katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,391 
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Post by katybee on Apr 12, 2017 0:09:04 GMT
My brother who has stage 4 kidney cancer got some bad news today. He's being permenantly taken off his chemo. It has been very effective--his "hot spots" actually appear normal on his latest scans (spots in his lungs, ribs and lymph nodes). But he just cannot tolerate the side effects. He has constant (dangerous) diarrhea and is always nauseous. His oncologist is going to try to get him on immunotherapy. But it all depends on the insurance company. They might not approve it. We will find out on Friday. So if you pray or if you could just send good thoughts, I would appreciate it. To make matters worse, he is in very serious danger of losing his job. He has had to miss a lot of work because of his cancer. Over the last six years, he has had his kidney removed, his spleen removed, his adrenal gland removed, and brain surgery. All at different times. For the last nine months, he has been going through chemo. He has many good days where he can work and be productive. But then he has is really, really bad days. And he has a lot of appointments. He does his best to schedule them at the end of the day, but he cannot skip appointments. He has to see his oncologist, a kidney specialist, his neurologist, and let's not forget the endless scans that CT scans, MRIs, bone scans, the list goes on and on… And they have to be done every three months. He has been a good and loyal employee (even though they let him go once before after his first surgery). He has consistently good reviews and has had many promotions. But I guess business is business... He has been out the last two weeks and has been finally cleared by his doctor to go back tomorrow. He has a bad feeling they're going to let him go when he goes in. I do not know what he will do. We are most worried about his insurance.  Thanks for listening. |
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quiltz
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Posts: 6,739
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Apr 12, 2017 0:11:46 GMT
I am so sorry that your family is in this situation. Sending positive thoughts.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Apr 12, 2017 0:15:05 GMT
Prayers for him and some hugs for you.
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Post by destined2bmom on Apr 12, 2017 0:17:28 GMT
Prayers, hugs and positive thoughts going out to your brother, his family and you and the rest of your family. Maybe he could send an email to his boss tonight, letting him know about stopping chemo and copy HR on it. That may help his boss and company have a change of heart, if they are thinking about letting him go.
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Post by frenchie on Apr 12, 2017 0:20:04 GMT
I'm so sorry your brother is dealing with so much. And then to worry about losing his job.. That's heartbreaking. I'll be praying for him-and you, too. You sound like a wonderful. caring sister.
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Post by scrappintoee on Apr 12, 2017 0:20:16 GMT
I'm SO sorry for your dear brother!!! That is SO much for a person to bear!  I'm sending up prayers and (( hugs )) to all of you !!! I pray he will NOT lose his job, and that the insurance will cover the immunotherapy and that his constant diarrhea and nausea will STOP---that is just horrible!  --It's AMAZING he's been able to work at all---poor guy!!! Does he get some type of IV supplementation to make up for all of that constant diarrhea? And if not, how does he stay nourished/ hydrated? Do you live near him? I'm only asking because if it was someone I loved, I know it's even harder if you live far apart. More (( hugs )) |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Apr 12, 2017 0:25:25 GMT
I am so sorry your brother has to fear losing his job on top of all his health problems. Sending prayers and positive thoughts.
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Post by marmargirl on Apr 12, 2017 0:28:56 GMT
Sending prayers and positive thoughts to your brother, and your family!
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Post by snowsilver on Apr 12, 2017 0:31:25 GMT
I am very sorry and I can understand your pain. I lost my own brother to kidney cancer (which spread into his lungs) 3 years ago. So I've been there. Even having been there, I don't have the words to give you to help. Maybe they don't exist.
I hope you have a better outcome (my brother's cancer was too far gone before they finally listened to him and did the testing).
I can't even imagine how your dear brother has managed to come through everything and still be productive at work. He must be something special. And honestly, although I am a pro-business person overall, I have a bit of trouble with a company that would let him go knowing that he is still trying in spite of unbelievable setbacks.
Hugs and may God whisper to you the words I don't know how to say to make you feel stronger. Of course I will pray!
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Post by librarylady on Apr 12, 2017 0:33:10 GMT
Prayers for your brother and all his family and extended family.
I can't imagine the stress of it all. hug to you.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Apr 12, 2017 0:47:28 GMT
I'm so sorry for all your brother is going through - and everyone who loves him. Are you near any hospital conducting clinical trials that may be researching his cancer? Insurance companies have to pay for the routine appointments, but don't have to pay for the actual drugs used in the trial which are typically covered by the sponsors of the trial. Just something to explore...
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Post by mom on Apr 12, 2017 0:54:10 GMT
I am so, so sorry! To be worried about his job on top of his health concerns! I will pray for your brother.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,391
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Post by katybee on Apr 12, 2017 0:55:43 GMT
I'm so sorry for all your brother is going through - and everyone who loves him. Are you near any hospital conducting clinical trials that may be researching his cancer? Insurance companies have to pay for the routine appointments, but don't have to pay for the actual drugs used in the trial which are typically covered by the sponsors of the trial. Just something to explore... I'm not sure. His oncologist is incredible. We trust her to find the best option for him. But even if the drugs were free, the cost of his care is STAGGERING. The scans alone are thousands of dollars each. And, FYI, radiology companies do not do scans out of the goodness of their hearts. Last time he lost his insurance--when his company let go of him – he had to continue getting scans. After a few that he could not pay for, the largest and best radiology center here in Austin refused to do any more. He had to skip a few. Then his oncologist got him into a less expensive radiologist. But the scans were not as good. So when the spot on his adrenal gland showed up, she could not get enough information, so they had to send him back to the better radiology place. Luckily, by then, he had his job/insurance back. |
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Post by peasapie on Apr 12, 2017 1:12:52 GMT
I'm praying for your brother. Ive heard many good things about immunotherapy and hope he will be eligible for it.
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Post by Really Red on Apr 12, 2017 1:13:37 GMT
Your poor, poor brother. It just stinks that we're all at the mercy of insurance and worse for your brother, he's at the mercy of his job. It's just not right that someone in his situation has that to worry about as well. Sending TONS of good thoughts your brother's way. I hope his company steps up to the plate and I hope he hears other good news as well.  |
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Post by nnnsmom on Apr 12, 2017 1:17:15 GMT
Prayers for your brother!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 21, 2024 5:26:54 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2017 1:18:02 GMT
Prayers said for your brother & all who love him...
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Post by littlemama on Apr 12, 2017 1:18:37 GMT
Has he exceeded his FMLA or is his company not FMLA-eligible?
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Post by ntsf on Apr 12, 2017 1:20:18 GMT
prayers...
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maurchclt
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,628
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Post by maurchclt on Apr 12, 2017 1:20:38 GMT
Sending prayers and good wishes.
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zella
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,884
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Post by zella on Apr 12, 2017 1:25:41 GMT
No one fighting a disease like this should have to worry about how to pay for the treatments. It is obscene. I'm sorry your brother is in this situation and I hope he can keep his insurance coverage (maybe through Cobra?).
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Post by AussieMeg on Apr 12, 2017 1:27:02 GMT
I'm so sorry that your brother is sick. It's horrendous that he now has to worry about losing his job and insurance. There is something very very wrong when a person can't get the treatment they need because they either don't have insurance or their insurance doesn't cover it. I hope he is able to get the immunotherapy.
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,546
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Apr 12, 2017 1:33:12 GMT
This brings tears to my eyes. God bless your brother. I pray that he is able to keep his job and insurance, and that the immunotherapy works wonders.
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Post by beebee on Apr 12, 2017 1:35:59 GMT
I will be praying for your brother.
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,644
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Apr 12, 2017 1:38:09 GMT
((hugs)) Katybee. I'm sorry for everything your brother is going through and how hard it must also be for you and those that love him.
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,504
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Post by peasquared on Apr 12, 2017 1:55:11 GMT
I'm am so sorry.
I'll keep you all in my prayers. May some good news come soon. (((Hugs)))
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Post by mollycoddle on Apr 12, 2017 1:59:00 GMT
I'm sorry. Sending good thoughts out for your brother.
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Post by roberta on Apr 12, 2017 1:59:53 GMT
Prayers for your brother and your family.
Can he retire on disability?
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Post by Merge on Apr 12, 2017 2:01:48 GMT
I'm so sorry. Best wishes to your brother.
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Post by originalvanillabean on Apr 12, 2017 2:05:41 GMT
Hugs and Prayers!
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I'm sending up
--It's AMAZING he's been able to work at all---poor guy!!! Does he get some type of IV supplementation to make up for all of that constant diarrhea? And if not, how does he stay nourished/ hydrated?
