Hi! My sister was recently diagnosed with cancer of the partoid gland. She had surgery to remove it but was told the gland had positive margins and it had spread to one lymph node. The doctor was nice but gave very little info at her post op appointment. I felt like if she didn't want to ask the hard questions, I shouldn't either. She's facing radiation, has no insurance, and I'm curious if anyone else out there has experienced this kind of cancer? I have no idea what her outlook is (although from the ACS site it doesn't look good). What can she expect from radiation on her jaw? She's unmarried and self supporting and I'm worried about how she's going to survive! Any info would be appreciated!

My prayers are with your sister and your family. There are many organizations out there that can help her with finances, transportation and other things she may need. She should start doing some reasearch now. Most can be done as Gina suggested on the net. Some can be done by contacting community services in her area and the United Way. Also the local chapter of the ACS. They. at this time, are providing all my transportation to my treatment center free of charge.

Tell her to keep believing she can beat the nasty devil and to never look at a stastistic. She is a human being not a chart. Keep coming back. We will help you to help her. We are there or we have been there or knows someone who has.

May Gods comfort make you strong,
Barbara~

Thank you both so much for your prayers and the info! I did talk to the ACS and found out about the transportation. That will help her tremendously as she has no car and relies on others to get her places. I've had a tough time finding resources. In Colorado, you can't get Medicaid if you don't have kids (she doesn't). The one program I had her (CSICP) on basically said she's on her own now that she has cancer. I was told on another thread on this board about SSI which I was unaware of so I told her to apply for that. If anyone has other places to direct me, I'd appreciate it! I don't think she'll be able to continue doing a heavy manual job and with no benefits, she's going to be totally destitute very soon!

I'm SO GLAD Barb responded to you w/that info--she has been/is going thru a lot and unfortunately knows all too well the problems you're facing. She, herself, is a great resource!! (can you tell I love her to death!!?? :angel: ) Transportation is one less worry for you guys.
What is this world coming to? She can't get Medicaid b/c she doesn't have kids, (which I think is a crime) the CSICP put her out after she found out she had cancer...great for her morale, isn't it? (and I don't even know what CSICP is--I'm in Ohio) It's hard enough being self supporting when you're healthy, but then to find out you have cancer and may not be able to work at the same job that has been your bread and butter all these years...it's all quite defeating. But she can beat this-she's NOT a statistic. It's so hard to not let this disease define you--especially when it's all so new and all so consuming...You're a good sister, and it seems as if you are the one constant in her life-she needs that right now. Please let her know we're all pulling for her. We're all here for you both.
Don't forget to check that search out--let me know if you come up with anything...
Take care--hang in there...
Gina

Gina:

Thanks for your kind post. She'll call SSI tomorrow. CSICP is a medical program for people with no money (Colorado Springs Indigent Care Program) and when I got her on it, I thought it would cover everything. Obviously not. However, the doctor and hospital have been wonderful. I was worried they would refuse treatment but they didn't. No one has asked for any money (yet!). Appreciate your kind thoughts!

Now you need to check on churches in the community who have resourses to provide her with food and taxables ( Soap, toothpaste, shampoo) etc. Here in my town it is known as the Food Bank and once a month you can go there and get a supply if your finances fall within the government limit.

They also help you with current electric bills and medications. There are other churches that will help financially. Try the larger churches in the area. I recieved this from a member on another forum. You might find it useful:

Try the protestant churches, particularly non-denominational. The larger the better. Many churches have eldercare and other forms of "people helper" ministries that you would probably qualify for. The scriptures command us to help persons with burdens that are unmanageable. It is a spiritual gift to be able to help people with problems like yours (& mine too). I had a number of volunteer drivers from my church when my wife was overwhelmed or busy. It was a 60 mile trek to radiation.

Make it easy for them and get a handicapped placard. You are eligible. The radiation will beat you up pretty good - get it before you get to that point.

PS, if the ACS can't provide you with drivers they will pay up to a total of $250.00 for the mileage. I believe that you have to travel at least 60 miles round trip daily to qualify.

Have you applied for SSDI yet? They will pay up to $1,500.00/mo. There is a waiting period of 5 months and it starts from the date of diagnosis. If you are disabled more than 2 years then you will automatically get Medicare as well. Make an appointment with the local SS office and make sure that you bring in copies of all of your medical records and diagnosis reports particularly. You will also be eligible for food stamps because of being on SSDI.

Be sure to apply for lifeline rates for your telephone, water bill and gas & electric. You qualify for that as well. The savings from these can be rather significant.

I asked my mortgage company for some relief and they gave me a 2.95% interest rate for almost 2 years. So if you own a home and are making payments ask if they have any hardship programs.

If you have anyone living at your house they may qualify as an "In Home caregiver" through the county which is a federally funded program.


Hope this helps some hun.
May God keep you in wisdom and hope,
Barbara~