colon cancer-symptoms and no insurance

by Mari
(Ann Arbor, Michigan, Washtenaw)

My sister has colon cancer now, my grandpa died from it, my daughter has cancer, and I have symptoms of possibly colon cancer.

Problem, I have no insurance and can't afford insurance, lost my job, just out of school and no new jobs calling, so no insurance. Can't find any public program that can help, my husband is on disability for a transplant and they say we make too much on it, yeah right.

Can't make ends meet as it is so how does everyone expect those with signs to get the help and screening and colonoscopy test if there is no help out there for those who fall in the crack of the unjust health care system? I am a female and 54 who wants to live to enjoy my grandchildren and see my daughter through her cancer. Any ideas of a program that helps those uninsured to get colonoscopy?

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colon cancer-symptoms and no insurance

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Oct 19, 2011
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Can we get a free colonoscopy for my little sister?
by: KB

My youngest sister (48 years old) had a colonoscopy several years ago at which time they removed numerous precancerous polyps. She is a single mom with no health insurance working full time, but doesn't make enough money to afford her own policy. She really needs to get a follow up colonoscopy as our oldest brother was diagnosed and treated for colon cancer just last year. Can you please help us? Thank you!!

Sep 23, 2011
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how to get free medical help for colon cancer
by: web editor

Anyone needing free or inexpensive medical help for colon cancer, colonoscopies, etc - should contact their local university medical center or large hospital. Every medical center is filled with compassionate professionals who understand that times are tough and they can't let people suffer.
Contact the colon cancer or colonoscopy units and speak to the 'patient advocate' or charge nurse, explain the work you need done and that you can't afford it. They almost always have a process for helping people that can't pay.
I hope this helps.
www.coloncancerresource.com webmaster

Sep 20, 2011
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WHERE ARE THE ANSWERS FOR PEOPLE THAT HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS AND NO INSURANCE
by: Anonymous

I AM IN THE BOAT WITH EVERYONE ELSE ON THIS PAGE. MY ANSWER IS WHY ISN'T SOMEONE ANSWERING OUR QUESTIONS. I WORKED WITH A COUNTY IN NC FOR 25 YEARS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY PUT ME PT AND I LOSE MY INSURANCE, WHILE UNDER A DOCTOR... CAN'T GET NO HELP AND CAN'T DRAW UNEMPLOYMENT TO OFF SITE BY CHECK. THIS IS BS, WHERE IS THE HELP THAT WE NEED. THEY PAY FOR FORENIGNERS TO COME HERE BUT DON'T CARE ABOUT THEIR OWN..

Aug 19, 2011
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PLEASE HELP!
by: Dee

I am in remission from breast/lymphnode cancer. I have no family and only work 16 hours per week at minimum wage because there is no work available here. I had a colonoscopy 11 years ago and was told I need one in 5 years. Since I cannot afford insurance, I have not been anle to get it. I am now having problems and desparately need one. I am trying not to think the worst, but I am so vulnerable, I am petrified! I will go anywhere in the NJ,PA or OH areas to get both a charity care physician to authorize it and a hospital.
Can someone help me soon?

Jun 24, 2011
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Scared
by: Anonymous

I'm a 48-year-old male and I just found a large amount of blood in my stool. My oldest brother recently died of cancer and my brother, who is two years older than me, discovered colon cancer in its early stages and subsequently had 7" of his colon removed last year. I lost my position at the care facility that I was employed at and now have no hope of receiving any insurance to pay for treatments. I'm really scared.Time is crucial. Where do I go for help?

Jun 08, 2011
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Needing Help Now with colon cancer symptoms
by: Wendy

I'm 43, and about 20 yrs ago, found out I had IBS, at first, then yrs later found out I had Diverperticulitis,and every now and then I have blood in my stool, and severe pain flairups have had a few relatives die due to colon cancer, dad had polaps(not sure of spelling) my mom has half a colon, my brother has had golf ball size hemmaroids removed, and ER won't check colon issues, I have no insurance, I also have Fibromyalgia, and Bi-polar, I'm 90lbs of nothing the stress is killing me I live in Orange city Fl. If anyone out there can hear me and help, lead me into a or any direction it would be so appreciated. I NEED TO KNOW, before it may be to late, like my relatives, I've got 2 daughters and 2 grandsons, and myself I want to live for. PLEASE, PLEASE. You can contact me at 386-801-9070

May 10, 2011
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Colorectal Screening
by: Linda Smith

My Storie is short and simple as so many others like wise I have no insurance I am 51 just about a year ago after my 50th birthday I started having promblems I tried to see a doctor but the cost was too much I am unemployed and a single mom every where I went for help to have this screening you either have to have money or insurance you can't get it I even address this promble to my case worker department of human services she said I was not eligble for health insurance through the State of Michigan being on unemployment you would think so she said I had a Spend down amount of 335 dollars my unemployment is only 374.00 every two weeks I have my rent my bills my car note lights gas water and a child do they want people to died what kind of people are we not to help one antoher. are there any places out there that can hear my cry for help I truly need this test I am scare.

Dec 02, 2010
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NEED COLONSCOPY
by: helpmeplease

I am a 53 year old female, who have no health insurance and is needed of a colonoscopy. I was instructed by my doctor when I had health insurance to get one every two years be cause they have found pollens. I am having some problems at this moment. Is there any agency that can help me in getting a free colonoscopy? I appreciate your assistance.

Oct 26, 2010
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Need colonoscopy-no insurance, income, etc.
by: sjergons

I had recently been diagnosed with Graves Disease. I had been having thyroid storms left and right and ended up in the hospital many times. Before going in the last time I had noticed a massive amount of black stool. I tested positive for blood in my stool and was hospitalized again. While in the hospital I had a scope done and they had found nothing but with a sonogram they had found a tumor on my liver. They couldn't say what it was at the moment. Said it could be cancer but...I had an outpatient MRI done and was to get the results a week later. It has been several months and the doctor hasn't given me the results. Instead they have ordered a Colonoscopy but they wouldn't give me one because I have no insurance. I don't have an income either. I lost my job 2 years ago and just ended my unemployment benefits. I don't qualify for public assistance because I made too much on unemployment. Yeah, right. What do I do? Die? There is no help for me in Pennsylvania as far as I can tell. I can't even afford the Methimazole to treat my Graves Disease. I feel very ill all the time and am now expected to find a job. I have been looking an no one is calling. I'm scared and have no one to lean on for support. Any suggestions?

Oct 20, 2010
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health insurance
by: Anonymous

I was reading some of the stories about people with no coverage for the tests or surgery. I was mortified to read this. My brother is having his colon removed and I also have suspicious polyps, both my father and uncle had the same problems. Thank God I live in Canada, our health system although not perfect, provides these tests and any surgery and we don't pay for it. At the most depending on your income we pay a premium on our income tax towards a provincial health insurance, under 25,000 taxable income we pay nothing, I sure hope your new health care system can eventually provide these life saving procedures,as well as the many other benefits we take for granted, Americans should not be afraid of government involvement in healthcare if they could adapt some of the benefits we as Canadians have. My heart goes out to all the people in need of health care and their health is put at risk because of no insurance.

Oct 14, 2010
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GI Navigator in Pennsylvania-NO insurance
by: Anonymous

Reading some of these comments really touch my heart to know that we have many patients with similar stories, No insurance or limited insurance. Please do send me some information about any local organizations that assist patients in getting free screenings such as colonoscopy in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, there are not many organizations out there such as there is for breast. Thank you as with your information I am able to help others.

Sep 29, 2010
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No insurance and family history of colon cancer
by: Will

Hi, I'm in pretty much the same situation as Mari in an earlier post. I'm a 63 year old male with no insurance and my father died of colon cancer at age 68. I had a colonoscopy around age 40 and nothing was found, though I've always had a bit of IBS. I've had blood in the stool off and on for the last couple of years, but it's always been bright red, which I was told is probably from hemorrhoids. But, I'm getting concerned as I get older. I had been self employed and paid for my own insurance for many years until the price per month got so high I had to drop it. Please let me know if there is anything available in Sioux Falls, SD for someone in my situation. Thank you.

Aug 14, 2010
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scared and need a colonoscopy but can't afford it
by: Mari

Thank you for your inquiry. I don't know if I stated I am now living in Wisconsin, but grew up in the Ann Arbor area. I also want to say, I just got a job Friday the 13th, (so who says that is a bad luck day?), I won't get benefits but I should be able to afford health insurance soon and then can get the colonoscopy check. Thank you so much for replying back and being generous enough in helping find help for me. You are a special person who goes above and beyond to make life more bearable. It is nice to know there may be some type of help out there for others without health insurance and no other choices for this type of screening, especially when it is so prevalent in family and symptoms. I am eager to get it checked out and will come back and comment after I do. Again, Thank you a million times over. Mari

Aug 12, 2010
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helping you get a free colonoscopy
by: web editor

Dear Mari,

Thanks for writing to us at www.coloncancerresource.com. We are located nearby, in Farmington Hills Michigan. I have contacted the Manager of colonoscopy screening at Univ of Michigan Medical Center. He understands your situation and is contacting the units within U of Michigan to try and get you a free colonoscopy. I expect he will call back later today and we will then know what can be done. If that will not work out, I will then contact the appropriate people at Henry Ford Medical System.

Please write back to us so we can connect you with someone who can help you.
-the editor-

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