FaithManor Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 He's having significant signs that a coronary is headed his way. However, Medicare won't pay for bypass surgery on someone with cancer. He has to be able to withstand cancer treatment and be declared in remission. Then they'll approve the surgery. Frankly, there is every chance the heart is going to take him out. The cancers are small, very small. We are waiting for another battery of test results, but they believe it has been caught early. So, he's a ticking time bomb waiting to find out how they want to treat the cancer. I'm trying really hard to be optimistic and I want him to fight this thing. But, the odds are against us with the heart. Without the bypass, I don't see how he's going to survive cancer treatment and he could easily have a massive coronary before he ever got the procedure approved. I feel like it's a stalemate. Trying to process, trying to stay on task. Wedding, rocket team, 4-H engineering project on Saturday that we promised Duke U we'd complete and send the data in on ASAP - has to be done on time or MSU doesn't get the next portion of the grant - fundraisers for the rocket team since they need another $800.00 in order to go to Finals - ACT prep with the boys, AP's in May when they get back from D.C. - just need to remember to breathe in and out. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 I am so sorry to hear this news. You and your dad are in my thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 :grouphug: Faith :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 I'm so very sorry. How horrible to feel that your father's life is being decided by bureaucratic rules and not by him, his doctors, and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 :grouphug: I'm sorry Faith :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 Sending you and your Dad good thoughts. Big hugs, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted April 4, 2013 Share Posted April 4, 2013 So sorry to hear this. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I am so angry for you and your father right now. Stupid surgeon. Stupid Medicare. Stupid Cancer! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaleidoscope Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'm so sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'm so sorry, Faith. :grouphug: Why on earth couldn't they have done the heart surgery and THEN investigated the cancer???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted April 5, 2013 Author Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'm so sorry, Faith. :grouphug: Why on earth couldn't they have done the heart surgery and THEN investigated the cancer???? I question that every.single.day. His pulmonary tests were superior for his age. He passed every single test needed to get the heart surgery and the only thing left was a chest x-ray the day before...that's when the two spots showed up. They refused to operate and won't do so now. It's a holding pattern and time is not on his side. I'm so mad I can hardly breathe. I don't know who or what I'm angrier with, the docs, medicare, or the cancer. Cancer is my new enemy. I wasn't going to go work out at the gym tonight, but I think I need to kind of exhaust myself in order to sleep. Right now I'm every keyed up, too alert...I'll never snooze like this. So, I may change and go put a few miles in on an exercise bike. Thanks everyone, Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 What makes me mad is that if you were uber rich, this wouldn't be happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Oh, Faith, I'm so sorry! I don't know whether I'm angrier at the bureaucracy or at the local docs. Stoopid docs, they have to know how this works. It's their job to know this stuff and "play the game well" on behalf of their patients. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Faith, if it is blockages, do you think he could undergo IV chelation? It is hard on the kidneys, but not terribly expensive. Perhaps that would clear out the arteries. Might it be worth looking into? My dad is a heart patient due to valve issues from Scarlet Fever as a child. He does chelation periodically to be sure that his heart isn't having to work any harder than necesary since his valves are so leaky. His ejection fraction stinks, even after two valve replacements, but his arteries are clean. Just a thought... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Oh no. :( I'm so sorry. Ugh - I am really hoping your docs come up with something to help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'm very sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'm so sorry! Many :grouphug: and prayers coming your way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa in SC Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I have no words. I'm just so sorry. I'm also angry at the idiotic bureaucrats who are withholding access to vital care. Hugs to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applethyme Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I talk to the trees Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Oh, Faith! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'm so sorry, Faith! I wish I could do something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I am so sorry, Faith. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto5blessings Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 So sorry Faith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Praying that someone comes up with a positive solution. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 You're kidding??!! That is crazy!! I just don't get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azucena Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 So sorry for your news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Is Medicare your dad's only insurance? Does he have private as well? If so, he may be able to get approved through that. You might have to pay a little more through private (if he has that option) but treatment might be faster and not as complicated. I have heard about the IV chelation as well. A google search may turn up cases where surgery wasn't an option and how well it worked. Don't hurt yourself on that bike!! Breathe in, breathe out.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 This is just crazy. I'm not sure how to fight this. I might seek help from your Congressperson and/or Senators to see if they can put some pressure on Medicare to review your Dad's case. Sorry Faith. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 I'd climb the food chain, as far as government goes, and I would also contact the press, explaining that they've now sentanced your father to die. Never ceases to amaze me what a spotlight via the press can do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: I hope your father will be able to get all of the medical care he needs, Faith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhschool Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 WHY WON'T THEY DO SURGERY ON SOMEONE WHO NEEDS IT??? The cancer could be there for 10 more years or more, even without him being in remission!!! The heart issue is there now, with the coronary looming! Why does he need to be in remission to get a surgery that he needs now???? Is this some kind of macabre "keep down the costs" game? Because he has cancer, he has to have a coronary? I'm with Imp. Go to the press (if the first one doesn't listen, go to another one, and another...) Contact your congresspeople. Contact everyone you can. This is unfair and should be illegal. Explore the private care option as well. Or do a fundraiser to pay for the heart bypass surgery. ----------- I never heard of anything so ludicrous in my life. What kind of fiends are running this show? Honestly, this makes me so mad I can't think... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merry Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Faith, I'm so sorry. Praying that the bureaucracy and the doctors will work together some how and come up with the best possible care for your dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthwestMom Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 This is the kind of horror of which I think we will soon see more. Any chance of looking at supplemental insurance? I know - probably a shot in the dark now that it's part of his medical record. But perhaps it's worth just checking into some supplemental carriers to see what - if anything - they could do and for how much. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Oh, Faith.... I'm so sorry. What an awful situation. I don't blame you a bit for being angry. What a helpless feeling, to know the bureaucrats can simply put on the brakes. Sending you hugs and wishing you comfort. I hope someone is able to come up with a solution. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celia Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 Oh my, what a terrible position to be in! You have my deepest sympathy. And yes, breathe in, out, and fight this ridiculousness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: As others have said -- appeal the decision. Someone on the hospital staff should have informed your dad (or someone in the family) of his right to appeal any coverage decision made. And ditto the suggestion of checking with his supplemental insurance provider, if he has one. You do NOT have to accept the denial w/o a fight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissad2 Posted April 5, 2013 Share Posted April 5, 2013 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: As others have said -- appeal the decision. Someone on the hospital staff should have informed your dad (or someone in the family) of his right to appeal any coverage decision made. And ditto the suggestion of checking with his supplemental insurance provider, if he has one. You do NOT have to accept the denial w/o a fight. :iagree: IME you have to just keep calling Medicare until you get someone who is sympathetic to your case on the phone and work your way up from there. Call your congressman too, they have been known to give a push to Medicare before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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