Cancer - Looking for info.
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2011-06-12 2:09 PM |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: Cancer - Looking for info. So... I have been diagnosed with a Cystic Palpillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Sucks... BUT, it seems to be something that is pretty easily cured/fixed... I'm looking for information/experiences with something like this and/or thyroid removal issues... Any help would be helpfull. However, I would like to keep it positive, no scary stories if you please. |
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2011-06-12 2:37 PM in reply to: #3544792 |
Royal(PITA) 14270 West Chester, Ohio | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Kido, Sorry for the diagnosis. I don't have a lot of experience with this, but from what I understand it's one of the best cure rate cancers out there. Remove the bugger, a bit of radiation....usually has good success rates. Thyroid replacement hormone can take a bit to regulate, that's the tricky part. Once your ideal dosage is found it isn't too bad. |
2011-06-12 3:00 PM in reply to: #3544792 |
Science Nerd 28760 Redwood City, California | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Jim, my dad went through this two years ago and is doing VERY well. He's completely in remission and his thyroid levels are pretty constant with Synthroid replacement. I can PM you my email address and give you a lot more info. It is very treatable. |
2011-06-12 3:17 PM in reply to: #3544839 |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. I heard the success rate was extremely high. Almost not one to worry about, if that's even possible. We (the family) have already talked to people that had it done 30 years ago and have no issues (other than synthetic thyroid hormone)... I'm not even sure if the thyroid needs to go as of yet. I am in the process of scheduling a sugical consult. The REAL bugger is, I don't have insurance... After a lifetime of having it, with a great paying job, the market finally caught up and I lost employment right when this was happening... And new insurance companies are not picking me up with a pre existing condition... So need to work through that as well. I may just need to come out of pocket. |
2011-06-12 3:20 PM in reply to: #3544868 |
Science Nerd 28760 Redwood City, California | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. I'm sorry! Can you look into getting COBRA? I know it's rather expensive, but in this case, it is probably worth checking out. I also don't think they will deny you for a pre-existing condition. |
2011-06-12 3:22 PM in reply to: #3544875 |
Lafayette, CO | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Artemis - 2011-06-12 2:20 PM I'm sorry! Can you look into getting COBRA? I know it's rather expensive, but in this case, it is probably worth checking out. I also don't think they will deny you for a pre-existing condition. Agree, depending on how long ago you lost your job you should be able to COBRA. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. |
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2011-06-12 4:05 PM in reply to: #3544868 |
Royal(PITA) 14270 West Chester, Ohio | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Kido - 2011-06-12 3:17 PM Definitely look to Cobra this! Not all plans have a pre ex wait......but it also depends on the group plan. If you get an individual plan there is a 12 month wait with 12 month look back. Most group plans that do have a pre ex clause have a 6 month look back. So COBRA is really the best way to go if you can swing it.I heard the success rate was extremely high. Almost not one to worry about, if that's even possible. We (the family) have already talked to people that had it done 30 years ago and have no issues (other than synthetic thyroid hormone)... I'm not even sure if the thyroid needs to go as of yet. I am in the process of scheduling a sugical consult. The REAL bugger is, I don't have insurance... After a lifetime of having it, with a great paying job, the market finally caught up and I lost employment right when this was happening... And new insurance companies are not picking me up with a pre existing condition... So need to work through that as well. I may just need to come out of pocket. |
2011-06-12 4:45 PM in reply to: #3544916 |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. yeah, hindsight is 20/20 in this case. I was in the process of getting this looked at AND getting new insurance at about the same time my deadline to get COBRA was approaching (60 days after unemployment)... The new insurance said they needed the results of the testing so my application was on hold. My doctor felt that in most cases, this would be nothing so I took the gamble and let COBRA deadline pass thinking that the results would be negative and I could get the new insurance. The gamble backfired. I'm not SURE the new insurance won't cover me. They just said they needed the results. I will send the underwriters the bad results and see. Maybe they will still cover me, just at an increase premium???? I also have a call into may old job, to see if there is still a way to get into COBRA, even if the 60 days have passed (I'm almost 120 days)... This is going to be a bumby ride. |
2011-06-12 5:22 PM in reply to: #3544792 |
Extreme Veteran 1260 Miami | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Sorry to hear that you have to deal with that. My mother recently went through this and it was pretty much "routine", at least as far as it can be when the C is involved. She had her thyroid removed so finding the rigth balance of the sythroid was the tricky part but after that everything has been fine. In regards to the insurance, have you looked into any programs, or assistance for those that are unemployed? I dont know your financial situation but it is always a big hit to pay for those things out of pocket. At least perhaps you can find a public hospital that does the treatment and then you can pay for it in installment. If you have any questions let me know, i was pretty involved in the treatment and the decision process that my mother had to go through. |
2011-06-12 5:28 PM in reply to: #3544948 |
Iron Donkey 38643 , Wisconsin | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. I'm very sorry to hear this, Jim. Strong positive vibes for you from me heading your way. Hopefully, the COBRA situation will work out for the good for you, too. |
2011-06-12 5:31 PM in reply to: #3544792 |
Elite 4547 | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Kido, sorry to hear this...how did you find out? Perhaps someone out in BT land may benefit from your experience. Wishing you all the best. |
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2011-06-13 10:00 AM in reply to: #3544792 |
Master 1696 Surprise, Arizona | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Nothing medical to add here, but I just wanted to say I am so sorry to hear about the diagnosis, thinking of you, and sending positive thoughts your way, Jim. |
2011-06-13 10:05 AM in reply to: #3544792 |
Melon Presser 52116 | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. And a healing {{MELON PRESS}} in this thread too ... It really does suck about the insurance. I paid out of pocket for some pretty crazy stuff and on that front, I feel your pain. |
2011-06-13 10:09 AM in reply to: #3544792 |
Veteran 216 | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. first and foremost, best of luck with your health. Hopefully you can afford to get the right treatment without comprimising due to cost. I wonder if there are some sort of government or non--profit advocates out there that can advise you on the COBRA stuff. To have worked your whole life and have insurance most of your life and then have this happen while you are out of work sucks. Best of luck. Positive, healthy vibes to you... |
2011-06-13 10:13 AM in reply to: #3544792 |
Pro 4277 Parker, CO | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Really sorry to hear this. Double sorry to hear you may not have insurance coverage! No scary stories to tell you...just wish the best for you! |
2011-06-13 10:24 AM in reply to: #3546049 |
Master 2231 Des Moines, Iowa | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Sorry to hear you have this and get to go through the treatments. No specific stories; but will be sending my best wishes and prayers for a complete cure and recovery. |
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2011-06-13 11:11 AM in reply to: #3544792 |
Member 208 Longview, Texas | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Sorry to hear that and hope all goes well.
as for the insurance, I had similar problem a few years back when changing jobs and my wife has Reumathoid Arthitis so the insurance wanted to say it was a pre-existing condition, but when I checked the laws with HR , you have to be without any coverage for a specific amount of time before the pre-existing kicks in, so even if you didn't have any insurance for a while, if you are still inside the time-frame they cannot deny you.
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2011-06-13 11:18 AM in reply to: #3544792 |
Master 1903 Portland, Oregon | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. I'm really sorry to hear your news. Good vibes headed your way. |
2011-06-13 11:30 AM in reply to: #3544792 |
Champion 6046 New York, NY | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. I have had lots of patients with this - almost definitely your thyroid is coming out - which is really not a big problem - you then go on thyroid replacement (this one we are pretty good at)
see if you pay for all the back time if you can cobra as it will be well worth it. |
2011-06-13 11:48 AM in reply to: #3544792 |
Pro 4828 The Land of Ice and Snow | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. I know nothing about this at all.....but just wanted to say that I wish you a speedy recovery ....
You are in my thoughts and prayers ok? |
2011-06-13 2:52 PM in reply to: #3546303 |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Well, the COBRA ship has sailed... Called my former employer this morning. So that's one door closed. But you know what? I just need to plug away and find another door... Just go day by day! No big deal. However, the guy that worked with my former company on insurance is going to help me. He knows a lot more. Looks like I will have to wait a couple more months (6 after my last day employed) to qualify for PCIP... So August 18th... Guess no more reckless activities till then! Normally, I'm a "keep it to myself" kind of guy, but just by putting it out there, found out a bunch of info. In fact, my brother in law's uncle is one of the top ocologists in the country, so is going to look at my tests and give input. I'm sure it's like what everyone says, "routine". But getting his take (and maybe connections????) is wonderful. I'm going to miss my thyroid!!! We were close... !!!!! Edited by Kido 2011-06-13 2:52 PM |
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2011-06-13 2:58 PM in reply to: #3545012 |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. ChineseDemocracy - 2011-06-12 3:31 PM Kido, sorry to hear this...how did you find out? Perhaps someone out in BT land may benefit from your experience. Wishing you all the best. I'll try to abbreviate it... I was employed and under insurance and went to a normal physical in Jan (first in a couple years). They felt a small lump in my neck. In fact, a really couldn't even tell it was there myself. They were pretty sure it was nothing, but wanted to order a sonagram/ultrasound (one of those) to take a peak at the nodules. I had one big one, so they suggest getting a biopsy, but STILL thought it was a benine cyst. lost my job and cobra dealine was approaching so tried to get Blue Cross Blue Shield. They said they wanted to see the results of the biopsy first, before covering me. So took the chance and let COBRA expire as I scheduled the biopsy thinking that WHEN it came back negative, I would be covered. Paid for biopsy and lab out of pocket. And we have arrived to where we are. Came back Malignant Cycstic Palpilary Thryroid Carcinoma (THAT'S a mouthfull! LOL!) I did everything right, except let COBRA dealine pass assuming everything would be ok/negative. Oops. |
2011-06-13 3:24 PM in reply to: #3546871 |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. I wonder if I will need radiation too? I hope that doesn't screw up my IM training too much... So far, I hope this won't even be a hitch in my plans... |
2011-06-13 3:29 PM in reply to: #3546871 |
Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. Kido - 2011-06-13 12:58 PM ChineseDemocracy - 2011-06-12 3:31 PM Kido, sorry to hear this...how did you find out? Perhaps someone out in BT land may benefit from your experience. Wishing you all the best. I'll try to abbreviate it... I was employed and under insurance and went to a normal physical in Jan (first in a couple years). They felt a small lump in my neck. In fact, a really couldn't even tell it was there myself. They were pretty sure it was nothing, but wanted to order a sonagram/ultrasound (one of those) to take a peak at the nodules. I had one big one, so they suggest getting a biopsy, but STILL thought it was a benine cyst. lost my job and cobra dealine was approaching so tried to get Blue Cross Blue Shield. They said they wanted to see the results of the biopsy first, before covering me. So took the chance and let COBRA expire as I scheduled the biopsy thinking that WHEN it came back negative, I would be covered. Paid for biopsy and lab out of pocket. And we have arrived to where we are. Came back Malignant Cycstic Palpilary Thryroid Carcinoma (THAT'S a mouthfull! LOL!) I did everything right, except let COBRA dealine pass assuming everything would be ok/negative. Oops.
Kido - Sorry to hear about everything, buthave to echo the others' comments re the cure rate of this type of cancer. We looked into it extensively when my wife had a similar lump, and they had to biopsy it. It turned out benign, but even if not the doc repeated over and over that it really wasn't all that big of a deal, just had the unfortunate "C" word attached to it. |
2011-06-13 3:44 PM in reply to: #3546949 |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: RE: Cancer - Looking for info. ChrisM - 2011-06-13 1:29 PM Kido - 2011-06-13 12:58 PM ChineseDemocracy - 2011-06-12 3:31 PM Kido, sorry to hear this...how did you find out? Perhaps someone out in BT land may benefit from your experience. Wishing you all the best. I'll try to abbreviate it... I was employed and under insurance and went to a normal physical in Jan (first in a couple years). They felt a small lump in my neck. In fact, a really couldn't even tell it was there myself. They were pretty sure it was nothing, but wanted to order a sonagram/ultrasound (one of those) to take a peak at the nodules. I had one big one, so they suggest getting a biopsy, but STILL thought it was a benine cyst. lost my job and cobra dealine was approaching so tried to get Blue Cross Blue Shield. They said they wanted to see the results of the biopsy first, before covering me. So took the chance and let COBRA expire as I scheduled the biopsy thinking that WHEN it came back negative, I would be covered. Paid for biopsy and lab out of pocket. And we have arrived to where we are. Came back Malignant Cycstic Palpilary Thryroid Carcinoma (THAT'S a mouthfull! LOL!) I did everything right, except let COBRA dealine pass assuming everything would be ok/negative. Oops.
Kido - Sorry to hear about everything, buthave to echo the others' comments re the cure rate of this type of cancer. We looked into it extensively when my wife had a similar lump, and they had to biopsy it. It turned out benign, but even if not the doc repeated over and over that it really wasn't all that big of a deal, just had the unfortunate "C" word attached to it. Thanks Chris (and everyone else)... I REALLY am not that worried, if you can believe it. In fact, a lot of people are saying "you will survive and they had family survive"... I just don't think it's that serious! You don't "survive", you just take care of it... no? Maybe I'm fooling myself. It's just one of those crappy things (like and apendix) that you just have to fix. Granted, I'm a BIT more worried than my appendix. But everyone has been VERY supportive and helpful. Feels good. |
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