Registered User
Got the news today that Medicaid will no longer cover Frank. With this said, we can not afford the cost of testing (blood work and scans). Has anyone gone without the continued testing for the full 5 years? He has been out of treatment just over a year, all his test since treatment have been all clear.
Are there any warning signs that we should watch for since he can no longer get the test done?
Jeanne
Frank
Diagnosed 01-2009
Right I/O 02-2009
Stage lll Seminoma, spread to lung and lymph nodes
Chemo started 03-16-2009 (3 x BEP)
5/18/2009 First All Clear
7/21/2010 All Clear continues
10/27/2010 All Clear
01/26/2011 All Clear
04/20/2011 All Clear
04/19/2012 All Clear
12/31/2012 All Clear
2/25/2013 Going to be a first time father - Girlfriend due 8/2013
Registered User
Unfortunately for pure seminoma, the only way to go about it is with scans and this follow-up should be done for at least 5 years. Bloodwork is mostly irrelevant, but the CT-scans and X-rays are necessary. There really is no other way to go about it. Are there any other options available for him to get coverage?
"Life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." -Ferris Bueller
11.22.06 -Dx the day before Thanksgiving
12.09.06 -Rt I/O; 100% seminoma, multifocal; Stage I-A; Surveillance; Six years out! Final follow-up: 07/2014.
Please support my fundraising efforts for the 2013 Austin LIVESTRONG Half Marathon!
Registered User
Fed- no other options at this time. Frank is working part time only and can't find a way to get him any type of insurance at this time.
Frank
Diagnosed 01-2009
Right I/O 02-2009
Stage lll Seminoma, spread to lung and lymph nodes
Chemo started 03-16-2009 (3 x BEP)
5/18/2009 First All Clear
7/21/2010 All Clear continues
10/27/2010 All Clear
01/26/2011 All Clear
04/20/2011 All Clear
04/19/2012 All Clear
12/31/2012 All Clear
2/25/2013 Going to be a first time father - Girlfriend due 8/2013
Administrator
I believe that in the past we have told folks to contact the American Cancer Society and The Lance Armstrong Foundation. I believe they have programs available. I know someone, Scott most likely, knows the contact points for this and will chime in soon.
Best,
Zsolt
Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another; "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." - C.S Lewis
“Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.” - C.S. Lewis
Mass found 11/20/08
Left I/O 11/25/08
Pathology: Seminoma, Stage 1
Surveillance: All Clear since
Registered User
I would definately call around. I found a local Cancer Organization -Beckstrand Foundation that helps people out. It's going to take some leg work, but well worth it.
~Mary Ann
CaregiverSon Josh 23yr Dx 3/5/08 IIIC NonSeminoma affected lung, kidney liver back & tumor/clots in vena cava & celiac artery 3/7/08 L I/O 3/30/08 PostOp surgery 4XEP (VP16 & Cisplatin) 3/12-5/25 LDH > 5000 & AFP 145 (3/5 pre-op) LDH 563 & AFP 4 (5/26 after 4Xchemo) off blood thinners 3/18/09 Surveillance per Dr E 8/4/08 *1/2012 ALL CLEAR!
Self 1/29/09 dx thyroid cancer metastasized to right lung 2/10 thyroid removd 4/17 rx RA131 5/11/10 &7/16/10. 1/12survellience
Moderator
This is what I've found so far for you....
http://www.ufscc.ufl.edu/Patient/con...urces&id=18850
Through the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center, they have accumulated a list of programs in your area that may be able to help.
I just gave this crazy advice to another person on the forum----Starbucks, Bath & Body Works, and various other large retail chains offer excellent health coverage through a group plan to employees and their families---even if you only work there part time. So, that's something to possibly look into as well. I had a friend who worked 10 hours a week and B&B Works just for the insurance, and another several friends in law school who worked about 15 hours a week at Starbucks for the insurance. Worth a shot, right?
Best wishes!!
Kat
_______________________________________________
Caregiver
DX 5/15/09
Left orchiectomy 5/22/09
60% embryonal, 40% seminoma, w/ VI, LI, T2 (CS-IB)
CTs clear, X-rays clear, blood markers normal
L-RPLND 7/14/09, San Antonio
3 nodes positive, 100% embryonal, N1 (PS-IIA)
2 rounds BEP August 24, 2009, Austin
Enlarged lymph nodes Oct 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Apr 10
All clear 10/01/10
Registered User
ok, I have not come across anything yet. Frank will need his next scan and chest x ray in July. I do hope I find something. I still have to make the call to the doctor to tell him that Frank no longer has any type of funding to continue his scans.
any and all help welcome..
Frank
Diagnosed 01-2009
Right I/O 02-2009
Stage lll Seminoma, spread to lung and lymph nodes
Chemo started 03-16-2009 (3 x BEP)
5/18/2009 First All Clear
7/21/2010 All Clear continues
10/27/2010 All Clear
01/26/2011 All Clear
04/20/2011 All Clear
04/19/2012 All Clear
12/31/2012 All Clear
2/25/2013 Going to be a first time father - Girlfriend due 8/2013
Registered User
You might try to negotiate with the doc, and the clinic(s) that do your xray/scans/blood work.
To read the bills I get makes me nuts: $5,000 CT scan, insurance pays $1,500, "Adjustment of $3000", balance $500 to me.
Well, if I had to pay cash, give me the same adjustment as you give the insurance company!! (And with my current employment issues, it may happen...)
Just a thought...
Moderator
Hi Frank's mom--
I just realized that I sent you the same link to the list of resources. I'm sorry! I would try calling the University of Florida directly, and calling the Patient Advocate Foundation. Did you try them yet? Let me know, and I'll keep working on it!
Kat
Caregiver
DX 5/15/09
Left orchiectomy 5/22/09
60% embryonal, 40% seminoma, w/ VI, LI, T2 (CS-IB)
CTs clear, X-rays clear, blood markers normal
L-RPLND 7/14/09, San Antonio
3 nodes positive, 100% embryonal, N1 (PS-IIA)
2 rounds BEP August 24, 2009, Austin
Enlarged lymph nodes Oct 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Apr 10
All clear 10/01/10
Moderator
Okay, try these folks too, and see what they can work out for you:
http://www.fcinewhope.com/index.php
Kat
Caregiver
DX 5/15/09
Left orchiectomy 5/22/09
60% embryonal, 40% seminoma, w/ VI, LI, T2 (CS-IB)
CTs clear, X-rays clear, blood markers normal
L-RPLND 7/14/09, San Antonio
3 nodes positive, 100% embryonal, N1 (PS-IIA)
2 rounds BEP August 24, 2009, Austin
Enlarged lymph nodes Oct 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Apr 10
All clear 10/01/10
Registered User
Thanks, I have emailed every site that I come across and that you all send me. Please keep the info coming.
Frank
Diagnosed 01-2009
Right I/O 02-2009
Stage lll Seminoma, spread to lung and lymph nodes
Chemo started 03-16-2009 (3 x BEP)
5/18/2009 First All Clear
7/21/2010 All Clear continues
10/27/2010 All Clear
01/26/2011 All Clear
04/20/2011 All Clear
04/19/2012 All Clear
12/31/2012 All Clear
2/25/2013 Going to be a first time father - Girlfriend due 8/2013
Moderator
Found another one!
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
http://www.cancerfac.org/
Kat
Caregiver
DX 5/15/09
Left orchiectomy 5/22/09
60% embryonal, 40% seminoma, w/ VI, LI, T2 (CS-IB)
CTs clear, X-rays clear, blood markers normal
L-RPLND 7/14/09, San Antonio
3 nodes positive, 100% embryonal, N1 (PS-IIA)
2 rounds BEP August 24, 2009, Austin
Enlarged lymph nodes Oct 09, Dec 09, Jan 10, Apr 10
All clear 10/01/10
Registered User
I also contacted the the We Believe Foundation. Keep the links coming. I am sure I will find him some type of help.
Frank
Diagnosed 01-2009
Right I/O 02-2009
Stage lll Seminoma, spread to lung and lymph nodes
Chemo started 03-16-2009 (3 x BEP)
5/18/2009 First All Clear
7/21/2010 All Clear continues
10/27/2010 All Clear
01/26/2011 All Clear
04/20/2011 All Clear
04/19/2012 All Clear
12/31/2012 All Clear
2/25/2013 Going to be a first time father - Girlfriend due 8/2013
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