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Orange Blooded [2987]
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What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 2:18 AM
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It's a horrible decision. I was supposed to start chemo last June but I can't work at a normal job and I have spent all my retirement on medical bills. I was diagnosed in 2010 with melanoma cancer. Had major surgeries, but it metastisized. I started crazy treatments and trials, bit I got it under control.
In 2012 they gave me 6-9mos to live and I needed to file for medicare. I wouldn't let them, said I wasn't feeding worms yet, ha! But here we are!!!
I have tumors growing in lungs again and I need to start chemo. I can6 do this again as I am now self employed and I have to have a place to live. So I quit working and get treatment or I get treatment and lose my residency. I don't have family to pay my bills, it's just me and my best friend Dixie, a little boykin.
I graduated from Clemson in '93, I know there are some smart people on this site, I would love any great advice. Hey my friends, I am not looking for sympathy as this has been part of my life for 12yrs, but really how would you juggle work, bills and health?? I got some equity in my house, but chemo needs to be started and bills don't stop..
I am happy to answer questions, and I would love to know if ppl can suggest options I have not considered?
TIA
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110%er [5683]
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Sending my prayers to you***
Aug 21, 2022, 2:20 AM
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Orange Blooded [2987]
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Re: Sending my prayers to you***
Aug 21, 2022, 2:32 AM
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Thank you, I expect great prayers from great people. All are welcome!!! But if anyone can send great advice I would love that as well. If someone would like to send Tmail, I will check that as well l. Thanks again!
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Orange Blooded [2987]
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Re: Sending my prayers to you***
Aug 21, 2022, 2:33 AM
[ in reply to Sending my prayers to you*** ] |
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Thank you, I expect great prayers from great people. All are welcome!!! But if anyone can send great advice I would love that as well. If someone would like to send Tmail, I will check that as well l. Thanks again!
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Rock Defender [53]
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Sorry my brother
Aug 21, 2022, 8:29 AM
[ in reply to Sending my prayers to you*** ] |
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We may not agree on certain subjects and opinions but you are Clemson family, prayers for you homie.
To answer your question I think you can’t go wrong either way, just go with your gut. You mentioned equity in the home and no family, that feels like it would ease some pressure on having to support others where it would be OK to think of yourself first, if the chemo is what you want to do. Also, if you want to do things on your own terms and enjoy your life to the max without being sick with chemo, if it’s in your heart and what you want and put things in God’s hands, I couldn’t argue with that either. You sound like a living miracle defying odds, sounds like our savior is right there with you.
Good luck my man, adding you to the prayer list.
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MVP [540]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 3:52 AM
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It seems that if you don't get treatment you will also lose your residency (and life). I would propose that you do the treatments to preserve the most important asset that you have, pray a lot, and have faith that God will take care of the rest.
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Orange Blooded [2987]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 9:23 AM
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I guess I would add although I mentioned graduation date, but Im only 52. This started at 40. Some of the treatments I had in Charlotte were $127k per week and I had 4 weeks of these treatments that required 7days in the ICU, that is how nasty the chemo was but it did ###### the tumors. But I knew I had a home to go back to.
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110%er [6519]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 5:17 AM
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Can someone take over your business while you’re out? When you get through it, maybe you can resume the work? As for the money, maybe a reverse mortgage? I know you need proof of income for a HELOC, so a reverse mortgage maybe. Only pay the bills you need to pay.
Declare bankruptcy?
Apply for disability. If you’ve paid into SS, it sounds like you can’t work when on chemo. SS will determine, by back date, when you were considered disabled and stopped working, and begin payments five months after that date. If you must take a medication, e.g. Chemotherapy, and you are unable to work, you should qualify. It’s a horrible system that we pay into and SHOULD be able to activate it at will, but that another story. You have a 10 year history with C so why not try?
I’m sorry if this is all bad advice. I am on SSDI and know how easily we can fall through the cracks.
Hopefully, my words will inspire someone who knows even better than me to give you the correct advice you seek if this isn’t it.
Best of luck and I’ll be sending positive thoughts to you, friend.
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All-TigerNet [10782]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 8:23 AM
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seems that you've given ica tiger some pretty good advice.at a minimum a very good starting point.
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Orange Blooded [2420]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 7:38 AM
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Tough spot icaT. As long as you are a believer just Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Do not lean on your own understanding, but in all ways acknowledge Him and he will make your path straight.
Chemo takes you one step above death, as you know. I guess the question would be for me is, am I doing what I am suppose to be doing? Is there joy and peace in my life. Are you in a happy place with your family and friends. Prayer work miracles. Doctors don’t determine how long you can live. If they told me chemo would add a couple of months to my life, for me personally, I would rather spend my last days enjoying my last days without chemo and visiting family and friends. It’s a tough decision and a rocky road, but wishing you the best!
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Head Coach [798]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 8:01 AM
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I am no social security expert or a lawyer, but some people who are officially declared disabled can draw social security. Have you gone down that route?
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Orange Blooded [2987]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 9:31 AM
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I have not but just started to investigate. Self employed creates some hiccups like I can't collect unemployment. Doubt I would make enough on disability unless they would take yrs 2011-2017 in consideration when I had a nice income working for someone else and paid my fair share of taxes.
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110%er [6321]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 8:11 AM
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When I went thru chemo and radiation for 4 months I was the luckiest person in earth. I was never even the least bit nauseous. Never had to take any meds for nausea. My chemo doc told me she added high dose of steroids to it and that helped with nausea. When I would get home after treatment I could not even tell I had treatment. Maybe ask your doc about that.
I wish you the best in whatever decision you make.
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110%er [6321]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 8:28 AM
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Plus do apply for medicare. Also apply for medicaid. Don't be embarrassed...it is designed for people in your situation. If you can get both you should not have medical bills piling up. I found this out too late. I already had medicare.
Get in touch with your local cancer society. A social worker at the hospital can help with all connections you may need.
And do apply for disability. In certain cases you may not have to have to go thru the stupid denials or much of a waiting period.
If you are buying your home talk with your mortgage company. Most will work with your. If renting apply for rent assistance. Get a letter from Dr to present to them.
Swallow your pride and do whatever it takes
Again..best of luck..YOU GOT THIS!!
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Orange Blooded [4510]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 5:20 PM
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Great advice from cutiger 250
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All-TigerNet [10782]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 8:31 AM
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don't really know what's available thru social networks,but you might want to see if there's a go-fund-me type of program that's available for people with similar circumstances.above all trust in GOD.he's has a plan for you.
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All-In [36409]
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Options Are Few But There Are Some
Aug 21, 2022, 8:51 AM
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1) HELOC or Cash Out Refi
2) If You Have Retirement Assets You Can Pull w/Penalty and Tax (Sucks but is $)
3) Crowdsource - I know it doesn't sound on the up and up, but there are many folks who closely watch GoFundMe and other sites to help those in need.
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Legend [19946]
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The US is the only developed country where this happens
Aug 21, 2022, 8:59 AM
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USA! USA!
Can you move to a state that has expanded Medicaid? I know in California you can get affordable health insurance through the state even if you make too much money for regular Medicaid or don't have a job.
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CU Guru [1732]
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Re: Prayers for your for healing. Also prayers for God’s
Aug 21, 2022, 9:02 AM
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guidance during this time with the decisions you need to make. He has the ultimate knowledge of the future and wants what is best for us. He is faithful.
God bless you!
Go Tigers!
Okie Tiger
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CU Medallion [55419]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 9:09 AM
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I say get the treatment bc, the Dr's and Hospitals can live without your payment a lot longer than you will live without the treatment. They would have to do without until you have it to give!!! I mean, it isn't like they haven't already collected 10 X more from you than it coast them!!! Like Anthony Hopkins said in the movie Legends of the fall, screw um!!!!!
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Freshman [-98]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 12:04 PM
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Negative, you must not have been sick since Obamacare.
Firstly, the doc/hospitals get paid up front - no payment plans for cancer patients.
Secondly, there are MASSIVE copays required, even if you are not cash flush. Copays don’t count toward max out of pocket amounts.
Thirdly, the foundations that help, always require that the patient pay the last $1000, no matter how little you have. This makes the rich foundations look generous without having to actually pay out. Sorry, we would pay the $100k if you could just pay $1000, but we know you don’t have it…so too bad, NOT our fault!
I’ve been helping a friend raise money and I’ve put about $200k of my own into this horrible system we now have, just to allow her to die with dignity…our country has really decided that only the wealthy get good healthcare.
For the working class, the system only strips your dignity and assets. It’s really sad.
If I get the diagnosis, I’m not even telling my family, I’ll just go…but I’m not young, so that is indeed different.
I wish you the best, faith is your best asset. Never give up! Jimmy V
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All-TigerNet [10911]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 9:29 AM
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First, what is your self-employed business all about? Can someone else fill in for you or can you sell it and concentrate on your health?
Also, I have a cousin that has been going through similar trials with chemo and other cancer treatments for about 10 years. She was able to work through the doctor and the state to get grants to help pay for treatments.
Disability, Medicaid and Medicare are all options and are there to help.
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Orange Blooded [2987]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 9:46 AM
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I was doing software deployment and logistics but I had to travel globally all the time except when I would come home for a treatment, was clothes, mow the yard and leave. Gone about 35wks a yr. In 2016, I quit the full time job and become a contractor so I could make my own schedule but that went down the drain with Covid.
Since then I started a handyman business so the option of passing it off isn't too likely. Software deployment is picking back up but my Dr. wants to get super aggressive and suggests 2 potentially 3 types of chemo at the same time. I already have taken 2 of the 3 with some success but not at same time, but I slso know one of them makes me very sick for couple wks, makes me lose my hair and creates a nasty rash over my entire body. Yes steroids help but they also decrease the effectiveness of the chemo.
Seems like every decision has a negative outcome or at least in the immediate. Long term obviously would be to kick cancer's buttocks and move forward in life. Seems like it has robbed me of life as I have had to deal with this since Oct 13th, 2010.
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110%er [6321]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 11:13 AM
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I was told steroids are effective with chemo. It helps shrink the tumor especially myeloma. Ah I know?
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CU Guru [1504]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 9:42 AM
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Are there any trials that you could volunteer for?
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All-TigerNet [11021]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 10:13 AM
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Very easy for me to tell you what I WOULD do because I'm not faced with the situation.
I will keep you in my prayers. You've already won half the battle because you want to live!
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Letterman [294]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 10:15 AM
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I think another aspect to consider is what do you believe comes after this life and do you feel ready for it. That perspective will play into the choice you make and whether to let go and let nature take its course or hang on.
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All-In [26011]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 10:46 AM
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There are some cancer programs that pay for some things. Also, the Department of Social Services had a few programs that would provide you with a check and also pay for some medical bills. I would certainly visit them. Social Security also has some programs similar. I would not delay on any of thses three options.
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All-TigerNet [13502]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 11:07 AM
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Sometimes it is helpful to call or set up a meeting with the Billing and Collections department of your healthcare provider and tell them your story and talk to them about any payment options or programs that might help defray or cover the costs. They will often reduce the costs and may have other ideas to gain funding from other sources like the Federal or State Government or charitable organizations that help with indigent care.
Also, do you belong to a church or any other organizations? Perhaps they would help set up and promote a Go Fund Me page to collect donations toward your medical expenses. Maybe even contact the HR department or manager of a former employer to do this too?
I pray for your healing and for financial assistance through this process. God Bless!
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110%er [5395]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 11:14 AM
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I am so sorry that you are going through this. I will be praying for you.
You need an advocate or case manager. This person needs to be someone that knows how to play the government game. Ask around to find that person. Find a friendly worker in the doctor’s office that will help you with documentation from your doctor. Make an appointment with your local Social Security office to start the process of Medicaid/Disability application. Get your doctor to help you find a chemo option. Some companies will comp the chemo if it is not covered by insurance. Setup a GoFundMe for yourself.
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Orange Blooded [4842]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 11:47 AM
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You are a young man and you have many years ahead of you.I would say take
the chemo even though I've had friends that had cancer and they said the
chemo was worse than the cancer. This sounds like your only choice at this
stage but pray to the Lord to lead you to the right decision.God Bless you
and good luck.
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CU Guru [1513]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 12:06 PM
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Youve asked for advice. First know you will have my prayers.
i think you may have given yourself a false dialectic... from what little we can see, the disease is the problem, not how to have cancer, advanced treatment and still work.
My knee jerk is to hope youll choose to live life as long as possible but ive seen enough of cancer to know i dont know what its like.
if you choose treatment, you will fimd yourself soon qualifying for Medicaid, this may not be a panacea but it will be a good foundation. if youre unable to work youll likely qualify for social security. this could be in place of or in addition to medicaid depending on several factors
if you will seek out the services of an elder law attorney you will have someone who can help you plan a bit for this .. could help you keep more of your assets, help in qualifying for benefits and the like.
I do wish you well.
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Orange Blooded [4365]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 4:14 PM
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How can a society claim to be great and still leave their citizens in these kinds of predictaments.
We have the wherewithal to take much better care of our people if would better balance our distribution of wealth and recognize that in health care (as in many things) we are all better off when we work together.
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Commissioner [970]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 4:44 PM
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I can relate to your situation as I have fought colon cancer for 9 years. I am on Medicare and have a good Advantage insurance policy that covers about 95 % of my costs. My costs run around $750,000.00 a year. I know I'm lucky in that respect. My reason for answering you is at another level.
I was in the Prisma infusion center last week and started a conversation with a man getting chemofor his lung cancer.it was not hard to see that he was suffering greatly. He is taking 4 oxycodon pills every day. He said he was on disability, but had no other source of income, no health insurance, and was not on Medicare. He said he was in the hospital and told his doctor this and couldn't pay for the cancer treatments. The doctor was back the next morning with a few other people with him. Th doctor told him that they had found a sponsor that would cover all of his expenses. I didn't get any details as I slipped off into a drug induced nap. He was gone when I woke up.
I wish I knew more, but I don't. I'm telling you this to give you hope that there is help out there. Keep digging, keep on asking anyone who will listen, and mainly have faith that something good will come along to help you.
I will remember you in my prayers.
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All-TigerNet [13360]
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Re: What would you do? Work to pay bills or get chemo?
Aug 21, 2022, 4:51 PM
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Have everything you can protected under a LLC and then go get the cancer treatment you need. Bankrupt your personal accounts of you have to… or maybe a more ethical direction would be to get on payment plans with the hospital. As long you’re paying something they are usually content.
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CU Medallion [65467]
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Nobody can really give you THE definitive advice in your
Aug 22, 2022, 8:11 AM
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situation. Because your situation is most likely unique to you. But, I have been close to cancer.
My wife is (so far) one of the lucky ones who had breast cancer caught early enough for it to just be a minor nuisance.
One the other hand, I lost my older brother to a terrible, rare nasal cavity cancer in 2018. He had "beaten it" twice, but it defied the statistics and came back after six years, twice. The third time, he went through the operation, chemotherapy, and even started Interferon treatments, but had to stop, as the treatments themselves were literally killing him. He had no real "quality of life" that third time around, as he was in constant head pain from exposed nerves, and had had one eye removed because the Docs said the cancer was spreading in that area. He spent a long, horrible, declining, mostly bedridden year before he finally lost the battle.
So, if it were me, I would have to first ask myself, and the Docs, the "Quality of Life" question, and make them give me a non-sugar coated answer. There is living, and there is just existing. I would not want to just exist, without really being able to live, as defined by doing things you like to do, be able to visit people, get out on trips every now and then, and most importantly, not be in constant pain that is not mitigated to some extent even by pain killing drugs. THAT is not really living.
If you graduated Clemson in 1993, then you, unfortunately, are still light years away from getting any real help from the government in the form of health insurance. And, being self-employed, your job situation is as you described, either you work until you can't anymore, and forego treatments, in which case you will almost certainly die of the cancer relatively fast, or you cash out whatever assets you have to get the treatments, hope they work, and then literally have to start over at the age of 52-53 years old.
So, your decision will come down to a lot of praying, which I believe does work, although HOW it works is not always clear to us on this side of death. And, the decision, if I were the one making it, would hinge totally on that Quality of Life answer from the Docs. If I were only going to be a "shell human", not able to be any part of society, then my choice would be clear to me, no treatments. But, that is a truly hard choice to have to make. And, as I also said, regardless of what I, or anyone else SAYS they would do, no one can know until that decision is looking at them in the mirror. Good luck, I hope you can make the best out of what is certainly a bad hand.
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