December 2nd I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. More than 60% of US bankruptcies are due to medical debt and I’m very, very fortunate that I won’t be headed in that direction for two reasons:
- I have fantastic insurance through work. I pay a $15 copay for prescriptions, doctor’s office visits, and hospital visits. Everything else is 100% covered.
- Work is continuing to pay me as if I were working my normal full time schedule. We’re technically only allotted 4 sick days per year and I’m well past that but they’re not making me tap into my vacation time even when I’m out for check ups, tests, treatment, or just need extra time for rest and recovery and I’m still receiving my full salary.
I first noticed something was wrong during the last week of November and spent $15 for a check up with my regular doctor, $15 to check into the hospital for my biopsy, and $13 for post biopsy pain medication. November totaled $43 in medical expenses and I received my diagnosis 2 days later.
In December I spent $105 on 10 different prescription medications (to manage pain and side effects as needed) and $75 on doctor’s visits. At no additional cost I underwent a slew of scans and tests and two chemotherapy treatments.
Total spent on medical bills related to the cancer at this point: $223.
I also spent $80 getting my long, beautiful hair cut into a bob so that I’ll be less traumatized when it falls out. A good portion of that $80 was a hefty tip for the stylist who had many wise and soothing words related to the issue of hair loss.
And after attending the free Look Good, Feel Better class a few weeks ago, I made a $100 donation back to the program.
Total spent on not medically necessary cancer related expenses: $180.
Total spent on cancer so far: $430.
I’ll be updating this Cost of Cancer series towards the end of each month until I am cancer free.
Related posts:
5 Incredibly Useful Care Package Ideas for Cancer Patients
December Budget Wrap Up
January Budget Wrap Up
The Best of It’s Frugal Being Green: June 2009
The Best of It’s Frugal Being Green: July 2009
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{ 7 comments }
Carrie,
You’re very lucky to have such wonderful insurance. However, not all of us are so fortunate. You should look at your insurance statements to see how much your treatment actually costs. My insurance has a $25,000 annual maximum. If I developed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I’d die.
How are you feeling?
How often do you go for chemo? I went every three weeks and then after I had my baby I had weekly chemo for three months.
You sound like you’re being very positive! One thing I wanted to say… don’t feel bad if you feel bad when your hair falls out. So many people said to me that’s it’s only hair but for me it was more than that. Loosing my hair was a constant reminder to me that I was fighting for my life. That was traumatic!
i’ve been very tired this week but the treatment seems to be going well because the lump on my chest is almost flat now. i’m going every other week.
Carrie,
We’re rooting for you! I’m glad you have health insurance and work to help in your support, and hope you also have family and friends nearby to help you and your family.
I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma twice (1999 & 2000), and was blessed to have supportive family, husband’s work (w/FEMA leave), health insurance (good, but didn’t pay $1000′s above/beyond customary charges even though only oncologist firm in the area), and our “miracle baby” who came out 6 wks premature. I could barely breath at that point (enlarged lymph glands pressing on lungs, chest and throat), and was contemplating inducing labor the very next day so that I could begin tests/chemo/radiation w/o hurting kid. But she popped out early on her own and was underweight but fine. My extended treatment went well, but cancer quickly re-emerged so I got a bone-marrow transplant w/yr’s worth of chemo at once. I spent 6 months away in isolation (no kids) 2 hrs. from home. When I finally could see them (then 1.5 & 3.5) the youngest didn’t remember me. But I’ve been cancer free now for 9 years.
And losing my hair (quickly but slowly) was the only side effect of chemo/radiation (1st x).
I shaved it off early on to avoid embarrassing comb-overs and hair ending up every where!
I wasn’t too self conscious and occasionally wore a soft yarn hat when cold.
Thinking about you.
I’m thinking good thoughts for you. Whenever a serious illness hits someone in their 20s (i.e., my age), I get a jolt. Thanks for writing about this. I’m glad to hear you have such good insurance & employers.
So glad to hear you are doing well. I had my last chemo for Hodgkins Lymphoma in August. It was 6 months of pure hell for me. Not to sugar coat! But there were many unexpected blessings that came with my cancer dx as well. My sister and I started a support group in our town for Leukemia/Lymphom patients and their families. It has been the biggest blessing. Take care and God Bless!
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