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From: Edie Suddath (festivelady826@yahoo.com)
Remote Name: 24.174.227.24
Remote User:
Date: 15 May 2005
Time: 14:35:09
I was diagnosed with high grade LMS in Nov. 2004, after having a tumor removed from my right forearm. Three doctors in my area (southeast TX) told me it was a fatty cyst and not to worry about it. When the "cyst" grew in size to 6cm, I went to UTMB in Galveston and it was removed. My lab reports showed that they had not gotten clear margins, so I underwent another surgery, brachy radiation and a skin graft on Dec. 23, 2004. For the first time in my 50 years, I do not have health insurance, as I lost my job in 2003. I have been divorced for 10 years and had no way to pay for medical treatment. I did not qualify for any type of government aid, as I own my own home and car. I will start receiving disability from Social Security beginning June 1, 2005. It is not enough to live on, let alone have insurance. The amount of my disability is "too high" to receive Medicaid. I have been treated like a DOG at UTMB. My surgical oncologist told me that she thought the reason I have lost 30 pounds and am in constant pain (in my joints) is because I am "depressed" and she has refused to give me any pain medication. I am going for a CT scan on Thursday, May 19, 2005, to see if the cancer has metastasized. Does anyone have suggestions as to where I can go to get help? I live 80 miles from MD Anderson in Houston, but they will not take me as a patient because of my lack of insurance and lack of funds. They are currently having trials for LMS treatment, but I am unable to participate (even though I meet all the criteria) because I have no insurance. I would be interested to hear from anyone else who has encountered this problem. All the folks I read about in LMS groups all have insurance and/or a spouse or family members to offer support. I HAVE NONE OF THESE. Am I supposed to be left alone to suffer and die? Please contact me at festivelady826@yahoo.com if you have any comments and/or suggestions. God bless you, Edie
From: Toni
Date: 03 May 2002
Time: 12:32:57
Remote Name: 204.26.91.191
My cousin (age 28) was diagnosed with liver cancer (primary site). Seven weeks ago he had surgery to remove a tumor the size of a cantaloupe. The cancer has returned. I was told that is a "sarcoma", however, I don't know what kind. He begins chemo today. I'd appreciate any kind of information so I can pass it along to his mother, who is so distraught. Thanks, Toni Tonilockhart@tconl.com