INSOMNIACS place to talk in the wee hours
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Smarty, BTW now you know why I call the Constipation thread one of my housekeeping threads. How many ways can you talk poop and not get brown. Here's one of our usual puns(sick)....how's it all coming out. I loved Ziggy's first post( paraphrase), "This is really a shitty subject you all are talking about". I thought I'd ROTFLOL. Immediately PM'd her and asked her to join us.Paws, no re: mental health or social worker. Two key people that are of immense help. I realized we were both depressed and got us into counseling. Dh and I were dx'd 3 months apart. I then after a year asked for a social worker consult through my insurance company.
Through the Insurance Social Worker, we found a local foundation that gave each of us a 2000.00$ grant. Also, DH was approved for a 5000.00$ grant through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We would not of known of either grants without that social workers help.
DH's bill for Neulasta was up to 2000$. The cancer centers financial person talked to us. We said we didn't have the money. She called the in house Social Worker. Within an hour that social worker had DH covered for the back bill and all future Neulasta bills. She also got grants for some other drugs.
I put the story several places on my Just Diagnosed -Get Prepared thread related to the above from the topic box to different places as things occurred. The message is still there, but not all in one place except the topic box. But the thread doesn't get much traffic. LOL It's BORING stuff.
Irony the night I got banned I was posting this info. I was so excited, it had returned to memory, I could reapply to that one foundation for a grant b/c I had a new cancer. I was trying to spread the 'good news' of how to find money. ZAP, I was banned. Posting on too many threads. BTW I did get a new grant 1000$. Sure is helping with bills. Never know how many people were prevented from seeking help with that one stroke of a key.
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Thank you so much for answering my question. I'm doing research on this topic, and find it unbelievable that after receiving such a life altering diagnosis the medical professionals fail to see the importance of our psychological well being. And OMG Sas....your story of not even knowing what can be provided. I wasn't even aware of these grants. I'm glad you got grant money, that alone can help take away some of the stress in trying to figure out how to pay for needed care.0
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Sassy, here are a couple of pics for you. The first is a dress my mom had made for her in Japan in the 50's. It is a cocktail dress, silk brocade, and I can't for the life of me get a pic that shows the color accurately because of the sheen in the silk. It is a tru dark green, neither yellow or blue dominant, and the sheen makes it look faded, but it isn't. The stitching is all by hand, including the self-belt. There is no size tag, since it was made for her, and that's a clue on your item as well.
This next pic is my "wedding" dress, actually worn for our vow renewal at tenth anniversary, when we actually had our church ceremony. I took a closeup of the eyelet flowers.
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SASSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So let's talk about the weather now.....
Paws.... I didn't need any help with my DX.... Just get through it.... Listen to my team.... and try and get back to that place you were mentally before the DX..... Maybe it's because I had a pretty easy time.... but even with my leg.... just get through it.... and don't expect too much because of my age...
Now my biggest problem is getting over Asthma.... Ha! That too, shall pass....
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Sounds like you Chevy....plow right thru
) ...happy that has worked for you. Cute pic of older dog talking about his one toy being a stick. My little terrier rips the ears and tails off dog stuffed toys. Maybe she needs a stick in her Christmas stocking. 0 -
just stopping by, can't keep up
ITS POURING HERE! Woke up to rain coming down pretty hard. Dad was supposed drive out here earlier and then I was going to drive to LA to meet DB and his family for belated birthday for DB (can't pass up a prime rib dinner). Not happening, way too dangerous in this weather. Already too many accidents. Recliner and blankets for me, fever and chills.
Blessings, glad you posted. Sorry you're not feeling better, this has been a long time for you.
Mags, beautiful dresses.
Paw, no one offered any mental health referrals for either DX. Now, looking back I wish it would have been part of DX protocol, especially since it was a second primary DX.One time I was in PS's office and broke down crying about the stress in my life especially when she asked what DH thought of the "girls" (he hasn't cared to see them after mx). That's when she referred a therapist (unfortunately, neither were part of HMO network). However, social worker was suggested just after last DX when I told PCP's nurse that work was giving me hassles for time off for medical evals and appointments.
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Thanks for responding 2nd, sorry about your fever and chills and the 'chit'...hang in there. Thinking of you.0
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LittlePaws.... I remember now how afraid I was, when I first heard the DX... And when I went for the pre-op, they had a gal who had gone through Breast Cancer, and she talked to me, and said if I ever needed ANYthing, just to let the Hospital know, and someone would always be there to talk to me, or help... even with taking me to appointments... In a way, it's like all of you here, are always ready to help us through something... and if that don't work, THEN we go see the Doctor.... Ha!
But you had a double mastectomy! And PROBLEMS! AND implants! I guess I just never thought about all those "What if it was THIS, and what would I do"? I had my Daughter's and Husband, and YOU guys to talk to! Couldn't let all them around here know what I felt like inside.... I was really afraid, but each day got better... I healed, and every day was another day given to me..... just don't go falling and break something!
Then it's like you are back to square one...
2222nd! WHAT are you talking about? Are you getting into TRUBBLE again? Man, I can't keep track of you guys!
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Thank you Chevy...I think BCO is your mental health support group. Kinda nice we can sit around in our pj's and chat about whatever is bothering us, or things we are happy with...and also get recipes, funny comics, really amazing pictures...and the list goes on. Not many support groups are 24/7. Glad we have this one.0
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So you want to come over for dinner? I cooked up a skillet of Spam, with potatoes, green Pepper and onions? AND I made a pot of mashed potatoes to just have around.... I love to make them with 1/2 & 1/2, yogurt, butter, and S&P...
How is Annie?
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I'll be right over...sounds so yummy. I haven't had a chance to get out for groceries yet this week. Might do that later today when rain lets up. Annie Mae is doing great. She gets around very well now. Jules wants to play with her and can't understand when she throws a toy her way, Annie Mae doesn't respond. So I'm dealing with Jules feeling like she can't make friends. Hard to explain blindness to a young wire terrier. Snuggs sleeps most of the day, and I'm always stepping around her. I had a temporary foster here, Bella Rose, that has moved on to permanent adoption in Canada...none of my girls liked her, but she was very sweet. Not going to do much rescue work because of holiday craziness and family and friends here for 10 days during Christmas....thats enough chaos for me
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Ah geez! Your family is invading? Is that a good thing? Just don't get too stressed.
I informed my DH that when he got out of my car, there were 2 Cheetos left on the seat? WTH? I don't think that's acceptable! So I told him I was going to put a towel on the seat.... ! 2 Cheetos! In my new car! He likes to keep snacks in the glove box...
He is going to be on probation.....
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Paws- sometimes I wonder what folks do financially to get through. I mean we had the benefit of great insurance, saving from 2 relatively well paying jobs and a habit of saving- so we had banked a lot. With all that going for us in 2007 we had over $9,000 in out of pocket medical bills and 3 kids that year! That would sink most families. I mean who has that kind of money hanging around? I didn't know about the grants for medical $. My daughter's psych meds cost 1,300.00 a month! I think that's obscene. Thank goodness for insurance! It is rather bizarre that oncologists and PCP's do not pay attention to the psych portion of stage 4 cancer diagnosis. You would think it would be front and center.
Chevy- I love a Denver omlette ham, cheddar, onions, peppers, yum. Yes I made a complaint and have NEVER heard the end of it in 8 years. I now see that the ONLY relief will be moving. We (DH) are having discussions around that. Family stays and I go, only way it will work. Sad that it will come to that but it's the only financially workable solution, that is clear.
Mag- I need to post a pict of my wedding dress. It was summer satin, tea length, 3/4 sleeves with scoop neck and a white on white embroidery around the neck to shoulders, very simple and elegant. It wasn't meant to be a wedding dress at all, but all my life I have wished for simplicity and restraint on how we live- a philosophical approach to living. Less is more. I truly believe simplicity makes life more real and your own. Your wedding dress is lovely!
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Rosevalley, I couldn't agree more about the need to address the psychological needs of breast cancer patients. I think doctors get so mechanical sometimes, they forget there is a human being with emotions sitting before them...they tend to look at pathology and how they will 'fix' the problem. It's very impersonal....I guess that's how they distance themselves. But you are right, stage IV should definitely be given access to mental health services. Although, all BC stages are in shock at first. But stage IV should have unlimited mental health services provided to them and their family.0
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I can't remember if it was here, or in Cure magazine(which is free, and wonderful) items for financial aid.. I I called the Am Cancer Society for help. At that time, they couldn't. But they must have forwarded my request to some places they thought could.
I got a brochure from a small group here. I sent the required info, they paid a small bill. About $300. That sure helped!
Then I got a call that sounded like a bill collector. They called several times, I didn't answer. But I never got a bill for the $1100 I owed, so am assuming they paid it. Whoever "they" are. Been almost 3 years
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Pawprint - in answer to your question, yes.
I have Kaiser. My whole BC medical and support team was under one roof, at the main hospital.
My brilliant and awesome MO referred me to a wonderful therapist - again, in one of the hospital clinics - who specializes in working with people with cancer.
In fact, there is a whole team of therapists who specialize in this area, and now I understand there is one person who specifically works with BC patients.
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2TA - glad you stayed home!!!! Sending you healing hugs!!! Will send an email....
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about the cost of treatment:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/11/the-punis...
(Courtesy Dr Susan Love)
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Hi Owlettes, went to town today for doppler on carotids. Of course thrifted on the way home. A most spectacular find in the oddest way. OH I AM SO ADDICTED! YAY........... so much fun. Actually, two spectacular finds. Will be on a glass search until my eyes leak. YoooHooHootie hoooo So hope I can find the pieces. Okay, off on the Yellowbrick Road.........must remember to eat, make a note........
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Thanks for that advice sas!
This is what I did yesterday and today...had my 4th grandchild.
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congrats Nettie!!!!!!!!!
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congrats Nettie. Is that two new babies in like, 2 weeks? I think you saidsomething about this a couple of months ago. What his? Name?
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Yay nettie two babies-OMD we'll never hear from you much, you are drowning deliciously in babies WHAT JOY!0 -
You are close enough distance wise to play with them lots ? Oh yeah, and help out mom? AND play? And take pics?
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Nettie, congratulations on the 4th grand baby ...so happy for you and your family.
Thank you Blessings for answering my question? Good to know Kaiser is offering this, and your MO referred you.
Chevy, your DH is eating Cheetos in your Cruz??? WTH....that will really stain your interior. You might have to buy washable seat covers, or better yet, make DH buy you seat covers.0 -
Paw & Crew, my first appt. with the MO, I was set up with a social worker who is there full time. She also attended all 6 of the after-care program with a nutritionist & an oncology nurse. ( this was voluntary, grant $ from Komen, I think. I went because of the info from nutritionist )
She attended the survivorship appt. that I had ( best, honest, real ) with a oncologist nurse practitioner, from the big city, 2 hours away. This gal let me talk, asked me ? & listened. Down to earth, was able to give me the bottom line. I felt like if I could talk to her once a month, I might make some progress out of the dark chasm.
Rose, what a shame. When someone gets a stage 4 dx, that should be the first step, IMO. Even if it is not needed, or patient is not ready, it should be available.
I could not/ had no need for the social worker during treatment or after, really. She was assigned to me, I was polite & friendly. That one time appt. with the big city nurse ( closer to my age ) was the only time I felt comfortable being open & honest about the whole shit-show.
My DD has a masters in social work. She was/is a huge help to DH & I. DS also. My kids have seen us age quickly, DH has huge medical issues.
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Paws, did you miss my response last page? Actually you should contact the LLS and see if you are covered. It could be a 5000$ grant or less. Grants are nice. Plus, I really think if you contact the folks that supply the drugs you bare being given for your iron deficiency they could help. Pester them. I know pushy, but I'm half in the bag.............mouthy .......ya know... now back to glass0 -
Nettie- lovely Grandson! What's his name?
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