cancer, only 2 since I knew it was stage IV, and I just don’t know where to turn. I thank you in advance for any information anyone can give me. Very much appreciated.

DJL · Regular Joined: 26 Apr 2008 Posts: 14

Tim,

I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and situation.

Perhaps the American Cancer Society would have some suggestions on where to look for help.

I wish you the best.

Hugs,
DJL
_________________
55 year old Female
Diagnosed with rectal cancer 10/02/2007
Chemo & Radiation
Permanent Colostomy & Rectum Removed 01/21/2008

DJL · Regular Joined: 26 Apr 2008 Posts: 14

Tim,

I came across this website today and thought of you.

It says:
"If you or someone you know has any type of cancer please contact us as we are more than willing to help in anyway possible."

http://www.inspire.com/lorie/journal/any-one-who-does-not-have-insurance-and-needs-help/#replies

Hugs,
DJL
_________________
55 year old Female
Diagnosed with rectal cancer 10/02/2007
Chemo & Radiation
Permanent Colostomy & Rectum Removed 01/21/2008

texacol · New User Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Texas

Thank you so much. I have lots to pursue and am trying.

I am 54, too, btw! Thank you.

REB

Maybe this will help;
[url]http://www.ehow.com/how_2352454_texas-low-income-no-insurance.html[/url]

And I found this;

You may be eligible to obtain health insurance from the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool, if you: (1) have been denied health insurance by at least two private companies, or (2) have access to insurance but it won't cover pre-existing conditions, or the rates charged are higher than the Pool's rates or (3) have been without employer-sponsored coverage for less than 63 days after having had such coverage for at least 18 months. In addition to these limits, people with certain conditions (including cancer) will automatically be accepted for coverage. The coverage costs about 50% more than other commercially available coverage. To obtain more information on the plan, contact the Texas Department of Insurance.

Taken from here:
[url]http://www.cprit.state.tx.us/candlaw/CAL98.html[/url]

I am sorry you are having to go through this. Don't give up hope.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor and Temporary Colostomy
Started Chemotherapy 11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil) and leucovorin, oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
Last Chemo treatment 04-09-08, Colostomy Reversal 04-28-08 Age:41

nightowl · New User Joined: 26 Aug 2008 Posts: 4

What about Texas state medicaid program? Some states have funding programs for low-income folks in need of food, housing, or medical. It would probably be the same office where one would apply for food stamps. You could also look into legal aid to try and push a disability app through quickly.

chas036

They can not deny you treatment. It is your god given right as a tax paying citizen, even if you don't work. If you are poor, you should be able to get on public assistance and get medic aide. IT's your right.

Being that you live in Texas, you probably see the invasion of illegals first hand and you know that they get all the treatment they want without any questions asked. If hospitals or doctors give you hard time, bring up the fact that illegal immigrants can get treatment, then why can't I.

Situations like yours really upset me. US citizens that don't have insurance are turned away from treatment, but yet illegals can get all the treatment they want without questions asked.
_________________
Biospy 4/2007 - 2/12 <%5 Cancer Gleason 6
RP 9/25/2007 Uni Rochester, NY
Gleason 6, Negative Margins

brainman

Cancer qualifies a person for disability and medicare too. Look into it if you are in the US and cannot work because of cancer.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

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