Inflammatory Breast Cancer--What do I do?
Question:
I am currently started my period. Normally my breasts do get slightly swollen and tender for the week before my period starts; however, my breasts are larger than they normally get and have a deep ache. My nipples aren't really erect like they would be and sometimes feel a small film of stickiness. And today, I just noticed a small, small red spot next to my nipple. There's no "orange" characteristics to either breast.
What should I do? I don't have insurance since I'm no longer in school and therefore no longer a ward of my parents and covered under them. I just started a new job, so I'm not eligible for coverage. Should I just move to Canada? (sorry, lame attempt at humor)
What should I look out for? How long should I wait to see someone? And how in the world would I see someone without insurance?
Answers:
Your lame attempt at humor is not lame at all...it's sad, true and pathetic that in this country we can't get the care we deserve. I was just diagnosed in Feb and HAD health care benefits. Yet, I still pay what my insurance didn't cover. Start with the American Cancer Society,,,,,I've known of people who have received free care, mammos, etc through them and they will answer your questions. They can also hook you up with the right ppl to get you temp insurance, medicaid or whatever you might need. But please take care of this, you are too young to have to deal with this!! Just look up American Cancer Society on Line contact them.they will help!! Good luck and God Bless!
Call your local County Health Dept. They have a sliding pay scale so it would not cost much for you to go see a dr. there. Do not put this off. If it is something serious, you need to catch it soon.
This question says a lot about the terrible insurance situation in the US. I won't get on my soapbox, I promise!
There is probably a free clinic in your area. Do you have a family doctor or or a doctor you were seeing before you lost your insurance? Call them and ask them to recommend someone for you to see that will possibly do it for free. They may volunteer, you never know.
See someone right away. IBC is VERY VERY aggressive. My sister was a nurse and caught hers right away, had radical double mastectomy, chemo, and radiation and still passed away from it. There are many hospitals and places that will do free screenings and will help with treatment costs. Check with a health clinic or DSHS.
I pray for you that you don't have to go threw this frightening ordeal alone. IBC is somewhat rare though.
Go to the ER. Most of them have to treat you and get you at least a mammogram. You should be eligible for charity care and if not, you can pay for it monthly. I'm sure you're ok, but don't mess around with it.
IBC is very, very rare (1 - 3 percent of all breast cancers). The chances that you have it are the same as if you were to suddenly win the lottery. But, of course, if you are the unfortunate one to actually get this disease . . well . . better safe than sorry.
So, That being said you should go in for an examination regardless of whether you have insurance or not. There are certain hospitals that have a program for free or low cost health care for the poor. It is called the Hill Burton Program. You could see if you qualify:
http://www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/default.h...
After you see a doctor and much of this is hopefully behind you . . go find a job which includes health insurance. That would be the quickest way to become covered by a group health policy. Otherwise you will need to buy a policy. Never go without.
Insurance is expensive, but people really can not afford to go without it. My son has cancer and fortunately we had insurance. They have covered nearly all associated costs which are well over a million dollars and still climbing. It is incredibly important for everyone to have catastrophic health insurance.
Oops I just noticed that you do have a job . . just go see a doctor and be treated. You may need to pay for this one out of pocket or I do not know how long you have been without insurance but you could check the COBRA law. It's possible that you would still be covered under your parents while waiting for the new job to kick in.
FAQ: COBRA Continuation Health Coverage
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consume...
Good luck to you. And, go see a doctor.
You have alternative natural treatment methods. You can dry that. It will reduce the consequencies of chemo-therapy. For more details please visit
http://greatcancertreatment.com/...
The only thing I can do for you is provide you with a website "www.smile.org.au" on which you can learn the knowledge about breast diseases and cancer.
You may search the available free healthcare in your local area online.
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