Recently, my best friend was diagnosed with uterine cancer after her doctor removed a tumor and had a biopsy done. She has no money and no insurance to speak of so she can't even get tests to see how far it has progressed. Her doctor has been trying to go through different channels to find her some aide to pay for tests and treatment but has come up empty-handed and has basically informed her that she just needs to accept that she will die as nothing can be done.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on what she can do? I can't watch my friend slowly die because she doesn't have money.

Thanks!

[boots]

Clinical trials.

check to see if there are any phase II or III clinical trials on cancer drugs that she would qualify for. Check the NIH clinical trials web site to see where trials are available and what criteria this person needs to meet.

Also, checking with Pfizer directly might be worth while. They have an R&D facility in Ann Arbor, and I know they collaborate with the U of M hospital.

[RAILhead]

Tough one. Even if she were to land a great job with great benes, she has a pre-existing condition.

[cjrivera]

Public Aid?

Has she tried working with the hospital's social service worker?

[ort888]

Move to a Canada.

Seriously, this is just about the worst story I have ever heard. Our Health Care system makes me sick.

[Shaddim]

Originally Posted by ort888

Move to a Canada.

Seriously, this is just about the worst story I have ever heard. Our Health Care system makes me sick.

Like a friend of mine (who waited 16 months for treatment), she'd be dead before they got to her.

Check with the state and find out the programs that are available. In TN we have TennCare which pays for all medical treatment for those who make under a specific amount.

[boots]

Originally Posted by MacNStein

Like a friend of mine (who waited 16 months for treatment), she'd be dead before they got to her.

Check with the state and find out the programs that are available. In TN we have TennCare which pays for all medical treatment for those who make under a specific amount.

On that note, look here.

[ambush]

The sad thing is your friend isn't the only one.

[monkeybrain]

My God, I knew that the American health care system was bad, but I had no idea it let things like this happen.

My sympathies to you and your friend.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by ort888

Move to a Canada.

Seriously, this is just about the worst story I have ever heard. Our Health Care system makes me sick.

I agree, this story is just shocking. 350 Billion to "Rescue Iraq" but they can't perform cancer tests on their own citizens over money?

[Shaddim]

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet

I agree, this story is just shocking. 350 Billion to "Rescue Iraq" but they can't perform cancer tests on their own citizens over money?

Try reading the other posts in the thread, this has already been addressed. The vast majority of states have an indegent healthcare system in place, and that's where it should stay, at the state level. You guys want a bloated and ineffectual national health system, then that's your business. Just don't try and foist your failed programs on us.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by MacNStein

Try reading the other posts in the thread, this has already been addressed.

He conveniently skips those posts the debunk his rant, and goes on if nothing has happened.

But no one ever accused him of being smart.

[Athens]

Originally Posted by screamingFit

Recently, my best friend was diagnosed with uterine cancer after her doctor removed a tumor and had a biopsy done. She has no money and no insurance to speak of so she can't even get tests to see how far it has progressed. Her doctor has been trying to go through different channels to find her some aide to pay for tests and treatment but has come up empty-handed and has basically informed her that she just needs to accept that she will die as nothing can be done.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on what she can do? I can't watch my friend slowly die because she doesn't have money.

Thanks!

Called living in the wrong country when you can't afford insurance. Best bet charity organizations from what I understand there are many that attempt to help those in need for medical treatments.

I know, I know, I know - I shouldn't of posted something like this thinking there wouldn't be rants about the healthcare system, Canadians, etc. but, please - can you put it in another thread. This type of crap is what I don't feel like hearing right now. I am losing my best friend/ex-wife of over 15 years and don't need to wade through things like these that will make me feel worse than I already do.

To those with constructive ideas, many thanks for your input.

[Athens]

Originally Posted by screamingFit

I know, I know, I know - I shouldn't of posted something like this thinking there wouldn't be rants about the healthcare system, Canadians, etc. but, please - can you put it in another thread. This type of crap is what I don't feel like hearing right now. I am losing my best friend/ex-wife of over 15 years and don't need to wade through things like these that will make me feel worse than I already do.

To those with constructive ideas, many thanks for your input.

I did both

[cjrivera]

Have you looked into a hospital associated with a Medical school. They usually have free (or nearly free) clinics run by residents supervised by attendings. I know of several patients who were in a similar predicament that received good care from these types of clinics.

[Athens]

have you asked any doctors, free clinics of options, im sure they would know best.

[waxcrash]

As a last resort, she could rob a bank, or commit a felony and plead guilty right away. They get free health care in prisons.

[IceEnclosure]

Originally Posted by waxcrash

As a last resort, she could rob a bank, or commit a felony and plead guilty right away. They get free health care in prisons.

seconded.

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by MacNStein

Like a friend of mine (who waited 16 months for treatment), she'd be dead before they got to her.

Check with the state and find out the programs that are available. In TN we have TennCare which pays for all medical treatment for those who make under a specific amount.

You mean the state of Tennessee takes funds that it taxed from other Tennessee citizens and uses that to pay for health-care of those in Tennessee that can't afford it?
That sounds awfully Socialist to me. Are you sure you want to promote such an endeavor, being an anti-Socialist and all? That doesn't seem like the capitalist, market-based solution I would expect you to propose, being anti-Socialist.

[Mastrap]

Give it a rest with the ****ing bickering. This guy's friend is dying, he's after advice, not your political opinions.

[suprz's ghost]

As someone that has worked in the helthcare industry for over 15 years, I have to agreee with anyone here that believes the american healthcre system SUCKS!

We have the most qualified physicians and facilities BUT no one can afford them! talk about irony.......

having said that, contact your local state government and inquire as to the medicaid programs or the medicaid HMO programs. usually if you do not qualify for regular state medicaid, you can sometimes qualify for a "partial pay" Medicaid Program.
Also, have your friend contact your local television news station, and have them do some kind of story on her like...."local woman told she has to die because she has no health coverage" You watch the local politicians and physicians jump on this because they do not want the bad publicity in their state, and the politicians want to look good to their constituents.

anyways, good luck

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by screamingFit

I know, I know, I know - I shouldn't of posted something like this thinking there wouldn't be rants about the healthcare system, Canadians, etc. but, please - can you put it in another thread. This type of crap is what I don't feel like hearing right now. I am losing my best friend/ex-wife of over 15 years and don't need to wade through things like these that will make me feel worse than I already do.

To those with constructive ideas, many thanks for your input.

Spend as much time with her as you can and do whatever you can to keep her comfortable until she dies. But know that she is going to die. People with cancer and no health insurance have a very high mortality rate. Sorry.

Just try and enjoy whatever time you do have with her and work to keep her comfortable in the process. That is about all you can do for her.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally Posted by waxcrash

As a last resort, she could rob a bank, or commit a felony and plead guilty right away. They get free health care in prisons.

Really? Even for terminal illnesses?

[Mastrap]

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

Spend as much time with her as you can and do whatever you can to keep her comfortable until she dies. But know that she is going to die. People with cancer and no health insurance have a very high mortality rate. Sorry.

Just try and enjoy whatever time you do have with her and work to keep her comfortable in the process. That is about all you can do for her.

Sorry, but wtf? I really try and be civil when posting on this board, but what sort of drivel is that? The most surefire way to die of cancer is to accept that you'll die of cancer. Fighting the disease, not just through medication, but also mentally does make a huge difference to survival rates.

And you're telling him to give up the fight and give up on his friend. Well done.

[cjrivera]

Have you looked into a fund raising drive to help raise funds for her?

It seems like there's always some sort of donation drive around here, and they are usually helpful.

Also, since it is cancer, has she contacted the nearest American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) and see if they have any options for her.

Again, sorry about your friend.

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

Sorry, but wtf? I really try and be civil when posting on this board, but what sort of drivel is that? The most surefire way to die of cancer is to accept that you'll die of cancer. Fighting the disease, not just through medication, but also mentally does make a huge difference to survival rates.

And you're telling him to give up the fight and give up on his friend. Well done.

She, and he, can fight cancer mentally all they want but without medication she is not going to rid herself of it. And if it is virulent enough it will kill her, with or without medication. Seeing as how she DOES NOT have access to healthcare, let alone a robust anti-cancer regimen of chemotherapy and/or medicine, chances are prety good she is going to die. Hence, my advice to do all he can to make her comfortable as she is suffering with it.

[Shaddim]

Originally Posted by Athens

I did both

same here.

[ThinkInsane]

As the original poster has already mentioned, you guys having a pissing match over national health care doesn't really help him find a solution to his problem. A rather serious problem at that. Have a little heart and save your sabre rattling for the next thread to pop up on the issue. You know their be one, you can wait.

I would say add her to your insurance, which would be expensive but in this case, **** it, it's only money. But as someone else pointed out above, it's now a preexisting condition, so it probably wouldn't be covered. Might be worth checking with your HR dept anyway. Just remember, she's living with you.

And has also been mentioned, she needs to file for relief with what ever program the state offers for medical assistance. Here in NY it's called Medicaid, and you can start receiving treatment as soon as you file, even before your application is approved. Not sure if that would be the case in Michigan though. She should also start calling charities to see if they can help. Catholic charities and the Salvation Army (and please, no one turn that suggestion into a religious debate, neither organization will try and convert a person asking for aid, and even if they did, we are talking about someone's life here, so it's a pretty low concern imo) often run programs to assist with serious medical issues.

Also, although it's not publicized very well, most pharmaceutical companies have their own programs to provide medications to those in need. No harm in scouring the net and making some calls to find out if their is meds she can get for free or deeply discounted right from the manufacturer.

The last option I can think of is to tell them it's self-pay, and file for bankruptcy later. Priorities and all that. I'd rather have to rebuild my credit than not be around to use it.

Having just returned from the doctor after having a lump on my nut checked, I'm in a pretty sympathetic mood when it comes to cancer. I wish you and your friend/ex the best. I'll keep my fingers crossed for her.

[Shaddim]

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

You mean the state of Tennessee takes funds that it taxed from other Tennessee citizens and uses that to pay for health-care of those in Tennessee that can't afford it?
That sounds awfully Socialist to me. Are you sure you want to promote such an endeavor, being an anti-Socialist and all? That doesn't seem like the capitalist, market-based solution I would expect you to propose, being anti-Socialist.

I don't like it, but it is in place. The fact is, it's more like a huge HMO, and most who live above the poverty level have to pay if they want in the TennCare program. The rates are competitive with private HMOs and the expense of the program is payed by those who pay in (and as of this year a portion comes from the lottery), not from direct taxation of earnings. The administration of it is handled privately, and it's treated as a non-profit.

[Shaddim]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

Give it a rest with the ****ing bickering. This guy's friend is dying, he's after advice, not your political opinions.

We did that.