Hi All!
My name is Michelle, I am 39, from the Portland, OR, but have chosen Southern California for cancer treatment.
I am using my brand new j-pouch for the first time today. after about 2 months of mysterious discomfort, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in February 2012. I went through 6 weeks of radiochemo therapy, 6 weeks of rest, then j-pouch surgery with temporary ileostomy. I had complications with the stoma after the first surgery necessitating a 2nd, a revision. Very uncomfortable and lot of weightloss, but the revision worked fine, and the j-pouch healed well.
Just Wednesday (July 11), I had the take down done. It went smoothly, and I am writing from the hospital bed, ready for discharge. After necessary followups, my fiance & I will go home to Portland.
Healing will take its time, and cancer has been determined in remission, so what I am most worried about now is how to pay the rediculously high out-of-pocket fees. I was underinsured at diagnosis. Thank goodness for insurance coverage, but I am still at risk of bankruptcy. Desperately seeking reimbursement resources. Is anyone else having difficulty paying bills? Any luck with financial assistance organizations? I am happy to share experience.
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