Chemotherapy Options?

I just got my final pathology results back today. I was originally diagnosed with uterine cancer from a uterine biopsy a few weeks ago. After the surgery, the doctor told me that the cancer had invaded partway into the uterine wall, so he took out my lymph nodes. The lymph nodes were clean, but they found a small tumor on one ovary. The doctor is going to take a second look at the pathology results because that's a somewhat odd result, but if it's accurate, I will be looking at chemotherapy and radiation.

The doctor said I'd have the chance to talk to someone more extensively about chemotherapy options, probably next week when I have my next follow-up visit. But he mentioned that I could be part of a study - they are comparing two different chemotherapy regimens, one that is the standard of care at the moment and one that is similar but uses a slightly different drug that has fewer side effects. I'm not sure if being part of a study would be a good thing or not - I'm a scientist so I'm somewhat familiar with studies, but I've never thought about being part of one myself. It seems like both study options are medically sound, as far as I can tell.

The financial side of things is getting a bit scary - I was laid off from my job back in June. I have insurance through the end of November, and after that I'll be able to get COBRA, but with chemotherapy lasting 5+ months, that's a LONG time to be out of work. The doctor said I could probably work during the treatment, at least part time, but I have my doubts anyone would hire me under the circumstances. (Especially not in my field - I'm a chemist and there really aren't "part time" options for research chemists.) Not to mention, once Jan 1 rolls around, I will have to fulfill another medical deductible, on top of COBRA costs. Yeesh.

Thanks for any advice,

Karen

Kathy Im just curious why is your chemo's going to be so long, I have chemo starting next week but its once a week for 6-7 weeks? So Im just curious why they have already determined 5+ months? Keep strong, I wish I could tell you not to worry but I know that you will, Theres lots of woman on here who will help you along the way

Karen:
I know it is hard to relax right now, but I would wait on the path reports.
When you say invasion into the wall, are you talking about the myometrial wall.? I had a small invasion there, but if the ovary checks out, you may not need anything else (if you desire) I chose just to be checked on a 3 month basis. There are a few women that post that are just getting check ups with no further treatment... Keep us posted.

Dear Karen,

First, let me say how sorry I am to hear that you're having to think about things like chemotherapy. Is it the chemo and radiation combined that the doctor is estimating takes about 5 months? That sounds similar to the length of treatment I'm undergoing.

I was diagnosed in May of this year with endometrial cancer Stage IIIc (2 positive lymph nodes), and after a lot of thinking, consulting two other gyn/oncs for their opinions, and some research, I elected to participate in a Phase II clinical trial that uses a slightly different combination of chemo drugs than usually used (carboplatin and taxotere, rather than taxol) and a "sandwich" protocol, with 3 sessions of chemo followed by 5 weeks of radiation, and then 3 more sessions of chemo. I'd be glad to offer details about the study I'm in and/or my decision to join it. You're at an advantage, being a scientist, so you probably know the right questions to ask. Generally, I'd ask your doctor what he or she thinks about the different chemo regimens, and if there is any research that suggest that the slightly different chemo drug is at least as effective as the one it replaces. I'd also ask if the study has a budget that might cover some of the medical costs to you, especially if it requires more scans or tests than usually recommended. Best of luck to you, and I'm keeping good thoughts for your final pathology reports!
Regina

I'm sorry to hear you have to face so many things at once! Look into programs at the hospital you are going to for treatments. I know mine has a patient payment plan. If you are paying all expenses out of pocket, depending on income, you only pay anywhere from 10-75% of the costs. In some circumstances (again, based on income) the care is completely free!

The last thing you need to worry about right now are medical bills. Another thing...you can send as little as $10/month towards them. They aren't allowed to charge interest, and cannot turn you into collections as long as you stay current on your payments.

Vega:
I wonder about your comment " You can send them as little as $10./mo. and they aren't allowed to charge interest. The reason I say that is my girlfriend said the hospital told her she had a year and after that they would start charging interest. I didn't know if that was a bluff on their part or not.

I've already tangled with the hospital "collections department". I was in the hospital with anemia about 6 weeks ago. It went to my insurance company, but I never got a bill - I called my insurance company but they said to wait until the hospital billed me. The day before my hysterectomy, the collections department called me up and started threatening me, telling me that "they'd get their money one way or the other" and "I'd better pay up now". When I told the woman I never got a bill, she said I was lying.

Because I was so stressed out about the surgery, I just paid it over the phone with a credit card - I had the money and would have happily paid it as soon as I got a bill. But it didn't leave me feeling happy thoughts about the hospital "collections department". A couple of people told me I should complain, but I haven't had the motivation to do it so far, with everything else that's going on. Thankfully I had my surgery at a different hospital, although it's within the same system.

Karen

Karen, I am sorry to hear about all of the worries you are facing right now. I have had a lot of medical expenses with my husband that his insurance, although good coverage, did not cover. What I have tried to do with the hospital is to pay the bill in full within 6 months, but I have been fortunate that the balance of that bill has not been huge. I have never paid interest to the hospital. I have asked the doctors for longer terms just because they seem more agreeable to doing so and I end up owing them more than I owed the hospital. Sometimes it has taken me 2 years to pay off a doctor and they have never charged me interest. Please take care of yourself first and foremost.

I'm sorry you have so much to have to deal with right now, but I do have a little input. My chemo took about 5-6 months also. I was also laid off from my job at the beginning of it. After your unemployment ends, can't you go on state disability. I know in NJ we can, which I did. It at least helped pay the bills during that time, and I didn't have to worry about looking for a new job, until I was healthy again. Your Dr. should be able to fill out the paperwork for you. Also, as for the hospital bills, if it gets really overwhelming, you can speak to someone there about "financial hardship" they will then make special arrangements for you. My Mom did that quite a few years back, and was able to make reasonable payments.
I had traditional chemo, and for me it was successful, and even though it was tough at times, and I had some problems, it was certainly doable. The best part is, it worked.
good luck to you.