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Bladder Cancer… Good Chemo???
Hi,
My father was diagnosed several months back with re-occuring bladder cancer from 14 years ago. When going in to remove his bladder, it was found that the bladder had hardened like “stone” and fused with his pelvic bone so they could not remove it afterall, however he does have an ostomy bag after redirecting his kidney tubes. He had several chemo treatments and 8 weeks of radiation and felt somewhat better for a few weeks, now the pain is back along with loss of appetite, not able to sit for long periods of time etc.. so we are awaiting the PET scan results this Monday on possible spreading. My question is, we do not know much about the differtn “types” of chemo and I was wondering if you could suggest a good type that I can mention to our doctor to try. We are kind of stuck because my father retired in Dec of last year, then found out he had cancer a couple months later, yet did not have health insurance after retiring, so we are battling the medicaid system for help now. He will not qualify for medicare until April. Therefore we feel our hands are tied when it comes to cancer center help or clinical trials, medicaid doesn’t like to pay for too much. Help. -
6 Replies
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Amy I don’t know where you live so I can’t speak specifically about resources however as far as I can see most Cancer Centers are affiliated with University Medical Schools. So I would check with the medical school/hospital in your state sometimes if you live close to a state line medicaid will pay for treatment in another state. For instance people in Wisconsin who live closer to the University hospital in Minneapolis may go there for treatment.
Since your Dad does have medical assistance the problems you are running into may not be because of the source of his medical coverage but the very real problem of his ossification. If you can get him to a medical school he could get treatment by a team of doctors who will work on the best way of treating the problem.
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Did you ever think of just trying to go to the Welfare Office and see if you Dad is entitled to any benefits, because he is not working even if he did retire he may be able to get a Medical Card. There sure is no harm in trying look at all the knuckleheads that get Welfare and don’t deserve a penny of it. Just a thought. Joe
amcollins,
I sent you a message yesterday. I am also in NC. if you give me your email or phone number I can give you a few numbers to call. Let me know how I can help.
Karen
Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
Boy, when it rains it pours, people often refer to the 60’s as our golden years, well so much for that. He certainly ran into a brick wall with work, early retirement and unfortuneately no insurance, in our case Medicare has picked up almost everything, and again unfortuneately your in the 64 range, someone should be able to help you, as you shouldn’t have to be refused any treatment at all because of this. Hope you find a solution, Ginger Beane
Hi, I just sent you a message…
Karen
Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
Hi,
We have some info about what chemos are commonly used, and resources that can direct you to financial aid organizations in the US, as well as clinical trials.
Much depends on the general health, whether the more aggressive combinations can be used. Kidney function must be good.
See these pages for more info:
http://blcwebcafe.org/chemosused.asp
http://blcwebcafe.org/resources.asp
http://blcwebcafe.org/clinicaltrials.aspGood luck finding the best path, and keep us posted.
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