My Sister has Cancer.

[dotymed]

She is 55 years old. Debbie is a mother of 4 grown children. She is unemployed and uninsured.

What a way to sum up a (great) persons life. God, it makes me mad.

She has had a lesion (about 3 inches) on her nose for over 10 months. Being uninsured, she kept using OTC medications and praying for it to go away and staying home a lot, because she was embarrassed.

We live in TN. When she finally went to the "Health Dept.", they told her of their suspicions and performed a biopsy. She got the results a few days ago. Basal cell (it could be worse) carcinoma and it is pretty advanced. The Dr. at the Health dept. is (IMO) a hero. I knew him when he had a very successful practice and made lots of money. Even then, he donated a few days a week to people who could not afford a Dr. and had no insurance. He is now a full-time "peoples doctor." He said the roots of this cancer are very deep. Debbie will need an oncologist ad a plastic surgeon to reconstruct her nose. If there are any Oncologists or Plastic Surgeons who would donate their skills or reduce their fee, please "PM" me.

Anyway, because Debbie does not have either Breast or Cervical Cancer, she does not qualify for TennCare. I applaud the fact that, at least, women with those cancers can get treatment. It is better than having no care for any cancer victims.

My sister is a special person. She is nice (a little withdrawn), ironically, she was always the "good girl." She would never smoke, drink, do drugs with us while we were young. She still doesn't. She is always there for someone when they need help or just someone to sit quietly with. She has done this for me and I appreciate it beyond words.

Through all of my "dumbass years" she has been there. She would "bail me out" and never mention it again. When I started having heart attacks and complications. Debbie was always mothering me and telling me to "move home." I have had a "wandering gene" along with many others..., and she wanted me to come home and be near, so she could help. I love her very much.

While she has always been a very pretty girl, she never took advantage of it. I always thought that was cool. She loved deeply, never for personal gain and she has had a few "comfortable" guys try to "hook up" with her. Not her style. Freud would have a field day with me. I have married twice. Who knows, maybe the third time....lol. Both of my wives were named Debbie. If they were as tolerant as my sister, maybe they could have put up with me?

I am asking anyone who can and who wants to; to Donate whatever you can afford. In these times, every little bit will help. Debbie does not know about this. She called me last night to thank me for contacting St. Thomas Hospital on her behalf. They sent her paperwork to see if they can reduce their FEE.

I think we all agree, we all deserve (as do our future generations), Universal Health Care, as a RIGHT. I have railed, posted, contacted politicians (whose health care we provide) and been so thankful that I belong to a Union that has kept me alive by providing health insurance even after I was unable to work.

I am not going to rant right now. I might cry though (I am) and I don't want my damned heart monitor to go off... Ilsa will call and give me hell...

Please donate if you can.
Thank You. I love you All.
dotymed
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VGGZFSJ99LNBA

copy the link above into your web browser and hit enter

Required disclaimer: The administrators of Democratic Underground have given permission for one discussion thread on this topic. The administrators of Democratic Underground make no claims regarding the legitimacy or illegitimacy of this fundraising effort. Permission was granted by Skinner on 5/25/11, and the moderators have been notified.

[barbtries]

1. best wishes

to debbie and to you.

[bemildred]

2. Basal cell carcinoma is most unlikely to kill her.

Three inches is very large, though, they will want to do MOHS surgery on it, I expect.

[dotymed]

3. MOHS surgery?

I don't know what that is. If everyone would please "REC" this, so it stays around, I greatly appreciate it.

[bemildred]

5. Here:

http://www.skincancer.org/mohs-micrographic-surgery.html?gclid=CJS2i4LmhakCFecbQgoddETzpg

[cate94]

7. MOHS surgery

is a micro surgery. They remove a very small margin around the cancer and test it to make sure the margins are free of cancer before they close up the wound. The advantage of MOHS is that it has a great cure rate. The disadvantage is that it is very expensive.

To be honest, I don't remember if the plastic surgeon route was more expensive than the MOHS. Both had good results though.

Hopefully your sister will get the right Dr. to help her through this.

[calimary]

45. Will kick it as well.

Damn - I hope she'll be okay.

We Need Universal HEALTH CARE!!!!!!

[Liberty Belle]

46. I had MOHS surgery for basal cell carcinoma above my collarbone.

My cancer was ignored for over a year because it grew on top of scar tissue from neurosurgery and the surgeon kept telling me it was just irritated scar tissue.

They earlier tried a smaller surgery that didn't work. MOHS did and I've been cancer-free for several years now.

I had insurance but don't recall it being all that expensive (I had an 80/20 plan at the time, ie I paid 20%).


But she shouldn't wait if the roots are deep. Can she hold a yard sale with help from friends, or if she or a relative owns a home try for a line of credit on the house to cover this emergency?

Worse case there are some clinics in Mexico where she could get this done cheaper.

[dotymed]

78. Would anyone

:kick: , so this can stay a little while longer?

[dotymed]

79. Please, kick

so this may stay on DU a little longer. Thank You.

:kick:

[cate94]

4. While it is true

it won't kill her, it can be very disfiguring. The nose is especially difficult. They will probably need the plastic surgeon just to remove it. So while MOHS is the treatment choice for many basal cell cancers, it might not even be an option in this case.

I've had four basal cell carcinomas removed from my face. Only one was removed by MOHS, and two were by plastic surgeon.

[bemildred]

6. The face is tricky, mine was on my back, largeish, but not as large as stated in the OP.

So I expect you are right. But I assume they will want to make sure they got it all somehow, if they can.

[cate94]

8. Yeah,

If they can make sure they get it all at once it is much better. Normally you would think MOHS but that large and on the nose, who knows?

I don't think I would have ever found a basal cell on my back. Now the dermatologist checks every six months so I don't have to.

[bemildred]

9. Yeah, I was scratching my head why it would be there.

All I could think of were some sunburns when I was young. On the other hand, cosmetically, it made it a lot simpler.

And yeah, that is almost a whole nose.

[dotymed]

10. bemildred, thank you.

that was very informative. I've never heard of MOHS surgery before. I hope that we can get this done for Debbie.

[bemildred]

11. My pleasure. It worked very well for me. nt

[a kennedy]

61. That's one of the MAJOR reasons for skin cancer....bad sunburns....

My sister and brother both died of melanoma cancer.....my sister last May 21st, and my brother December 23 of 1980. Our family has very light skin and back in the day we would TRY to get suntanned and all we got was burned. I've had a couple biopsies on my nose too...... D*mn

[tblue37]

37. I had my third basal cell carcinoma removed last year. One in 1983 was on my eyelid, one

in the 1970s was on the inside of my thigh. I also had a precancerous lesion removed from my hand in the 1990s. This third basal cell cancer was on the upper part of my nose--on the side just below the bridge. It was a very small lesion, but it still left a noticeable scar, though not an outrageous one. I do think, though, that having a 3-inch lesion removed will leave a pretty bad scar, so I hope whoever does her surgery makes a real attempt to minimize the scar.

And while it's true that basal cell carcinomas have a very high cure rate (something like 99%), I suspect that having to forego treatment for so long might have made hers somewhat more dangrous than it otherwise would be, so I hope she is able to get it taken care of very soon!

[cate94]

58. On your eyelid?

That sounds horrible!

I had one on the side of my nose very close to my eye. That one gave me some scarring but that has faded over the past couple years.

[tblue37]

65. It wasn't a big deal, but at the time just hearing the word "cancer" when the biopsy came back

freaked me out. The one that I had had removed from my thigh had been removed very soon after I spotted it, which was very soon after it developed, so I was not worried about it when the doctor said it was a basal cell carcinoma and that they were usually no big deal as long as they were caught early.

But the one on my eyelid had been there for some time, and I was afraid that it might affect my vision in some way. It had also been itchy for quite a while, but I was very busy and I had not gotten it taken care of right away.

I was quite shaken by the cancer diagnosis, but after it was removed, the scar wasn't at all noticeable, and nothing else ever came of it, so no biggie.

My paternal grandmother had several little basal cell skin cancers removed from various parts of her body, and she lived to 94. My dad also had a few removed during his 71 years, so I realized that it was probably a genetic tendency to form them. Also, although my dad's family is Sicilian-American, my mom's was not, and I am a freckled redhead, so I realize that my skin is probably particularly susceptible, so I keep a close watch on things.

Even melanoma--the deadliest skin cancer--is not a death sentence. My older brother had two melanoma lesions removed from his face in 2003 (when he was 55). He lives in Texas and is an avid fisherman, so he is out in the sun all the time. But he has never had a recurrence, though he too keeps a close watch on things.

Even old John McCain has had a number of melanomas removed and is still going strong. People who are always out under the sun in places like Texas and Arizona are, of course, at particular risk. I live in very sunny Kansas, but the heat bothers me in my old age (probably because of my BP meds and the fact that I am about 30 pounds overweight), so I am not out in the sun that much any more, and I also try to avoid too much exposure because of my tendency to form cancerous skin lesions.

I worry about the OP's sister's lesion only because it is so large, and it appalls me that in our country a person has to put off important health care the way she did. But I think once the lesion is removed she will be fine, though I hope that she doesn't end up with a nasty scar right on her nose. A really good surgeon can prevent that, I believe. I don't think my family practitioner, who removed my nose lesion, was that precise. As small as it was, I think peraps the scar shouldn't be as noticeable as it is. But as I said, I am 60 and I am not concerned about it, and it isn't all that bad anyway. (The eyelid lesion didn't leave a noticeable scar at all.)

[cate94]

68. Yup

Your last paragraph nails it. It is completely appalling that she had to put off her healthcare at all.

And I think she is lucky that it is basal cell. Putting off either of the other two skin cancers (squamous or melanoma) can be a disaster. If you get those early, they are usually not a problem.

[dotymed]

12. Did anyone here, see the video

of one of the tea-bagger representatives(?) proclaiming employers and governments should not provide health care? When asked "why he took his tax-payer paid health care..., he replied:.."because it's free." Honestly, how can people like that get "elected?" It sure makes me wonder.

[dotymed]

13. I may be unhealthy,

but at least I am not a complete idiot.

[bobbolink]

14. Please share this hug with Debbie:

:hug:

I will resist the temptation to rant about people being caught in painful stuff like this.

I hope she is OK emotionally... this must be traumatic. My best to her... and to you.

:grouphug:

[dotymed]

89. Bobbie

I love you. Thanks. :kick:

[Fumesucker]

15. K&R for your sister..

I hope things turn out all right for her.. and you too.

:hug:

[DevonRex]

16. Check out the federal Health Services Resources Administration.

They run clinics for the uninsured/low income folks. They also have lists of specialists in your area who provide care at greatly reduced rates. Im bookmarking this to donate when I can. Love to you and your sister.

[dotymed]

96. Thank you.

Please share this information. That would be very helpful.

[Liberal_in_LA]

17. k&R

[OneGrassRoot]

18. K&R n/t

[a la izquierda]

19. K & R

I can't donate anything at the moment, but I hope you and your sister find some peace, and I hope that she gets healed right quick.
Hugs to you both.

[dotymed]

93. Thank you a la izquierda.

:yourock:

[ceile]

20. K&R

:hug:

[bobbolink]

21. Already R'd. Kick for visibility.

:kick:

[dotymed]

53. Bobbie

You are the best. Let's keep this visible as long as possible. I told my sis last night and we cried. We have over $300. I wish we could find a Dr. in Tn. willing to do the surgery. Especially the MOHS or reconstructive...wow, that would be great.

[bobbolink]

66. Your sister is very lucky to have you!

There are many of us who have never had this kind of family support.

I hope for the best, and this is one of those times I really wish I had money.

I would LOVE to shame the Drs, too! Every single one of them has seen dozens of cases like this, and should ALL be working hard for Single Payer! Every. Single. One. Of. Them!

I can't even imagine what your sister is facing. I don't know that I could handle it if I was in her shoes, support or no.

Best to both of you! :grouphug:

[End Of The Road]

22. I had a large squamous cell carcinoma (bit worse than basal) on the center of my nose

back in 1988 or 1989.

It was removed by a plastic surgeon, and reconstruction was via a "flap" -- where they move skin from the side of your nose onto the center of your nose.

Results were all good, scarring is minimal, and can mostly be covered with light makeup.

But a warning: the post-surgical healing months can be emotionally devastating (not just for me, I've known others who have gone through this -- some of them elderly, and even they were quite upset). There's something about looking in the mirror and seeing your face with black scabs and stitches, etc., that is different than if it was on a shoulder or your back and could be hidden. THIS WILL PASS! I PROMISE! AND IT DOESN'T TAKE THAT LONG!

I hope you and your sister find a doctor and clinic to work with very soon! Best wishes.

[tblue37]

38. When I had the lesion on my nose removed, I ran into a colleague in

the hallway on the same day with similar stitches on his nose and on his chin. Mine was on the side of my nose near the bridge, but his was right on the tip of his nose! We looked at each other and laughed, because we both immediately knew what the stitches were for. I am 60 years old, so wearing a nose stitch didn't bother me as much as it would have twenty years ago.

[madamesilverspurs]

23. Prayers and hugs, for your sister AND you.

And a small tale of encouragement:

Last fall it was determined that I had basal cell carcinoma on my nose. And, yes, there is additional impact when the face is involved.

MOHS surgery removed the lesion. I was bandaged and sent home, looking like someone had taped a tennis ball to my face. Two days later I checked into the hospital for the plastic surgery to reconstruct the nose. When I checked out of the hospital, the "tennis ball" was back, along with a bandage in front of my ear to protect the graft donation site. Given that it was November, I asked if they could paint the thing red and give me some plastic antlers to go with it; they declined, and told me not to get any ideas... By Christmas I was able to go about unbandaged, and only those who'd known I had the surgery could see the tiny scar.

Anyway, my only income is my Social Security check. Medicare paid for the MOHS and the reconstruction. The rebuild is strictly utilitarian, there was no 'shopping' for style. Medicaid declined a portion of the MOHS procedure, I'm paying that off at $5 per month.

Your doctor sounds like the kind who knows people who will step up to help with your funding, along with the good folks at DU. Hang in there, and know that you and your sister are held in thoughts and prayers. Like you, I look forward to the day when no one in this country has to beg for health care.

-

[JCMach1]

24. I had a basal cell on my right temple... about the size

of a peanut. These really have to be gotten early. I was really in no danger in terms of my life. However, if I had waited even a bit more, the roots could easily have extended into my eye and I would have lost it.

I still have an issue with some surface cell cancer in the area and still have to treat it.

Unfortunately, I have a kind of gaping pit scar on my temple where it was located. :(

The good news is that she should be okay.

[rurallib]

25. Best I can do is kick, to keep it in view

best wishes

[Raine]

26. Kick

:kick: Positive thoughts for your sister and family.

[sweetladybug]

27. My prayers are going out to Debbie!!!!

God bless her and watch over her!!!!!

[dotymed]

28. Thank you Everyone.

DU has a great bunch of people. Donations are very helpful and so is the encouragement.

Thanks again.

[Kali]

29. k and r and a small donation

best wishes to you and Debbie, you are a good brother and person.

[dotymed]

30. I am going to have Dinner with my family in a few minutes.

I will tell my sister about all of the support she has gotten so far.I will post afterward. Thanks again.

[peacefreak]

31. I had an ugly "mole" on my upper chest for a few years.

Like Debbie, unemployed & uninsured & diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. I was lucky to be seen by my local free clinic. I was treated by the local dermatologist. The surgery was done the beginning of January. I have a sizable scar & a reminder to not take these things lightly. Wishing the best for Debbie.

[Liberal_in_LA]

33. glad you got that treated.

[Autumn Colors]

32. K&R (nt)

[Pool Hall Ace]

34. kicking for Debbie

[Suich]

35. K&R!

:hug:

[Dystopian]

36. peace & love to you....

Keeping Debbie in my thoughts and prayers....


We get by with a little help from our friends.
I hope that many can donate even just a little....it all adds up.


Bless your heart for doing this for your sister.
Please keep us updated on Debbie...she's now a part of us all.


Light & love~
peace~

[Raster]

39. Kick for Debbie!

:grouphug:

[blondeatlast]

40. dotymed, I'm so sorry. My own dear sister has cancer too

and the bills are piling up but I will try to help. Do give her our love.

[Forkboy]

41. I'm truly sorry to hear this, and even sorrier I have no money to help.

I have cancer myself (not serious), and my mother died of it last year (brain tumor, liver, cervical and bone cancer all at once, after surviving breast cancer). I'm so tired of seeing others have to deal with this. I wish your sister nothing but the best, and again, I'm truly sorry I have nothing more to offer than best wishes. :(

[Kali]

42. kick

[akbacchus_BC]

43. So sorry to hear about your sister. Isn't the new medicare going to

cover her expenses? I saw on here that medicare was being revamped for all Americans. Please let me know!

[Firebrand Gary]

44. Hey love, here you go. I will pray that it helps.

I will spread the word for you as well.

[renate]

47. it's just not right that being uninsured shoud lead to this

... in a country like this.

I'm sorry. It's a small blessing that at least it's a very curable cancer, but how infuriating that because of a lack of insurance she had to deal with it on her own as long as she did. That is just not right.

:hug:

[pacalo]

48. I'm so sorry, dotymed.

You're a wonderful brother for recognizing & appreciating your sister's good qualities. This breaks my heart. Your sister will be in my prayers.

:hug:

[tavalon]

49. Kick

[dotymed]

50. Thank You. Du people are really the best.

So far we have $312. This a great start. This is very doable and I will be shaming Dr.'s and hospitals into some free care too, I hope. Add to that list, shaming some legislators. I have to have my son on surgery by 6 am. After that, watch out TN politicians....,"because it's free". Those Idiots.

Please hang in there with me.
Thanks
dotymed

[dotymed]

51. Please help me keep this in the public view

and for everything else you have done,
I told Debbie about these people I haver "met" helping her. She cried and asked me to thank you all. Her Grandson was there. I call him "Pop-eye" he is a man in a child's (4) body.

[dotymed]

52. For Universal Heath Care

:kick:

[Spacemom]

54. I wish the best for you and your sister (nt)

[TuxedoKat]

55. K&R

I hope the funds are raised quickly and that all goes well with Debbie's surgery. Hugs to all of you.

[Courtesy Flush]

56. Very sorry for your sister

We're dealing with my wife's brain cancer. The one thing we don't have to worry about (knock wood) is health insurance.

We've dealt with this for a year and a half, and while my wife is doing very well, and functioning about the same as before her diagnosis, the emotional toll adds up. I've lost several people to cancer, and I cannot believe this keeps happening.

It sounds like your sister has reason to hope for a positive outcome. I hope she gets the medical care she needs. She sounds like a great person.

[dotymed]

101. Yes, I think that hers is not immediately life threatening.

I hope your wife keeps doing well. IMO, profiting from someone's pain should be a felony, at least.

[City of Mills]

57. I'm very sorry, and right here with ya

My ex just got diagnosed with malignant cells in her breast tissue, I've never dealt with cancer (luckily) and I have to say I have slept very little in the past 3 days. She's in good shape, but she's only 30 and already post-menopause (Fragile X syndrome)...she can't seem to catch any good karma. :cry:

[Le Taz Hot]

59. I'm not trying to minimize the many important points

in this post but I had basal cell carcinoma on my face 14 years ago. Just FYI, there is a 95% cure rate. Mine was also pretty deep and I also had to go to a plastic surgeon. My genius/artist plastic surgeon was able to cut along my laugh line so something I thought was going to leave me completely disfigured is entirely undetectable.

The lack of insurance is the tragedy here. I'm facing something similar and I'm struggling to know what to do about it. You don't want to leave your family with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills but you don't want to frickin' die, either. It's a hard time to be 55 and 10 years away from Medicare. I'm guessing some of us won't make it.

[dotymed]

128. Not a bet I'd take.

My ticker is more "jerry-rigged" than a Rube Goldberg invention. I worry every month that my Union will finally cancel my insurance. Fifteen meds a day, and that is not counting the ones I cannot afford the co-pay on. I still do not have my Social Security disability, so I have "wasted" my retirement account paying for health insurance, almost $700.00 a month, deductibles, co-pays ... Oh well, first things first...

[cate94]

60. Kicking

I went through a period of time with no insurance. It is quite scary.
As I mentioned above, I also have had basal cell on my face a number of times.

I hope that your sister gets enough donations to get the best treatment for her situation.

[a2liberal]

62. Kick, and please do keep us updated!

Also donated a little... good luck!

[dotymed]

81. Thank You a2liberal.

We appreciate it very much, I have been trying to thank everyone individually, but I have fallen behind. I will keep everyone updated. I will also finish the individual e-mails.

[dotymed]

85. We have raised almost $700 to help my sister.

That is great. I have tried to thank each individual who donated. Most of them probably think I am crazy. With each generous person I thanked, I got more upset. To think that people are helping a total stranger especially when things are financially hard for so many people. Before this, I was just so tired of the greed that I see daily. Now, I am overcome. I don't know.

Our politicians and their corporate masters (insurance companies, etc..) make us appear ruthless. THEY spend more money on "Defense(?)" than the total of all other nations combined. We are a GREAT people. We must take this country back. If "we" never really "had it", by God, it is time to take it, period.

Excuse me, I know how it feels to want to donate and not be able to. A generous stranger donated in my name when I first joined...

Thank the financial and non-financial contributors. Many of you I have been blessed to post with over the years. Everyone of you are great people that I consider friends.

Thom Hartmann, whom I greatly admire, asked me if I had set up a website. I have no idea how, but I will learn. I would love to be able to help my sister so she doesn't have to worry every night. Also, I want to be instrumental in getting universal health care. Hopefully, I can figure that out too.

Life is short, especially if you don't have health care..,that is WRONG. Every politician and news person worth a damn, KNOWS the truth. The CBO has shown them the figures, yet the profit is not there. Why should people live if "they" cannot profit from them?
It really is not a conundrum, it is greed.
Thanks, I will feel better after a good nights sleep.

[Mimosa]

63. DotyMed, God bless your sister and you

I wish I could help. I worked so hard to get Obama elected and later worked at pressuring Congress and the Senate to do the right thing. There are MILLIONS of us in similar situations.

It didn't have to be this way. Our own Democrats, when we had the majority, let us down.

Can your sister apply to get on Medicaid, since she is unemployed?

It is sad and all too obvious that not a one of several prolific DUers who spend vigorously defend the Affordable Care Act and pretend it's a good thing have posted on this thread suggesting any ideas which might help.

[blackspade]

64. I'm very sorry to hear this.

Good luck to her, and the rest of your family.
I understand your feelings completely as I have a two close family members battling cancer at the moment.

Take care.

[annabanana]

67. kick. . .n/t

[auntAgonist]

69. best wishes and a kick !

[bobbolink]

70. Get thee back to the top!

:grouphug:

[Kali]

71. kick

[dotymed]

72. Thanks Again

I have been at the hospital, all day with my son. He had his ACL repaired, successfully.

After a miserable day, I checked my e-mail. WOW...

We (everyone here) have raised over $800.00 to help Debbie pay for her surgery. To me that is amazing and proof of the compassion that the wonderful folks here feel for others.

I called my Sister and Mother. They were (literally) in disbelief.

God, Thank you all so much. This will be more help than you realize. I am pretty relentless in trying to help people (especially sis) and I will hound the administrative and medical personnel for the lowest fee's possible and a cancer free, still pretty sister.

You know who you are who were able to send money and just as important are the wonderful prayers and wishes.

:yourock:

[dotymed]

75. One Mistake..

We have raised over $600, not the $800, I reported last night. That is still great and better yet it will help Debbie. Thank you. I am sending a (short) thank you note to all contributors. Please do not be offended if I have not sent you one yet. I will, and if I don't, please remind me.
Thanks dotymed

[RayOfHope]

73. k&r, donation sent n/t

[Withywindle]

74. kick

[dotymed]

76. Thanks Again

:bounce:

[dotymed]

77. Hangin in for a while?

:kick:

[dotymed]

80. Just checking in.

What a week. My son has finally quit getting sick to his stomach. His ACL is fixed. My Sister read the letter and thanked us all.
:kick:

[Omaha Steve]

82. I've been so busy, just 1 post today, none yesterday

I'm glad I saw this!

[OneGrassRoot]

83. kick for visibility. n/t

[Vehl]

84. Very sorry to hear this

I hope things will turn out ok.

[lunatica]

86. Kick

[Kali]

87. kick

help out if you can, it feels really good

[dotymed]

88. Thanks for your help and encouragement Kali.

We still have raised almost $700. My personal goal when I began this on DU (thanks again) was to attempt to raise $1000.

I keep seeing Dr. Evil, finger to nose...,one million dollars...,sorry, I am weird...

I am amazed by the generosity and heartfelt encouragement already demonstrated by our fellow DU'ers. Unless anyone convinces me that I am being too greedy or taking away from other causes ( or Skinner says "Stop"), I will keep this goal. Anything that you can give is appreciated. Please do not cut yourselves short on money and have to do without anything to be able to help my sister. She would not want that either.

She is very apolitical, maybe I can get her to join our community and learn about the things we care about, and become a fellow "radical." lol

If there is anyone out there who can walk me through, setting up a website for the purpose of fund raising for Debbie's treatments, I would really appreciate it.

Eventually, I would love to "morph into" a site that helps many individuals without insurance, to get the much needed treatment they deserve. Again, in the meantime, please donate if you can and/or please keep sending the words of encouragement.

I know that, through some of you sharing your stories of being cured of the same type of facial (nose) cancer as Debbie, she is more positive in her outlook for the future. Thank You.

We are also trying to reach the $1000 mark on the DU fundraiser so please donate if you can.

Bless you
dotymed

[Kali]

90. surely DUers can make 1000

it is a holiday weekend, but I bet we can do it in a few more days

so...kick

[dotymed]

92. Everyone has been

so generous, that I feel bad asking for more.
One super Du'er, e-mailed me earlier and offered an additional $100! I must ask him if I can mention his name. It has been a first for me and Debbie is still amazed (we spoke 15 minutes ago), but I do hope we can raise a $1000 for her. I could go on, but I do not want to break any confidentialities. The ladies have Really been generous.
Thanks Kali.
:kick: :yourock:

[marias23]

91. My sister too!

My sister has breast cancer, no job and two (grown) kids. I am glad DU is allowing fund raising for this woman, but it is infuriating to see this appeal to charity. How did the heartless R's trick so many people and will they do it again?

[dotymed]

95. I am so sorry to hear that marias23.

I agree, we must demand universal healthcare, from both aisles. I will gladly tell you how I began this "charity." May be we can do something for her also.

[WinkyDink]

94. My husband has had more than a few (three last month) bouts with Basal CC. The irony? His brother is

a world-renowned oncologist (no lie).

We are grateful for his brother's expertise, our incredible local physicians and hospitals, and Medicare.

Best wishes to your sister.

[dotymed]

97. I love

a happy ending.

[Matariki]

98. Mine too :-(

Every time I see this OP I get sad. I wish your sister the best of luck and health. My sister just had her thyroid removed and is currently going through radiation treatment. :cry:

[dotymed]

100. My Prayers are with her

and you, best of Luck. I hope that she did have insurance, although I would prefer not-for-profit health care.

[deaniac21]

99. I've had 31 basil cell carcinoma's removed. They really aren't very dangerous.

However if you have a big one on the nose or eyelids it may require extensive plastic surgery. These can really change the way you look. Good luck!

[dotymed]

111. That is the big question.

The Dr.. at the Health Clinic said that the "roots were too deep" for him to attempt to remove the "sore".., that is what it looks like. He said that she WILL need a plastic surgeon after the cancer is removed.

She WILL get one. I like her looks just the way they are and I suspect she has grown used to them also...lol...IMO, she will be beautiful no matter what, but she will get the surgery to retain her unique "Debbieness."

[dixiegrrrrl]

102. kicking, because it is worth it.

[Suich]

103. K&R!

:kick:

[OneGrassRoot]

104. kick n/t

[dotymed]

105. Well, It is a new day. It seems like forever since the

Moderators at DU gave me permission to raise funds for My sister's cancer treatments. I have heard from many people whose cancer is much worse than Debbie's and it makes me so damned mad, and it clarifies it too, Americans are expendable. No money for the corp
Come up with the money and we will "help" you.

My God, how can WE allow this to stand? We must destroy the corporate stranglehold that is currently cutting off the oxygen to our collective brains. We know it is not right, yet through the darkening vision of oxygen deprivation all we can do is twitch, think of what is right and pray for a breath.

Some truly heroic people have struggled free of this stranglehold and donated to Debbie and others who face the same plight. I salute you.

We are getting close($772.40) to our DU goal of $1000 to help get Debbie treated. I know that this is a drop in the bucket. I have had 6 heart stents and 4 of those stents have had to be "unclogged" (reinstenosis) over the last 5 years. Each of my "procedures" have cost (mainly my insurance company) over $100,000. So, I realize that even with Dr.'s who are compassionate enough to reduce or hopefully dismiss their fees and the hospitals ( we are currently awaiting their decision) who may be able to do the same billing cuts for a monetarily broke lady in need of medical treatment, $1000 probably won't touch the total bill.

My next task is setting up a Website. I have never done this, but I will learn. Hopefully some kind Du'ers will instruct me.

But before I can move on to that task, I will attempt to raise the $1000 from my friends here.

I have to acknowledge the monetary and non-monetary help we have received so far. This group of people are my extended family, and I am not the best bargain..lol.

Thank you.

P.S. please do not suffer to donate, only if you can afford to, without creating a financial hardship for yourself should you donate. Emergencies happen and you may need the money that you have donated. Make sure you can afford it.

[a2liberal]

107. It makes me angry too

While I gave what I could, I know it's nowhere near enough. And there's thousands or millions more people who need the help as much as your sister or even more. There's no way I can help them all except through a collective structure called GOVERNMENT that makes everyone give their fair share. It makes me angry that this is what our government should and easily could do instead of corporate giveaways. Sure, maybe my fair share would need to be a little higher, but so what? Nobody should have to suffer like this and rely on individual instead of collective generosity. You and your sister are lucky that you are a well-known member at this wonderfully supportive community. What about the millions who aren't and have nowhere to turn?

Basically, I'm agreeing with you 100%. Just a good place for me to vent. :)

[dotymed]

108. a2liberal

I agree 100%. Especially "You and your sister are lucky that you are a well-known member at this wonderfully supportive community. What about the millions who aren't and have nowhere to turn?"

And while I am so lucky and grateful for people like you and others at DU, it does make me even more mad when I think of all of the sick and dying people that we the people, through our government and not-for-profit health care should and could help.

Yet, "we" have the biggest military and tools of death...

I could join you in this rant until things change...

[uppityperson]

106. kicking

[dotymed]

109. Thanks, we have less than $200 to go

to meet the goal of $1000 for Debbie's care. You people are the greatest.

:kick:

[dotymed]

110. We don't always meet our goals.

That is okay. The GREAT PEOPLE at DU have given a lot to help Debbie, $844.92 , this will definitely help.
Thom Hartmann suggested that I start a website where people can donate, we might still raise enough for her entire treatment, I pray we do.
I DO understand that so many people are suffering much worse fates with nowhere to turn. This makes me feel like a bastard for asking for help for Debbie. I am not blind, but this has made me determined to help others too. I will figure it out, we have to get universal health care soon and I want to do more for that cause...I'm rambling.
I will actively attempt to raise the stated goal of $1000 for Debbie on DU, for one more day. That is long enough, (IMO), to "beg" from you great people. I will also start that website and keep those of you who are interested, up to date on this healing journey.

I cannot Thank You enough. Debbie feels the same. I will be donating in her name on DU, so she can post her thanks. Debbie has never been political, but her values are as Progressive as mine. She just doesn't realize the actual "game" of politics. She has always believed the MSM. We are children from the age of the "Fairness Doctrine."

She has the gift of being able to accept the status quo, even when she doesn't like it. I don't. I say let's change it, now.

Again, thanks, maybe in one more day we can raise the other $165.08 (after paypal fees, which are reasonable), maybe not. I will keep working on helping Debbie and keep you informed, but I will not keep using DU as a fund raising site after today.

Thank you Skinner, Kali and the other moderators for allowing me to do this. I will not take advantage.

edited to correct math error

[dotymed]

112. Just as important

are the wonderful people who have wished her well and prayed for her recovery. I really love you for that.

[dotymed]

113. Again....

:kick:

[Kali]

114. one more kick for Debbie

and if anybody has any web page creation advice for dotymed... (might try one of the computer forums too)

[Raine]

115. Kicking for Debbie!

:kick:

[Vinca]

116. Your sister would qualify for the federal pre-existing condition pool.

Go to healthcare.gov and check it out. It's easier to raise a few hundred bucks a month for a premium than thousands and thousands of dollars for cancer treatments.

[dotymed]

118. Thank you.

I will check this out immediately. That would be great.

[dotymed]

120. I looked at the "pre-existing condition insurance for TN.

It will probably be cheaper, I have to find out if they will cover the cosmetic surgery to reconstruct her nose. I will find out. Thank you.

Below are the monthly PCIP premium rates for Tennessee by the age of an enrollee.

Age Standard Option Extended Option HSA Option
0 to 18 $133 $179 $138
19 to 34 $199 $268 $207
35 to 44 $239 $322 $248
45 to 54 $305 $411 $317
55+ $425 $571 $441
In addition to your monthly premium, you will pay other costs. In 2011, you will pay a $1,000 to $3,000 deductible, which varies by your plan option, for covered medical benefits (except for preventive services) before the plan starts to pay. A plan option may have a separate drug deductible. After you pay the deductible, you will pay a $25 copayment for doctor visits, $4 to $40 for most prescription drugs, and 20% of the costs of any other covered benefits you get. Your out-of-pocket costs cannot be more than $5,950 per year. These costs may be higher, if you go outside the plan’s network.

It also states that you MUST have been uninsured for 6 months. What about a person (like me) with heart failure who must be monitored by Dr.'s and take 15 meds a day?

[dotymed]

123. I have not finished creating

a website for my sister. Too many distractions. Hopefully, I will have it completed today. Thank you for everything including your patience. Please, if you can afford to, donate to this precious cause.

[cate94]

117. Kicking

I hope you meet your goal!

[dotymed]

119. We almost met our $1000 goal.

We are about $140 short. I am creating a web-page today, for Debbie's treatment. I will post it, maybe we can raise enough money so she will not have to worry about the financial part of this condition.

Of course, DU'ers have been GREAT. I feel like I should create this website and not keep bothering these wonderful folks. I already feel like a beggar. It is embarrassing, but I am thankful for all of the help. So is Debbie. Even though, until now, she has been apolitical, I will make a small (all I can afford) donation so she can post her Thanks. She is really overwhelmed by the donations, prayers and well wishes. Me too.

[cate94]

122. I think what you have done for Debbie

is awesome. You should not be embarrassed in the least. You have shown love and concern for your sister. I bet she is so proud to have you as a brother!

It would have been nice if you had met your goal but I'm glad to see that you are so close.

[LaydeeBug]

121. Please, please, PLEASE watch this (Oh, and kick for your sister)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tghUh4ubbg&feature=player_embedded#at=12

[dotymed]

124. Wow, as a previous "stoner extraordinaire"

This "blows me away." Debbie would never experiment with ANY drugs, but I did...

Do you know how to synthesize this "hash oil" from "ordinary" pot? If so please P.M. me and/or post a link to this process for everyone to check-out.

[Forkboy]

125. Kick

[Hell Hath No Fury]

126. K&R

[dotymed]

127. I got up at 3 a.m.

to try and finally succeed at getting a Website for Debbie, off the ground. I have bitten off more than I knew. The big problem is the Domain name. If we do not (cannot really) pay hundreds of dollars for a ".com" or ".org" name, then I fear no one will really get the address and donate for this cause. Also, I am going to have to apply for a non-profit status or have to pay taxes on the donations.
If anyone has done this before and can offer suggestions, PLEASE HELP.
Also, if you can donate, please do.
I feel like I am killing my "baby" meant to help my sister, before it gets a chance...
My Daughter gets married in 2 days and, as you can see, I am a basket case.

Thom, if you read this, I need advice. Thanks.

[dotymed]

129. My Daughters wedding is tomorrow.

I am unable to get this website going yet. I saw my sister last night, we had a cookout at Moms. She had her son and three of her grandchildren with her. She has been begging Baptist Hospital to get some financial help, they say that with the amount of uninsured people needing help, that she will probably NOT be "selected."
I want to scream, THIS IS AMERICA, DAMN YOU!

Then I think of the irony of that statement in the last 30 years. We are the only civilized nation in the world, without some type of universal health care.

I know, but I swear, my Sister will be treated. Somehow, those fucking for-profit motherfuckers will choke.

[dotymed]

130. MY DAUGHTER GETS MARRIED TODAY!

Sorry to shout. Website coming for Debbie....,Bless You

[a2liberal]

131. Congrats! (n/t)

[dotymed]

132. A2liberal

Thank you very much. The ceremony was beautiful. My son-in-law is great too. He was a republican before my super intelligent (deans list every semester, Presidential scholarship.., got ahold of him. I know I shouldn't brag. I am Blessed.)

It is wonderful that even in the midst of terrible circumstances. like my Sisters, there can be so much joy. The father and daughter dance, MY Little Girl had me leaking like sieve. It is one of (if not THE) most memorable days in my life.

I have been having more heart problems. They informed me that I would probably have open heart surgery this time (18th), I have 6 heart stents and I hope this improves things.

I still have not completed MY Sisters Website. It will be done soon, God willing.

A friend and very generous person sent me an e-mail about the low prices for a Domain name. I just wanted something easy to remember instead of (@yola.org) or something like that. I will figure it out.

Thanks Again.

It is funny how you can consider someone a friend these days without ever meeting them. It's in "the tubes." lol

edited for spelling

[dotymed]

133. I love you sis.

:kick:

[trashcanistanista]

134. Just sent you something

Good luck! Kicking.:kick:

[dotymed]

136. You are an Angel.

O8)

[dotymed]

135. Thanks to you terrific people,

we have exceeded our goal of $1000, from this post, to help Debbie pay for her treatments. I know that this is just the beginning of her ordeal, but it will be much more bearable with this financial start and the great prayers and "best wishes" from my friends.

I have been very slow in creating a Website, due to many distractions. I will create the site and keep everyone updated.

Again, thanks, if not for the terrific people who were and were not able to Donate, this would have never happened.

God (or whatever your belief) Bless you all.

Mike

[dotymed]

137. My "distraction"

Is that my (soon to be) 15 y.o. son, is going to live with his mother for a year. Before and after the divorce, I have raised Thomas, almost exclusively, except when I had to travel, he hates flying. He wanted me to agree to "joint custody" when I divorced his mother, so I did.

I know a child loves and needs both parents ,this may be the exception :( , but I agreed, and he wants to "try it out." It is (selfishly) extremely hard for me to do this. That is why I have been procrastinating on "Debbie's Website." My heart and head are not in it at this time.

Thomas leaves on Sunday, his 15th birthday. He recently had surgery to repair his ACL (thank God I have insurance)and honestly, I do not believe she is responsible enough to take him to Physical Therapy 3x a week even though it is already paid for. She likes her party time. As many of you know, I have heart failure and I worry over EVERYTHING. This, in conjunction with my Sister's illness, has been one of the most depressing periods of my life.

After Sunday, I plan to delve in to making Debbie a terrific Website. I WILL keep you informed. Even if it is from MY hospital bed.

What a Fucked up life, I know.

:nuke:

[a2liberal]

138. Thanks for the constant updates

it's much appreciated :)

[dotymed]

139. That may be sarcastic and I cannot blame you.

I know that I have been consumed with my problems almost to the exclusion of updating about my Sister. We had a "going away" and 15th b-day party for my son last night. I wake him up in 15 minutes to drive 4 hours to meet his mother. He will be living with her for the next year. I cried myself to sleep last night.

Anyway, Debbie has her initial consult with a surgeon on Friday and we will know a lot more after that. This has been the year for medical tragedies in my family. Debbie's son, my favorite Nephew, has surgery on Friday. He starts with a colonoscopy and then, who knows. We just found out, days ago, that his Dr. is pretty sure he has rectal cancer. Please Pray for Jason also. Luckily he has been able to hang on to his "COBRA" coverage. His job of 12 years, "let him go" shortly after he passed out at work. He has had 2 unrelated surgeries trying to fix his health. Hopefully, this will do it. BTW, he worked for a subsidiary of Firestone, making the metal for radial tires.

We can't give up. Personally, today would be my day if I decided to give up. My son...

[a2liberal]

140. Not sarcastic at all

sorry if it seemed that way

[dotymed]

141. Thanks, I would understand.

Thomas is now officially in Indiana for the year (besides visits).

I had my days mixed up. Debbie actually has her consultation with the surgeon today.

I asked her to get an estimate for all of the costs. So when I get this darned website going, I should have a goal. It makes it easier and I definitely do not want to raise more money than is needed for this illness.

Thank you all again.

[dotymed]

142. Damn Sis.

It is one thing after another. I had to call an ambulance (I never call an ambulance, I have driven myself to the hospital during heart-attacks)this morning. The ticker was really shutting down. By the time they arrived, I was feeling better and politely refused the ride.

I will get your website going just as soon as possible.

I will post later and tell of her ordeal at the surgeons office yesterday. He spent more time talking down to her about not having insurance than anything else.

He offered to "just start cutting away so much every 4 weeks until the pathologist determined it was all gone. No reconstruction, she would have a large "dent" in her nose, if everything went well....,what a humanitarian.

My son had his ACL surgery. I got the bill. The surgical center charged almost $28,000. Since I have insurance, they adjusted their rate, and accepted less than $800.

It seems that it should be less for people without insurance. Instead it was about 95% higher for the UNINSURED.

We are currently trying to get her on Pre existing condition insurance (PCIP), Tennessee has an unbelievable waiting list. We are checking federal alternatives.

What a sick joke health care is in America.

[myrna minx]

143. Kick.

:hug:

[Maine-ah]

144. I'm broke

but I can kick a thread. Good luck to your sister. :grouphug: and thanks to all those that can make a donation to help someone in need. :hi:

[a2liberal]

145. Kick! (n/t)

[dotymed]

146. Please, Let us all work together

:kick: