I didn't realize I was talking to Australia. Yes our system is very different. We don't have a system. You purchase your own health insurance and pay a monthly fee. You usually have a deductible of $2,500 to $5,000 and then the insurance company pays 80% of the bill and you are responsible for the 20%. My health insurance premium went up to $1,200 a month and I decided to cancel it. I'm very healthy and thought I could make it to 65 before I got on Medicare....almost made it...I'm 63. If your poor you get everything paid for by the system. If I was single I would have everything paid for also. My husband makes too much money to allow us any Government financial help. He doesn't make a lot of money but their limit is basically poverty level. This last hospital bill was over $110,000 and they are filing a bunch of papers to try and get us some help. Can't worry about it right? ... View more

Thanks Tez...the 21st was the date of my surgery but my Doctor's office called Tuesday afternoon to let me know the surgery is switched to next Tuesday as the surgeon needs a certain piece of equipment that we don't have in our county. The surgery that I'm having is not performed often in our county as most people go to the Moffett Cancer Center in Tampa or the Cancer Center in Miami to have it done. The equipment has to come from Miami and I guess they needed it there a little longer. I'm hoping Tuesday's surgery does happen and I don't have to wait any longer. I shall get on here after my surgery and make a report. A positive report! Jan ... View more

Well I'm very happy to hear you have got a clear pass Josh. It's actually me that's having the surgery and treatment and I do appreciate your response and kind words Jan ... View more

You obviously loved and admired your Grandfather very much and it sounds like you have been through hell seeing him beat down in this manor. There was nothing you could say or do to comfort or help him and that must be so devastating for you. The look in his eyes is etched on your brain and you can't get it off your mind. I have no advice or words of wisdom for you. I just want you to know that I heard you loud and clear. Jan ... View more

Nothing is silly or minor where cancer is concerned. I can't help you with the buldging tummy. The good thing is your on the right side of the grass. ... View more

Dear Peanutz.. I am soon to be in that same position. I have no health insurance and we have begged, borrowed and stole our way since April 17th when I had my gallbladder removed and was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. Next Tuesday I am having part of my liver removed and we have a payment plan of $500 a month to the surgeon. The Heart Doc who had to run tests to okay me for surgery is allowing us to pay $50 a month. My first surgery is paid off but not my PET scan, my anethesiologist (I know that can't be spelt right and the radiologist. I will now be starting a whole new set of staggering bills with this coming surgery. Also after this I will start on the chemo path with no money. What you are saying makes perfect sense regarding the size of the tumor when the test is done. Why can't they see that and address your worries? Cancer is bad enough without you having to worry about how they treat it the most effective way. Have you tried checking on line for similiar situations and results? I wish you good luck and much love. Jan ... View more

Your loss is overwhelming John. Your beautiful wife was happy, caring, loving and very selfless but her most wonderful gift of all was....she had you for her husband for 24 spectacular years. You have served her well. You must take good care of yourself now for being a care giver takes so much out of you. Life will go on and you will smile once more for your beautiful wife would not have it any other way. Love Jan ... View more

Wow Josh....I'm reading these beautiful writings of yours and I was so disappointed when you swallowed the keys. I was so into it that I wanted to see what you had put in the safe. I was supposded to have part of my liver removed tomorrow and the surgeon's office called late yesterday afternoon to reschedule it for the 26th, next Tuesday. There is a piece of equipment that the surgeon needs and it comes from Miami. We are in Lee County and this surgery is not performed enough here to have our own equipment so it has to be "rented" from Miami. He has it booked again to arrive Monday for the surgery Tuesday AM. I can only imagine how you felt when they called you to change the date for your chemo. I have a friend in Canada who got lung cancer out of nowhere, had it removed and is now going through Chemo. Her hair is thinning but she is feeling okay. She has had one week of treatment so maybe the side effects have not started yet. They changed the date of one of her treatments and she was very upset. I reminded her that none of this is predictable and this may happen a few times throught her treatment. Easy for me to say.....I haven't started my treatment yet. I just wanted to say hi and wrap my old arms around you and give you some support. We do have to take it one day at a time as none of us are promised tomorrow, not even people without cancer. You take care young man and I will follow your dreams. Jan ... View more

Well Tina...since you have a smile on your face I'll tell you a little funny story. My Mom and Dad lived with us and our two boys for 12 years. My Dad passed away before my Mom but she had her own bed, sitting room and we turned our laundry room into a little kitchen for her. After she had her colostomy she would be sitting in her room and her bag would blow up with gas so she would just open a corner of the seal and let the gas out. Well....we would all be sitting in our family room watching t.v. and her air conditioner was hooked in with ours and her air intake would pick up the air in her room and deposit it into our family room. We would all accuse each other of "fluffing as I call it". We all laughed so hard about that. The actual colostomy itself is quite easy to take care of and is well hidden under your clothes. Just remember my Mother when your changing the bag. Have a wonderful day. Jan ... View more

Thank you Tina and Wombat4...is that your real name? I appreciate the fact that you both took the time to read my blog and answer me. I am very encouraged by the stage T2 of my cancer and by the Grace of God had a gallbladder attack and the Doctors discovered it. Thank you again, I feel all warm and fuzzy now. Jan ... View more