Another new chemo
By daeckardt
@daeckardt (6237)
United States
August 1, 2012 4:00pm CST
Hi everyone!!!
Even though I am still fighting with the swelling caused by fluid back-up that is a result of heart failure and using blood thinners to fight blood clots, my doctor started me on a new chemotherapy today. It is called Topotecan and is used for ovarian, lung and cervix cancers. There are few side effects listed but it could cause thinning or loss of hair. This doesn't bother me if it gets rid of the cancer. This will be given for three weeks on and one week off (unless counts are too low one week). I'm not sure how many cycles of this one will occur and I just hope it helps at least a little bit.
On other news, they want me to get compressions stockings to help with the swelling in my legs and feet and I am hoping that what the social worker is trying to work out to pay for it will work because I don't know how much it costs, but it has been suggested that I get fitted for them instead of just going for the generics. It is not covered by medicaid, but it might be able to be covered in part or in full by the cancer center. I hope so since I have limited funds. One word of advice for those who don't have insurance: Don't give up because you can't pay for it. Check with various clinics around your community and see if someone can help. I asked the social worker at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and they looked around and MIGHT have found a solution. She will check elsewhere if her first choice doesn't work out. If you live near a university with a medical school (the cancer center is associated with UMC), there are usually options. I hope everyone is doing well and if you find out about possible sources of assistance like this let others know. Have a great day!!!
1 person likes this
6 responses
@Christine637 (358)
• United States
8 Aug 12
I wish you the best daeckardt. It's great of you to share the battle because it is hard to really understand it unless you've been there or watched someone go through it. I fared well so far, and then I heard of someone who was cancer-free for 10 years and had a recurrence, so there's times I wonder about myself. My dad had a hard time, lung cancer that spread to the brain which eventually ended his battle. Your suggestion to check with university hospitals/clinics is great!!
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
8 Aug 12
I don't know that all university hospitals and clinics work with people the way the school here does, but they have looked out for me. I just hope that I can get through this and get on with life. I was not able to get todays treatment because too many counts were down. I have to get more blood tomorrow, and that has happened a lot over the last three months. Thanks for the response!
@Christine637 (358)
• United States
9 Aug 12
ahhh...I remember that feeling, waiting for the results from my blood count to see if I can even have the treatment. I remember once, some number was on the borderline and they had to call my insurance company first. My insurance company??? It was apparently up to them?? Hang in there, it's a struggle but worth it.
@GardenGerty (160777)
• United States
2 Aug 12
It is good to know what to do for resources in your community. I know we have a resource council that helps with housing, and I know that sometimes our hospital can help people access grants and the like that help them get the financial help they need or that write off the bills.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160777)
• United States
3 Aug 12
When I was five my folks took me to the OU med center for my glasses and I was given vision training to do to strengthen my eyes.
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
2 Aug 12
It would be nice if all communities had such resources, but I think it really depends on the individuals involved in helping people. If there is a social worker in a clinic or hospital they are the best place to find what is available to needy people and I have been helped with prescriptions before at the county clinic and various other things through the university and hospital.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
2 Aug 12
iam so sorry. i sure wish i could help. iam so sick of cancer myself that i dont know where its all going to end. but i do wish cancer would end.
it just keeps making everyone miserable. 
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
4 Aug 12
You said this so well! I feel the same way and wish it would just go away, not just for me but for the whole world! Thanks for the response!!!
@marguicha (223439)
• Chile
2 Aug 12
I hope all goes well with this new chemo, Deb. I know what you mean by having a lot of extra expenses that are not covered by the health insurance. I`m glad you have a social worker to help. Here we get a big help from the government when we have these illness that noone could afford to pay. But still, noone pays for the transportation when you cannot drive, for the masks when even cold bugs could killl you. Right now I must face a whole gastroenterologisc checkup thathas a very small coverage, because the oncologist did not like something in my PET CT. I already had to pay for the colonoscopy and the biopsy out of my own pocket (nothing terrible there) but they have not discovered what makes it to hurt. SH*T!!! Sorry. Sometimes it`s the only word.
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
2 Aug 12
Sometimes it is the disease and nothing will help with that or so my doctor tells me. They checked all sorts of things and didn't find any reason I should hurt so that was her answer. I totally agree when you say that is the only word. I just hope I get some good news with this chemo. I did notice today that walking with the walker did help me be able to move outside so maybe I am on the mend just need to get active again. See what happens when I get the stockings. Have a great week!!!
