HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Anyone else feels guilty about their med expense?

Jackie07 · 03-29-2013, 03:42 AM

The total cost of my first surgery (craniotomy) and 40-day hospitalizationrehab including 30 days rehab (PT, OT, ST) in mid 1990 was $100,000. I was a new immigrant who had just worked a little over a year after getting my degree. I was very thankful and our local newspaper had printed a feature article that Thanksgiving.

11 years later, I had to have a GKRS and it cost a little more than $20,000.

Then I had breast cancer which ran about $50,000 for lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation in 2003. During the treatment in 2007 for recurrence, the bill ran up to $160,000.00 when I stopped at 22 weeks. Otherwise the total cost would have been at least $220,000 (I'm with a HMO).

In 2010 I had a prophylactic hysterecomy/oophorectomy which was probably around $30,000.

Add inflation, I've run up probably close to half a million dollars on medical bills. Haven't earned that much money during my working years.

No, I don't feel guilty at all. I've had many healthy family members/relatives and they all pay insurance more than they take out. That's what insurance is for.

Be grateful, but put yourself first during your fight! You didn't ask for this disease, you are not responsible for having breast cancer! You are not guilty in any respect! Look at the other way, you are allowing people opportunity to do good deeds whenever you accept their assist.
You've got to put yourself first in this journey!

But be tactful. There will be times when everyone is tired, stressed, or depressed. Be considerate. Those who are around you will feel it and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

But most importantly, be yourself!

Sending you good vibes.

03-29-2013, 03:42 AM	#3
Jackie07 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: "Love never fails." Posts: 5,808	Re: Anyone else feels guilty about their med expense? The total cost of my first surgery (craniotomy) and 40-day hospitalizationrehab including 30 days rehab (PT, OT, ST) in mid 1990 was $100,000. I was a new immigrant who had just worked a little over a year after getting my degree. I was very thankful and our local newspaper had printed a feature article that Thanksgiving. 11 years later, I had to have a GKRS and it cost a little more than $20,000. Then I had breast cancer which ran about $50,000 for lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation in 2003. During the treatment in 2007 for recurrence, the bill ran up to $160,000.00 when I stopped at 22 weeks. Otherwise the total cost would have been at least $220,000 (I'm with a HMO). In 2010 I had a prophylactic hysterecomy/oophorectomy which was probably around $30,000. Add inflation, I've run up probably close to half a million dollars on medical bills. Haven't earned that much money during my working years. No, I don't feel guilty at all. I've had many healthy family members/relatives and they all pay insurance more than they take out. That's what insurance is for. Be grateful, but put yourself first during your fight! You didn't ask for this disease, you are not responsible for having breast cancer! You are not guilty in any respect! Look at the other way, you are allowing people opportunity to do good deeds whenever you accept their assist. You've got to put yourself first in this journey! But be tactful. There will be times when everyone is tired, stressed, or depressed. Be considerate. Those who are around you will feel it and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness. But most importantly, be yourself! Sending you good vibes. __________________ Jackie07 http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2 NICU 4.4 LB Erythema Nodosum 85 Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d 3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills CN 3 GKRS 52301 IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET 6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M Diastasis recti Tamoxifen B. scan Irrtbl bowel 1'09 Colonoscopy 313 BRCA1 V1247I hptc hemangioma Vertigo GI - > yogurt hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410 Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk DEXA 1/13 1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer. 3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer. Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement （600mg x2) 10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016 7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence. 7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule. 1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule. "I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe Last edited by Jackie07; 03-29-2013 at 03:50 AM..