Help w/ cancer treatment???

Question

A few weeks ago doctors found a brain tumor in my sister. Since then she has been diagnosed w/ bone cancer. Unfortunately the only insurance she has is Medicaid and we can't get any treatment. Does anyone know of anything my family can do to try and get treatment started? I'm afraid the longer we wait, the less chance she may have. Any advice will be greatly appreciated

Answer 1

My son is a St. Jude patient. St. Jude is one of the very best places, they do top research.

I don't know what type of tumor your sister had, but the type of brain tumor my son has is one of the few that can metastasize to the bones.

I also don't know how old your sister is, but if she's 21 or under she may qualify for a St. Jude trial. The way that St. Jude works is that you have to qualify for a trial, if you meet the qualifications they will treat you regardless of financial status or insurance coverage. They pay everything, transportation for the patient and one parent, and they will house up to four people. There is an allowance for food as well.

If she meets the qualifications, this would be by far the best way for her to go. This page contains links to information about diseases treated and specific St. Jude trials available:
http://stjude.org/patientsandparents

If your sister doesn't qualify for any St. Jude programs, she should contact the social worker at your hospital to inquire about support organizations that might be able to help with her treatment.
http://tbts.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=157&itemID=16165
http://braintumor.org/patient_info/surviving/post-treatment/#fin
http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/support/financial-assistance


I suggest strongly that you join the braintmr support group:
http://braintrust.org/braintmrlist.htm

There is much knowledge there among the list members. If your sister is a child, I'd suggest joining this group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pediatricbraintumors

There is much to learn. I wish you luck.

Answer 2

Years ago the federal government helped build many localized hospitals around the United States. Each of these facilities provide low cost or free healthcare coverage for those unable to pay. The program is called Hill-Burton and you need only ask the hospital if they are part of that program.

http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/default.htm

Updated list of facilities obligated by Hill Burton:
http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/hillburtonfacilities.htm

Your sisters inability to pay should not be a factor in her finding adequate healthcare.

Medical Insurance and Financial Assistance for the Cancer Patient
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_3_2X_Medical_Insurance_and_Financial_Assistance_for_the_Cancer_Patient.asp?

If you need further advice you can seek out help from medical social workers who are usually associated with cancer clinics or the hospital. You may also contact Cancer Care for a free consultation:
http://www.cancercare.org/

Answer 3

I suspect what you meant to say was your sister has brain and bone metastases. Primary brain tumors are highly unlikely to spread. The brain and bone are common sites for metastasis in many cancers.

If your sister has the condition you mentioned, her prognosis is not good. Like other people, I'm surprised Medicaid does not take care of this. Contact the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. They should be able to guide you to the appropriate assistance.

Answer 4

For the brain tumor, check out these two sites:

http://www.braintumor.org/

http://virtualtrials.com/

You don't say if the two cancers are thought to be associated or are just a (horrible) coincidence, but for the bone cancer, you might try to get her into a trial, which generally cover the cost of treatment.

You also don't say where you are, but here are some bone-cancer trials in the US:

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/ft-bone-cancer


"Cancer" is a horrible word to hear, especially if you have no money, but don't give up just yet...every day it becomes more treatable...

Best wishes

Answer 5

I too had I brain tumor at the age at 7 at my age there was no medication for the side effect of the tumor, now there is floresence+ is forb people who are on treatment of chemotherepy or has cancer I use these medication now after 7 years because I had nausias and it help me feel more energys.

Answer 6

Call the American Cancer Society or Cancer Care and try to get some information. I have not heard of Medicaid not covering cancer treatment.

I'm sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis.

Some of what's available to her may depend on her age, so maybe you can post that.

Answer 7

I am on medicaid/anthem, and I have breast cancer. had surgery, treatments, follow ups last year and this year. I havent paid one penny. I worked all my life and now I needed help and got it. even prescriptions are covered. If you can, also like said, check with the American Cancer Support Group. They help people out too.
good luck

Answer 8

im sorry! get a hold of CANCER CARE, they are located in new york, you can get the number from information, they can help with doctors, sxpensis, etc. in your area, please call them, you will not be turned away.also my husband had medicaid for his prostate cancer, that had spread to the bone and he recieved his treatment! so maybe you should double check. good luck

Answer 9

Find a hospital that treats patients whether the patient can afford it or not, like St. Judes.
There's 2 hospitals that I know of in California that do that. Try to find one in your area. Or start a foundation in your sisters name and try to raise money.

Answer 10

That is a very grave diagnosis. With Medicaid she should be eligible for treatment