My name is Sherry and I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on August 8, 2012. I had a lumpectomy done on September 11, 2012 and everything seemed to be going well. I had no insurance but thanks to the State they have a program with Medicaid called the BCCTP (Breast Cervical Cancer Treatment Program). Through this I was able to get insurance. (I am a seasonal worker therefore not eligible for insurance.)
I had thirty-seven (37) treatments of radiation from November thru December. I get laid off every December thru March. I was recuperating over this past winter and all seemed fine.
I started back to work on April of this year. I made it four days of working and then I noticed my arm swelling when I took my shower on Friday, April 12.
I had a doctors appointment that Monday so I waited and told my doctor about it. She told me to call my Surgeon. When I got home I did and that is when I realized how the system works. There are only two Lymphedema therapists in my area and neither one of them took my insurance. I was able to go see one of them for an evaluation. I called my caseworker and she told me to call the insurance company and ask for the Special Needs department. I called them and after a few days and a lot of phone calls I was told I could have 10 treatments.
This is a chronic condition and i will have it for the rest of my life. I have to wear a compression sleeve all day and wrap my arm every night. I have to be careful not to get cut, jabbed, or hurt in anyway in my arm. I am a single grandmother and only 56 years old and I don’t know what else to do. It has interferred in my ability to type like I used to. I work as a Clerical Supervisor and that is part of my job. I have to stop numerous times to finish a long report or anything that has to do with using my arm.
There are a couple programs out there to help but it is only a one time thing. A compression sleeve is only good for 6 months. The night sleeve is good for 2 years. Now, if I plan on dying in two years I will be okay, but if not, then i will have a hard time being able to afford these needed items. I have resigned myself to living like this and it isn’t anyones fault but it would be nice if the insurance companies would recognize that this is a major medical problem.
