Isnt all about money

I have had a really bad last 3 years with countless losses combined to "unbelievable" I was actually at one of my first Volunteers in Medicine visits when I was referred to a Ur Dr. for the exam that changed it all.

My Ur Doctor is one of our local best and performed the surgery as a volunteer as well. The rest is all up to Me, the County programs, Ect.

What really kinda scares me is, what kind of care and treatment can I expect? Will I get offered the latest meds? I am thinking I will need more care with being labeled with T3B now, so will I get what everyone else gets?

This country "I think" is pretty much all about the almighty dollar. Everyone has their own opinion and I have no problem sharing mine in saying "big insurance and our Medical world are kinda crooks"  I mean I had no insurance and was still charged 14.00 for a throw-away tooth brush?

I have this to add to my already anxiety issues.

Sorry I had to share that.

   I went thru a very recent good experience for an outrageously expensive oral chemo ... and all of the help came thru my oncologist. Now - I do have medicare and supplemental and prescription coverage (the last two paid 100% by me) - but the cancer meds are horrendously expensive, and I could not afford the $2850./month co-pay for the latest med.

   With a great amount of help from my Onco's office, that med is being bought directly from the manufacturer ... and my out-of-pocket was the first $600. of that med ... then the balance of the year was at no cost to me. My Onco's office further found an organiztion that, based on my income (and no pension here), that organization will now reimburse me the $600. already spent + give me a stipend for my cancer med that will help for the next 12-months.

   I do not know of any such help from Doctors and chemo by IV ... but check all sources - starting probably with the Oncologist.

   The best of luck to you.

Rob

Fair warning.

Back to getting health care, your family physician and uro should be able to suggest local agencies that can help. Mine pass out stacks of literature from local assistance groups.

Call the Live Strong foundation. They are still there, and have people who will help you navigate the system. The local rep I last talked to suggested that you Call by phone rather than use the internet page, as they can waive some minor fees that they charge online for postage and the like. They are also a good source for linking up with other agencies all over the country.

Check with the hospital where your surgery was done. Many have cancer coordinators who work with survivors long term at no cost to you.

Look at the USToo.org site. Find a local support group. They may not have resources, but with a room full of PCa guys, you may find some who know the system.

Tim

No reason you need to leave. It is just that many will tag on with the "whose system is better" discussion, which leads to politics, which leads to locked threads.

My experience is from helping guys with little or no insurance in a couple of support groups get assistance, and the ideas I brought up have all proven of at least some value.