| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Dec 30 2011 : 11:48:46 AM
bad news-on two counts
A) pathology report back-cancer HAS invaded to lymph nodes
B) and i take this harder---my medicaid is most ikely NOT transferrable to ohio so i guess-at this writing-we are NOT moving --no one available today to answer my questions-cannot do treatment without the medicaid so--looks like we are stuck here in northern michigan
i think i am going to go sit and cry...not sure it will help but maybe itll clear some things outta my head
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Beth Jones |
Posted - Jan 27 2012 : 1:38:38 PM
Prayers are being said and on the wings of angels to God's ears...May you feel each of them...Smiles and hugs, Beth
You can never be to kind! |
| Joey |
Posted - Jan 26 2012 : 4:01:25 PM
Margo, just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and sending you BIG, gentle hugs and prayers. Wish someone would fix the Mi/OH mess. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Jan 05 2012 : 10:17:33 PM
this week i have done just that-cried screamed and been very very cranky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i love arkansas hugs-a dear friend is there!
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| medievalcat |
Posted - Jan 05 2012 : 8:35:31 PM
Oh Margo I'm so sorry to hear about everything you are dealing with. I know how it's a huge struggle between what you want to do and what you are forced to do. We went through something similar with my husband. Diagnosed with a rare chronic pain disease that locally didn't even know how to treat it. Until he won his social security fight we could not move out of Arkansas to a better place. And with the cost we stuck with local doctors because we couldn't afford the gas to take him into Little Rock.
I would defiantly try to go for Social Security disability and start the process as soon as you can. It sometimes can take years to get on it but somethings it's easy..my mom got it first try for restless legs. If you need any advice or help with the disability let me know. We did end up using a lawyer.
You are in my prayers.
I know a hug from Arkansas is a very far flung hug to send..but it's on it's way!
Cry, scream..get cranky. It's all understandable!
Cynthia |
| laurentany |
Posted - Jan 02 2012 : 4:39:00 PM
Margo-
Just saw your post on this thread-
Sorry to hear that the cancer has moved to the lymph nodes. SO many of the gals have had such kind words and good advice, all I can do is continue to pray for you and send warm thoughts your way.
I hope that when you can speak with someone in Ohio that perhaps the medciad situation can work itself out, so that you can be near your family, which is certainly a very reasonable request!
Blessings to you, and again, we are here for you in any way that we can be.
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| Ruby V |
Posted - Jan 02 2012 : 4:22:25 PM
Winnie - thanks for all the info! I'm getting a sinking feeling that I'm going to end up in a bad position someday. With my hubby 11 years older than me, odds are I'll outlive him. Which means I'd be returning to the USA with no medical coverage. I'm 56 yrs old right now. I only worked for a short time in the USA, so I guess I'll get the minimum amount of Social Security, if that. I never worked in Canada and did not become an actual Canadian citizen, so I'm not eligible for any retirement/pension type of thing I don't think. I already take meds for high blood pressure and asthma. I'm super-high cancer risk, which has been documented thru the cancer agency both in the USA and Canada. Not sure if insurance companies could get their hands on that info and use it agains me. Geeze, you never think about all this stuff when you are younger and making rash decisions to move to another country and get married. Now the reality of just what a mess I could end up in, is hitting me. I'm grateful for the info all of you have shared on this thread.
Ruby ~ Sister #3597 |
| FarmDream |
Posted - Jan 01 2012 : 9:58:58 PM
Margo, If you can let me know of any supplies you might need. I stock up on first aid supplies,etc. Our family has plans for heading that way in May. We'd love to stop by and drop off things and meet up with other farm girls. We're overstocked on love and have plenty or extra to give!
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Jan 01 2012 : 05:40:16 AM
Penny- Gosh, I hope there is a way through the red tape for you! I agree with you that it is so maddening when all you are asking for is to be with family when you need them the most. This is why I just hate our system of healthcare and those in the greatest need get screwed all the time from the ridiculous regulations that are money oriented instead of patient oriented! Just keep asking questions, calling for answers, pushing your case,ask anyone who may have relevant information, and hopefully you will turn over that one stone and find the loophole to get what you want. Good Luck and hang tough farmgirl style!
Winnie #3109 |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 4:04:41 PM
winnie-thank you! your explanation was more thorough than mine! i was aware the differences and appreciate you explaining them for ruby!
ruby-right now, at least in michigan, the only way that i CAN get onto the medicaid program is by being sick-joy joy! no one WANTS to get sick to get into a program! but because of my diagnoses, i can be admitted to the program. in the case of ohio; i am waiting for the info--because my cancer was diagnosed here in michigan, ohio is not necessarily obligated to put me on medicaid.had i moved before the dx was made and it was made there; i would be accepted. it makes sense i guess.....
tho heres a ticker in my mind--i lived in ohio for 55 of my 57 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and paid into ohio tax programs etc all of taht time....because i moved here i possibly -no most likely--will be denied.
the proram here will pay all of my med bills for a year. at the end of that time, if i am still being actively treated, payment will continue.i feel quite trapped!
as for the heaalth ins debate surroundin the last presidential election...i stood a reat deal to ain and still do...but right now is when i need help.
i am grateful for the medicaid in michigan--i just truly want family .....and i do not think that is unreasonable.
im trying to be patient.....
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| Emily Anna |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 1:00:41 PM
Oh Margo, I am so sorry to hear all of this! It is so frustrating when you can't get the answers you need right away. You have been in my prayers every night.
Emily |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 12:15:05 PM
Ruby and Penny- I just wanted to weigh in on Medicaid versus Medicare. Medicare is a federal health care program availabable to all citizens age 65 and older. Payments are taken each month from your social security check and it covers about 80% of medical expenses, so everyone has to hava a supplemental policy to cover the additional 20%.Depending on what policy you buy, the additional cost ranges in price per month. Then you have to have something to help with medication expenses not fully covered by Medicare part D. Medicaid is a federally funded program for citizens at any age who qualify. The program is for people who have limited income and personal assets. Medicaid is administered by each state and so eligibility depends on some state guidelines for eligibility. If you are 65 and low income, you might qualify for both Medicare (80%) and Medicaid for the other 20%. Again, it depends on each state for how they qualify people for Medicaid. If you are not 65 and not low income eligible for Medicaid, then the only way you can get health insurance is to purchase it on the market which can be very costly and they can deny you coverage for pre-existing conditions which then leaves you having to pay out of pocket for any medical costs related to that issue (example is diabetes, heart conditions,etc.) The Patient Affordable Care Act initiated by President Obama has a clause that as of January 2014, no insurance company can deny an adult insurance if they have a pre-existing condition. Right now, the Act prevents insurance companies from denying children with pre-existing conditions. However, there is a huge national debate between the two parties with the Republicans promising to repeal the Patient Affordable Care Act which would mean that insurance companies can continue to pick who they will insure and decide if they will cover pre-existing conditions or not. I personally believe that Canada has a much better health care system where everyone is covered regardless of age, diagnosis, or family history. There are no questions. Healthcare is a right provided for all citizens. In my opinion, the US should do the samething but there is big money made by insurance companies and drug companies and they have a powerful lobbying power in Washington to prevent any such changes. If Penny lived in Canada and wanted to move to her daughters, there would not be any issue. Her medical records would just transfer to the medical practice wherever she was going and she would move to be closer to her family.
I hope this answers a few questions.
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 11:49:26 AM
ruby...gosh i never even realized you were in canada! so yes- your med system is different...
if you eventually come back here deal with the system then--depending on your age at the time, etc....once you are 65 you can qualify for medicare but you really need to have supplemental ins for drugs etc...it is a racket and a game and takes a lot to maneuver-i am a pro at that system but the medicaid system surprised me since it too is federal!!!! i am hoping that someone here in michigan can pave the way for me in ohio but i don't see it happening and i am afraid to make the move unless i get some guarantee! i have no income right now so i cannot pay any med bills...it's sad!!
thanks for following this thread!
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 11:44:39 AM
i have to say a huge thank you to all of you for listening to my whining!!! i am aware of the cancer society etc--and i have a good lead on a bunch of that kindof stuff...thanks nini for your offer there!right now i am more worried about my upcoming treatment and the fact that once i have a lumpectomy or mastectomy i wont be physically as strong or able to do stuff as i am right now---when we moved here in september i did all of the lifting and carrying etc until i had to get help for big furniture!
my woe is that i want to be near to family so that they can feel like they are part of my care-right now they are 327 miles away! i have 3 kids 5 grandkids and my ex and his wife and MIL all are there to help as well...and when i wake up in hospital from surgery id love to have them near!
where we(my latest ex and i are together caring for each other-he has his own medical issues-many of them!) live; i have folks from church-and they are wonderful but have their own stuff!-and we live about 15 miles from the hospital and docs office except if i go to the specialty cancer center in grand rapids (169 miles round trip)(where i went this week for latest biopsy).
we live in a comfortable enough mobile home and i have "the girls" to cuddle with-my dog and cat....michael tries to be attentive to my needs but he is 15 years older and as stubborn as i am and as i said has his own med needs...michael worries- he buys worry by the cart full! and his meds don't really do enough for him and ten i get angry with him.
i have a few friends from college-one is a 5 yr survivor and fits post mastectomy gals so she has been invaluable to me- she leads a support group which i plan to attend....
i guess i am just so frustrated by "the system" and then putting the holiday weekend in so nobody is working--i want answers NOW ---i've worked in the public all of my life and am studying in human services and i am just frustrated....
i've been reading all of the literature and last nite i found some very disturbing stuff that made me more afraid and no one to answer my questions so i quit reading!
anyhow- i feel the love of the framgirls; i cherish the cards and everything and always always appreciate the prayers! one farmgirl has offered to come stay with me for a week in february- that's wonderful for someone who doesnt even know me!
gals...thanks!!!!!!!!
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| classygram |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 10:40:16 AM
Just like Nini said, try to picture all of us reaching our hands out to you and you grab on real tight. Most certainly, you have ever right to be angry and scared. And just get all the bad thoughts out by crying or voicing what you feel. My SIL is dealing with bladder cancer and she said at first she just cried and felt really depressed, as she says, getting the rotten feelings out, and it left room to put the fight back into her. Believe me, we will be fighting for you also. Will God getting all the prayers coming in from the farmgirls, Theres sure to be some mircles. If there is anything you need that we can do, PLEASE let us know. And don't hold it in, we're family now! Hugs,Brenda
http:///www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 10:30:03 AM
You have every reason to be upset and cry, Margo - this is the pits. A good cry will help relieve some of your stress, so you just go ahead and let it all out! Please remember, though, you're not alone, and, as they say, when you're at the bottom, the only way is up. We all have our hands reaching down to help you and to lift you up, too. You can do this. You can. Sheri's right - it is a winnable fight, even though the circumstances are less than ideal. Have you checked with your local cancer unit, just to find out what types of services/assistance are out there to help you through this? A lot of times, there are offers of free transportation to and from treatment (which, trust me, you may really need), free in-home care, free wigs (and look good, feel better programs), companion services, financial and medical assistance, nutritional counseling, etc. A lot of people understand what you are going through, and have set up so many ways to help make it a little easier - SUCH a blessing, truly. You should be able to access a lot of information through the American Cancer Society, either by calling or visiting their website. If you are just not emotionally "there" to look into it, I'd be happy to look up all of that for you and send links where you can learn more... Just shoot me a quick email. I wish I could be there to help, but at the very least I would be happy to do some of this research "legwork" for you. I know it's hard, I do. I just don't want you to think you have to go it alone. You don't. I wish you could be closer to family, too, I really, really do. But at least you know that there are options to help you when they can't. And if there's anything we farmgirl sisters can do for you, you know we will! :)
Much love,
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
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| Ruby V |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 10:20:00 AM
Thanks for the info on medicaid. I did't realize it that it was different from medicare. I'm living in Canada, but I am an American. If anything happens to my hubby (who's 11 yrs older than me) then I would definately return to the USA and at that point, I wouldn't have any medical insurance coverage. Hhhhmmm, I can see now that this would put me in a very bad position, especially as I'm a super-high cancer risk. {sigh} Dang, it sucks to get old.
Ruby ~ Sister #3597 |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 09:22:54 AM
I am so sorry to hear the news. I will keep you in my prayers. Just remember this is a winnable fight. My best friend is now 10 years cancer free after going through it.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran
http://farmsteadfripperies.blogspot.com/ |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 08:51:28 AM
i guess the actual "medicaid" system-while a federal program, is governed by each state and their funding budgets. until i can speak with someone from the BCCP in the county to which i wish to move, i cannot do anything. IF and i mean BIG IF they say taht they would aaccept the dx from the michigan BCCCP and that they would be willin to enroll me, i am stuck here-
having dealt alot with ins companies- many of the folks who travel south or west-snowbirds-are not on medicaid-they may have medicare- a totally diff program.....as well as their own ins companies-which do allow travel.
medicaid is for ppl who have no ins-which i unfortunately fall into-it's embarrassing to me as i had awesome ins thru my husband until he had an industrial accident and lost it.i have paid into social security and am explorin that to see if i can qualify for any disability--not having ins is hard enough but now i may never be able to GET ins when i start work again --and i WILL start work again..
i am hopeful for a good outcome but today i am scared......
and MAD!
thank you all for being here!
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 04:21:08 AM
So sorry to hear of your news. You are in my prayers.
Marianne |
| Ruby V |
Posted - Dec 30 2011 : 9:14:54 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your test results. In 1997 my mom's breast cancer was found in her lymph nodes - she was told that she only had a 50% chance of making it 3 years. She's still going strong though! So definately have a positive attitude and do all the treatments the drs. recommend!
As for the medicaid, I'm shocked to hear that it's not transferrable to other states. There must be some way to go about it, retired people move all the time. Maybe you could find some sort of seniors organization that can help you with getting it transferred? What about AARP? What about all those seniors who spend 6 months of the year in Florida or Arizona - surely they get medical treatment. I hope you can find some way around it. Hang in there!
Ruby ~ Sister #3597 |
| classygram |
Posted - Dec 30 2011 : 8:01:13 PM
Margo I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles, My prayers are coming your way, Farmgirl sister. Insurance, can be very hard to deal with. I do hope that it gets fixed soon so you can go back home and be with family, so they can help you through all of this. Keep us up on how things are going, you'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Sending BIG farmgirl Hugs, Brenda
http:///www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
| coaloha |
Posted - Dec 30 2011 : 7:05:53 PM
Margo,
I am really sorry to hear about the node involvement. Getting this result must have been a real blow. If you need a good cry...go right ahead. It's so hard to hear this sort of bad news. And I am sorry that it looks like moving won't work out...dealing with payment issues just makes dealing with the disease and treatment even harder. I can certainly understand why you wanted to be closer to your family for love, help, and support. So, after you've been sad for a bit, please start thinking about how you can build in support and help for yourself where you are. Take all offers for comfort and help! Think about ways to stay connected with people (include us! Farmgirls are the best!!) Think about how to set up your home so that you will be comfortable and things will be as easy to deal with as possible. It will probably be easier to do some of these things now, before treatment starts. I am sending love and prayers to you and a reminder that you can get through this.
(((Hugs))) to you, Margo.
Warmly,
Pam
Pam Barnes-Palty
Phoenix, AZ
Farmgirl #1075
Happy member of the Southwest Henhouse
Be distracted by joy |
| prariehawk |
Posted - Dec 30 2011 : 6:04:26 PM
Praying for you, Margo. Something will work out.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| woolgirl |
Posted - Dec 30 2011 : 4:38:58 PM
I am praying for you Margo. I have no advice, just hugs.
Liz
Farmgirl #1947
www.militaryfarmgirl.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MilitaryFarmGirl |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Dec 30 2011 : 4:37:40 PM
Margo:
Sending you a giant hug. You'll be in my prayers. Keep us posted.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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