[newgirl77]

Well, I have waiting 2 months so far for my mammogram. This is getting ridiculous! I went in after I found it in October, they told me to come back after a menstrual cycle. The lump was still there, so they recommended a mammogram. I go to the free clinic since I don't have insurance. The nurse told me that she "had never felt one like that which turned out to be cancer" and said that it wasn't cancer because it was "squishy". I know at my age (24) it's not likely to be breast cancer, but it is still a possibility, and I would have liked them to be a little more concerned than they were.
So, I had a 3 week wait for what was supposed to be a diagnostic mammogram. They call me this morning and told me all mammograms are cancelled for the day and the next ones aren't until February. They told me they "thought it could wait until then". I demanded a referral and took it over to the hospital and they have me scheduled for a diagnostic mammo and ultrasound next Thursday. They are even paying for it all, which is awesome.
However, I found out in this whole process, that the free clinic never had me signed up for a diagnostic mammo after all, only a screening one. That isn't what they told me. If I had known all they were doing was that, I would have already had my butt over at the hospital signing up for a diag. one there. I know it was just a miscommunication, but I'm ticked off. I could have already found out what this dang thing is! Could the cancer (if it is ) have spread now because they made me wait so long? They refused to give me a referral until now. Also, they had mammograms at the clinic the day after I first went in, and they had open spots and refused to give me one, saying "We don't think it's that serious". Can you believe that? When I asked about a referral to the hospital they said "We might as well have you wait and do it here in a month so you aren't wasting taxpayer dollars by applying for financial aide at the hospital". Isn't that rude? I have never applied for financial aid for anything EVER even t hough I could qualify for some programs if I had to. I'm in a rough spot financially right now. I pay taxes too and am not what I would consider to be a drain on society.
Well, sorry this is so long, thanks to anyone who actually reads it all, lol! I'm just mostly worried that the cancer could have spread to my liver or something in all the time I've been wasting with these people.

[J_9]

Sweetie, I can appreciate your frustration. And yes, their treatment to you was rude.

Now, take comfort in knowing that if it is cancer (and we really don't believe it is, we're just being safe here) that if it had not already matastasized, it most likely won't in a month, even if it is considered rapid spreading. Mine was a form of rapid spreading cancer and I had it 3 years before it was diagnosed and it never spread.

So, take a deep clean cleansing breath. LOL

Now, look at the financial aid in this manner. You work... you pay taxes... you qualify. Take advantage of what you qualify for. It's not like you are a woman who sits at home having babies to get bigger checks. (sorry to sound judgmental) You actually have earned the right to the financial programs. They were initially developed for people like you who are just in a rut at the moment, but will be free of the "system" in time.

It is people like those that don't work just to get a check that give the "system" a bad rep for those of us who actually do need it and do pay for it (with our taxes of course).

You have every right to be upset, but don't let it get you down. I'm glad you came here for a little release.

[newgirl77]

Thanks J_9, your answers always make me feel better! I do need to work on keeping a positive outlook. Lol. But, I have been doing better on that lately. I was just soooo offended when they said the tax dollars thing. It's good to know the wait isn't making much of a difference. I do hope it isn't cancer. I think it's likely it's not, and am trying to keep that in mind, while getting all the tests to make sure. I know the clinic was busy (and I know what they have to deal with, the people who go there to try to get drugs, the people who are rude while they are trying to help, etc). I don't think they meant to offend me, it just bothered me to be put in a box like that. I speak 2 languages, am studying right now to prepare for college next year, play a musical insturment, and so on, I mean I'm not dumb or ignorant and that's what they made me feel like. The good thing is that after all the miscommunications, I will be more assertive with my docs. In the future. So, I have learned that if nothing else, lol. Thanks again J_9, hope you have good holidays!

[newgirl77]

And also, just want to remind other women who don't have the money to get tests like this done that talking to the financial aid person at the hospital is a great place to start. After wasting all that time, I finally went to the hospital prepared to pay out of pocket, and to my surprise, they said that everything would be covered! They were nicer than any doctor I have been to so far! You just need to get a referral from a doctor to have an ultrasound or mammo. Or test like that. If you need financial aid, then you show them your tax records from last year, pay check stubs, and give them a list of what your budget is per month. That's about it. It depends on how much you make, what your bills are etc. (This is in the US, don't know about other countries) So, don't put off getting tests done that you need to just because of money.

[J_9]

Glad I could cheer you up, if even for a little bit.

I know what it's like being on public assistance for medical. After my cancer I moved to a different state (did not have a job)... 2 years later I was pregnant with my son who is now 5. I had to get on state medicaid to afford the medical, I had enough money mind you to pay for private insurance, but no insurance company wanted me as a client as I was a risk due to my cancer. So, I didn't have a choice.

I do remember being treated as you were today. However, and you will learn this too I hope, I stood up for myself (it was a new doctor to me, remember I am in a new state) and pretty much gave him a piece of my mind. He sincerely apologized and said that they see "freeloaders" so often it is easy to forget that there is a real need for the service for people like us.

This doctor has been my friend and my confidant since that time. He is my son's pediatrician and wrote my letter of recommendation for nursing school.

It's just that sometimes they forget that there is a real need for these programs, they have been hardened by what they see day in and day out and forget that some of us are legitimate in our needs for these services.

Take care sweetie. Keep me posted on your progress, and don't ever forget I am here to support you when and if you need it.

[newgirl77]

I think your post answered another of my questions too. I had heard that you can't get pregnant after you have breast cancer, and obviously that isn't the case, at least not for you, and I'm so glad. I think the person telling me that was talking about the toll chemo can take on your body, but I don't have to start thinking about that yet. But, I was concerned, so I'm glad to see t hat you were able to. I really want kids someday.
I do agree, doctors can get hardened by everything they have to deal with. The ladies at the hospital were just so nice that I started crying. It was such a relief to be talked to like a human being.
Well, I will definitely keep you posted on my progress.
Do you know if they will let me bring a friend to wait with me when the doctor tells me the results? It seems like it would be OK, it's not high school after all, lol. My friend wants to go with me and I want him too also. He thinks they won't let him wait with me because he is a guy, and I think it should be OK. (He is gay after all, so I really don't think he will care about seeing boobs ) He was just worried he wouldn't be able to go with me. I need someone there! Thanks again.

[J_9]

Oh, hun, did I mention I had 6 months of chemo and still got pregnant? Yeppers, I did. My chemo was not that bad.

Now as far as the friend... should not be a problem. They may just ask you if you mind if he hears the results. Doctors and nurses are all about support systems. If he is your support system it should be just fine!!

[newgirl77]

Awesome J_9! That is so cool that you had a kid after chemo! That makes me feel so much better!! I heard there is a medicine that can protect ovaries while going through chemo. I can't remember the name of it, they said it kind of "put them to sleep" during chemo and they can "wake up" afterwards. I think some of the new advances they are making in medicine are pretty cool. Good to know my friend can come too. He is the funniest person I know, and I'm going to need the stress-relief of laughing! He is a real sweetheart. When I called and told him what is going on, he came to my work and brought me flowers and just gave me a big hug and even better some chocolates :) ! Too bad he is gay... Well, thanks again. The tests are next week, so I will let you know how it all goes...

[J_9]

Too bad he is gay...

Some of my bestest friends are gay!!

Remember they remind you that your shoes don't go with your bag. LOL

You'll be just fine. I'd go with you myself if I could.