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Everything posted by Nick C
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Rationing Healthcare — Unconscionable or Inescapable?
Nick C replied to recce101's topic in LUNG CANCER IN THE NEWS
But this is not what he (Obama)has said in the past. I heard a playback on NPR where he said the nation needs to have the debate about where healthcare stops and end of life care begins. Why does the debate need to occur if the decision is between the patient and the doctor? Political symantics..."care" when you are approaching the end of your life (and the debate is when does that occur)...is not health care. And therefore should not be provided...as it is too costly to the system. Sorry, I've been dominating...I'm going to be silent on the issue as long as I can...apologies...I'll shut up now. -
Rationing Healthcare — Unconscionable or Inescapable?
Nick C replied to recce101's topic in LUNG CANCER IN THE NEWS
So many points...I'd like to give my 2 cents, but I have a buc fifty on this topic. Randy, I agree, malpractice damages capped...costs would reduce. BUT Mr. Obama did NOT as part of this sweeping proposal propose capping malpractice damage awards... RnR paddy. People do not get denied care in this country. You go to a doctor or a hospital, you will receive treatment. Drug programs sponsored by the pharma companies will address needs of those who do not have insurance. And on the salary point...who is going to pay the salary? Every doctor in america will become a gov't employee??? And you think getting your license renewed at the DMV sucks...? -
Rationing Healthcare — Unconscionable or Inescapable?
Nick C replied to recce101's topic in LUNG CANCER IN THE NEWS
I agree it isn't "free" BUT talk to some "average" Americans...I've heard them make statements like "I can't wait to get my free health insurance". So my statement was perception of those who are FOR it. I am against it and everything I've read shows the cost to be astronomical. We should all know there are no free lunches. Didn't mean to misrepresent. My intended point was the gov't option will squeeze out the private options. -
Rationing Healthcare — Unconscionable or Inescapable?
Nick C replied to recce101's topic in LUNG CANCER IN THE NEWS
Back in the day, the eskimos used to bring their elderly out to the tundra to freeze to death so they weren't a drain on the food supply during harsh winters... The debate of rationing is the same thing. It is valuing one life over another based on certain factors. But they aren't MY factors. Anyone who feels the nationalization of healthcare is a good idea, ask this question. Have any of these politicians who want to dictate the type of care you are to receive taken the hypocratic oath? Yet they will decide what care you receive. How many of us here encourage our friends here who are fighting an advanced stage disease to fight with everything they have? How many of us have encouraged a care giver of an 80 year old lung cancer patient to seek treatment if that is what the patient wants? How many of us have commented on threads where doctors have said "why bother?" and we've said because you should have hope!!! Is a nationalized health system is going to draw a line in the sand when your "end of life" is approaching...and decide that a person in that bucket doesn't get surgery...doesn't get chemo. Sorry, this is the single most devastating and scary political movement I've witnessed in my 34 years. I don't want the government telling me when it's time to give up hope. And don't give me the "well you can have optional health insurance" arguement. It will cease to exist. Who has municiple trash pick up? Have you ever seen a private waste management company hired by your neighbors to pick up the garbage? No? Yea, well that's how scarce the private insurers will be when folks can get medical from the gov't for free. Sorry...I'm ranting. But over the last two and a half years I have learned that an extra year can define a life time. Regardless of age. -
Wow Marci, I'm really sorry to read all of that.
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Apparently my mom wrote me a poem and sent it to her mother when I was in utero. My grandmother sent it to me...thought I'd share it. "Here is a little poem I wrote for my baby. I know you're there, We've just found out. It seems you're all I think about! Just like a dream, you're coming true And all because I've prayed for you. I dread to think how small you are, And we have yet to go so far! But I know we all start out that way, And that you will be here someday. So we'll just wait. And you'll be so great. Please don't be late. We love you." That was nice to get. I miss her.
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Glad you are comfy with what you heard...sounds like you can be confident that you and Mom are in good hands.
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My mom had a lot of mets, and so had no choice but to do whole brain radiation (WBR). However if it is A single met and it is small enough there are targetted therapies (Like cyber knife and gamma knife). Here is one thing to look out for. Often, hospitals will say a certain treatment is the best one BECAUSE IT IS THE EQUID THEY HAVE. You will have to be active on this. If the onc says only one therapy will work, ask about the other. If they say won't work, ask why AND ASK IF THEY HAVE THE EQUIP to do it if it was possible. It might mean finding a facility with the alternate equipment and having a consultation with one of their docs. Just a few thoughts. Good luck.
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And now for something completely different...
Nick C replied to Bud Baker's topic in SHARE YOUR LUNG CANCER STORY
Thos pics are WILD!!!! -
That's awesome!!!!
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That is so sad. I'm so sorry.
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Good luck. I hope it all goes well.
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Most ins companies hhave nurses on staff who work as patient advocates...perhaps this is your first route. Initially the insurance co refused to pay for half of my mother's double mastechtomy because she only had one tumor...the patient advocate got them to pay for the whole thing. Also, the hospital SHOULD have someone on staff who can help you as part of their programs.
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Why the pain and the suffering? Why the cruelty? Why are so many here working so hard and yet our efforts seem in vain when these people we care about fall to this disease? I don't have the answer. I can't imagine your pain and weariness. I completely understand how you would feel how you are feeling.
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You will one day have an 8th where you don't cry. I can't say when it happens...but my mom passed on the 5th of October, I can tell you not an hour gores by where I don't miss her, but 3 days ago, the fact that it was a 5th didn't strike me as significant as a "5th".
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I didn't have this issue with my employer at the time. My boss was great. If you feel it is being held against you, it can't hurt to sit down calmly and say, "I feel like this is being held against me. I'm still seriously grieving, and I want to make sure it isn't just me."
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Randy, first off, golf just ruins what should be a nice walk i the park...so don't be too concerned. Seriously though, sorry for the saddness. It does reach out at you when you doon't expect it.
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We were honored to have her fight beside us against this disease. I'm really sad now...we lost a friend.
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Carleen, Your story is one of the first I really connected with. One of the first ones which made me realize this disease is a thief. I am so happy to see your very human story continues in so many good ways...I am sad that you have to remember this day. It's amazing how even though you are apart from him, the story of the two of you continues on.
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I wish I had the words Pat to make you feel better, but you know no words can make it better. I just really feel your post and I'm hoping for peace and healing for you.
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Oh, this is just terrible!! I am SO sorry.
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Denial - Are we responsible for his decline??
Nick C replied to Jompy's topic in CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER
Please understand, the steroids (and based on how you described the change, it was decadron) totally hop the patient up and make them feel like a million bucks. My mother was on FIRE on the steroids...eating a lot feeling like she could do anything...was a bit testy. She had the "phlegm" too, but it isn't phlegm, it may be yeast. At least that's what the docs said. And don't sit there and second guess and say "we should have had him on steroids the whole time" This is unfortunately not a long term solution and they take their toll too. There is never a perfect solution as a caregiver. If there was, we'd all have taken it. You've done a fine job, you didn't inflict cancer on him. You'vee done just fine, and the ups and downs haven't been within your control, but being there for those ups and downs speaks volumes about you and your character in a good way. -
Gosh, I remember a year and 7 months ago...I can't believe it's been that long. And yes, when the numbness wears off, the sting certainly is different. I hope the good memories start to outnumber the sharp painful times.
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First off, I am sorry the family continues to grieve, but of course it is completely understandable. But I'll get right to the medium thing...and sorry, I'll be slightly religious here (I don't know why I feel compelled to apologize for that but I do). First (for me, maybe not you or others) biblically there is guidance against using mediums. But beyond what is written: don't put your faith in a human charging $500...put your faith in your Creator, and however that Creator has promised that your Mom is OK.
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I am sorry I missed this until now, and am very very sorry for your loss. We''ll be here.