Jan 3, 2011 12:08AM iodine wrote:

I knew but didn't really accept that as a patient, I have choices.  I can accept or refuse any offered advice or treatment options I choose.  I do not have to do or participate in Everything even when I don't understand or agree with what/or manner that things/treatments/pain are being done.  As the patient, I have rights (and responsibilities) to become informed, even if the medical person has to take an extra few minutes to explain something to my understanding.

I have the right to not be in pain: and to accept nothing less than the best medical science can afford me within medical guidelines.  No tech or nurse or doc can proceed with a treatment or procedure when I am in pain if I refuse to let them do so.  I must take responsibility for myself and not allow people to hurt me when I don't belive it is necessary.  I am NOT superwoman and will gain nothing, not even respect of the medical personnel, by being "tough". 

I am responsible for learning the results of any tests or procedures, not the office staff.  If they have not called me with results, I will call and ask until I am given the results.  I will also obtain copies of everything and keep them with me at each appt. 

I  need a medical power of atty and a living will. Period.

Jan 3, 2011 11:13AM - edited Jan 4, 2011 10:04PM by otter

This is not something I learned through my BC experience, but it might help you advise your clients anyway.

I wish I had known that a "Durable Power of Attorney" isn't always durable, or even valid. Two different financial institutions challenged the validity of my dad's Durable POA because he had not "reaffirmed" it annually since it was signed and witnessed and filed with his lawyer 6 years earlier.  One representative wanted Dad to write up a new POA specific to their company, rather than use the general one he had made.  The other company objected to the fact that one family member to whom the powers had been granted lived out-of-state; that company refused to recognize the POA until that person officially revoked his/her powers because the company did not do business in that other state.

So, what good is a "durable" POA, if it has to be reaffirmed every few years, or if it's not recognized by some parties?  Even though this does not involve insurance or disability, it's something we all ought to be thinking about.

otter

[Edited to remove details and personal information.]

Jan 3, 2011 07:49PM AlohaGirl wrote:

Thanks for the suggestions!  I really appreciate them!  How awful about your Dad's power of attorney, Otter!  Terrible when you've done everything right but you still have these problems!  I would never have guessed!  It seems so wrong! (As I mentioned, even though I am a lawyer, I don't practice in this area ... but if you ever want to issue municipal bonds let me know!)  Anyway, good luck to you and your family, Otter, and thanks everyone for your suggestions.   

Jan 4, 2011 03:00AM lauri wrote:

This is really trivial -- but I wish I had known about the program that sends free housecleaners for cancer patients in active treatment !  Didn't feel like doing anything in 2006 -- and the house has never been the same since !

Jan 5, 2011 12:43AM Estepp wrote:

I wish I had thought about insurance deductibles so much MORE. Maybe chosen an HMO... NOT PPO....

Yes, insurance has to now pay for all our reconstruction.

~ but ~

since I have a yearly catastrophic of 3000.00, I have had to pay that for three years. If I go to finish my recon. with fat grafting in 2011, another 3000.00 will occur. I NEED the fat grafting to feel whole again... but guess what... NOT GONNA HAPPEN! Did I mention I also got stuck paying for my OWN Alloderm ( a lot of us do)... about 2000.00 more that year ( 08 )

~ so ~

I will have spent 14,000.00 out of pocket in 4 yrs.... to first off... get the chemo... surgery.. and rads.... ( all needed and worth it).... BUT... the last two years... the 6000.00 bucks to do reconstruction ( my choice to look and feel more normal for me) is NOT NOT NOT what I expect. They make such a HUGE deal about it.... " they say".. ALL women can get recon. whenever they want in the journey... they can do a prophy.... whatever. It is WELL known that we all can now..... choose to do recon. in our time and in our way.. whenever we choose it.... if we do.

WHAT THEY DO NOT TELL YOU..... is that it is subject to your own INSURANCE deductibles and catastrophic yearly. So..... for me to look like I want... to feel whole again ( for me)... I will need to spend $6000.00 OUT OF POCKET FOR IT......... but by golly..... I can CHOOSE this right?????????????????????????????/

THIS is what pisses me off. It is not right AT ALL. I think deductibles and catastrophic should be WAVED in the case of giving a woman back some form of her breasts... and not just " half way there" because she cannot afford to FINISH !

Vent done.

I am very serious though!