paying for treatment

Smokin: It would help if we had some of your stats but I can tell you that even with spread you should be able to work for a very long time. Don't know enough to be specific but there are guys that have had mets (this is spread) and are continuing to live well and work hard. Sounds like your new to the game. Im sure others will chime in shortly.

Best of luck guy. But if you decided to start looking for that box let me know I will run to the big Box store to see if I can find you one of those double door refrigerator boxes. Will even cut you out a window in it for you. ;)

You should be fine. Please update us. We are hear to help.

Cajun Jeff

First do what you can to keep the job and insurance. Second, try to determine what jobs you can perform with your company if the PCa becomes debilitating. Of course you have to guess at what the debilitation might be. Then study up on the Americans with Disablilties Act to determine your rights and what your employer will be responsible for doing to accomodate you. I think now is the time to be the model empolyee, if you are not already there. Make yourself invaluable and you should remain regardless of the circumstances.

When the Health Care fully kicks in in 2014 and the state exchanges are ready, you may have more options. Also start researching Social Security disability and even speak with an expert to prepare for the day you may have to apply. It is very difficult to get, but be proactive to know what to do at that point so you are not behind the curve.

Also start talking to your docs and other providers stating that you may have to start paying from your own pocket and ask what accomodations they can make. Determine what drugs can be provided in generic form, where you can get free testing and screening for cholesteral, BP, even PSA. There are a lot of services out there, sometimes just hard to find. Investigate local advocacy groups like USTOO for PCa and other groups for cancer in general. They should have people that have worked this out and perhaps access to experts that can assist you.

A few months ago there were some posting from a person that has battled advanced PCa for many years all without insurance and had done very well. I don't remember the name, but hopefully another HW member will have a better recollection than I and provide some info.

You are right i am new here , my pc has spread to my spine and my bone marrow tests were positive . At diagnosis my psa level was at 1517 and the pain was unreal , this was in march . My psa dropped to a 3 in july and rose back to a 6 in august .

To top it off i have Ankylosing spondyitis ,treated much like Rheumatoid arthritis and it has also affected my spine . So i had a good amount pain prior to the PC and have been on pain meds for about 7 years .

Smokin,

I am not insured and have not been the entire time since diagnosis. I have asked for and recieved discounts for the doctor's services. My uro gives me a flat 30% discount and my radiation onocolgist has been charging me at medicare rates. Primary GP offers 20% discount as does my cardiologist. Hospitals are another story. Have to battle with them each time just to get a 10% discount even though they are charging two to four times what they get from an insurance company including the copay. Interesting side point about this but I won't go into a rant. :)

If you have AS in addition to the PCa you may qualify for SS disability. If the work you do is the least bit physical you should check it out as suggested. And with an expert as suggested. There is list of ailments on the SS website that are automatic disabilities.

Good luck to you.

Don