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Fundraising for medical expenses?
- Thread starter MissM
- Start date
Uponastar
Well-Known Member
Wow. So sorry to read about your troubles, MissM!
The really good news...that the tumors are benign...must help put the rest in perspective.
I wish I had some advice to offer but, since I don't, I can only hope that it all works out for you. Please keep us up-to-date.
The really good news...that the tumors are benign...must help put the rest in perspective.
I wish I had some advice to offer but, since I don't, I can only hope that it all works out for you. Please keep us up-to-date.
Just wanted to give another update.
Anyway, still working hard at raising the money so if anyone is interested, please consider taking a peek at my shop: http://phoenixfiredesigns.etsy.com/
...or just pass the link on to your Facebook, Twitter, blog, etc. As always, you can continue to get all the latest updates on my blog. http://www.giveneyestosee.com/blog and http://giveneyestosee.com/blog/hysterectomy/
Thank you to everyone for your continued kindness and support.
- First, good news: I am up to $1,350 in my Hysterectomy Fund. :sohappy: I can't thank those who have helped enough.
- Second, my paperwork is in process for assistance with the hospital bills. Come to find out, they treat Love and I together in terms of income and assets so it all depends if our combined income still keeps me eligible or not. And, unfortunately, it doesn't matter that I now have no income, it matters what my income was for the 30 days prior to my hospitalization. So please cross your fingers we're not over the threshold. One would hope that when the bill is more then I made in the entire year it would be covered, but...who knows. Worried.
- Third - my surgery. Well, I'm on a shot called Lupron which is putting me in a temporary medical menopause to shrink the tumors. I've had a month shot so far but he wants me to do a 3 month shot next. *sigh* This means another three months waiting. Also means three more months of miserable side effects and I don't even know what's going to happen to my job. They won't let me back without being cleared by the doctor but I don't know that they'll hold it that long. And I don't know if I can survive without income for three months. I go back for the next shot July 7th.
- Fourth - I managed to get denied for medical insurance which was a good thing because it allowed me to apply for a different policy called PCIP (Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan) If I get accepted, the premiums will be $237/month (ouch) and a $1,000 deductible BUT after that, it will pay all but 20% of my doctor visits, surgery, etc. I'm still going to need about the same amount of money upfront but I'll get WAY more bang for my buck and also have coverage to see a regular doctor and such if need be during this time too. Haven't heard anything yet but fingers crossed it comes through.
Anyway, still working hard at raising the money so if anyone is interested, please consider taking a peek at my shop: http://phoenixfiredesigns.etsy.com/
...or just pass the link on to your Facebook, Twitter, blog, etc. As always, you can continue to get all the latest updates on my blog. http://www.giveneyestosee.com/blog and http://giveneyestosee.com/blog/hysterectomy/
Thank you to everyone for your continued kindness and support.
Wilt Dasney
Well-Known Member
I hate to hear about your hard luck. I passed along the link to your online shop on Facebook a little while back, and encouraged my friends to do the same. I'm glad to hear money is trickling in, and that you might have a chance for a form of medical insurance, even if it ends up being pretty costly.
Another update...
Still working hard at ways to raise money during this time. Again, if anyone could please pass on my links, I would appreciate it.
My Shop: http://phoenixfiredesigns.etsy.com
Fundraiser Shop: http://phoenixfunds.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.giveneyestosee.com/blog
Entire Story: http://www.giveneyestosee.com/blog/hysterectomy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Phoenix-Funds-Hysterectomy-Fundraiser/154119384658327
Thanks for your continued support.
- Monday I got denied for assistance paying my $8,000 hospital bill. Even though I made less than that at my part time day job for the ENTIRE YEAR last year, I was still denied. Now I don't know what I'm going to do.
- Yesterday, got my next 3-month shot of Lupron. It's the drug putting me in temporary menopause to shrink my tumors. Unfortunately, it's all just wait and see right now. (And my work won't let me come back on light duty - it's all or nothing for them - so I will continue to be unpaid for the foreseeable future.)
- My blood pressure has been insanely high. Yesterday it was 160/100. My doctor is forcing me to go on blood pressure medication. I really don't want to because it's only high due to stress but he says I could have a stroke with it so high. I go pick that up today.
- Still waiting to hear about the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. I called the other day and they are still processing my application. I should hear something in another week or so.
- Bills keep coming in. I'm now up to $9,476 that I owe. And I'm getting ZERO help with any of it from assistance programs. I'm so overwhelmed and I've spent the last year building up my credit but now I seriously might have to claim bankruptcy because of these bills. (See why my blood pressure is so high?)
Still working hard at ways to raise money during this time. Again, if anyone could please pass on my links, I would appreciate it.
My Shop: http://phoenixfiredesigns.etsy.com
Fundraiser Shop: http://phoenixfunds.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.giveneyestosee.com/blog
Entire Story: http://www.giveneyestosee.com/blog/hysterectomy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Phoenix-Funds-Hysterectomy-Fundraiser/154119384658327
Thanks for your continued support.
Just kinda "bumping" this because despite my efforts, shop sales are WAY down and my poor bank balance is getting cobwebs on it. I've been short an income now for over two months and I'm getting behind on my regular bills (like I haven't paid the power bill yet for July) because I'm spending all my money on doctor's appointments and such. ($953 so far on office visits with $588 still due!! PLUS needing another $1,500 or so to come!) So perhaps if anyone who has a twitter, or facebook account or is on another site like tumblr or stumbled upon or has a blog or ANYTHING could just post my link, I'd appreciate it. Even if you've done it in the past, please consider doing it again? Remind people it's still on-going and maybe those who missed it first time around will take a look?
The problem with this going on for so long is people just burn out and lose interest. I can't do that though. I'm stuck firmly in the middle of it all and it's going to be awhile yet until it's all resolved.
My shop: http://phoenixfiredesigns.etsy.com
My fundraiser shop: http://phoenixfunds.etsy.com
The story: http://www.giveneyestosee.com/blog/hysterectomy
Donation link: http://tiny.cc/hysterectomy
Thanks for any help you can provide.
The problem with this going on for so long is people just burn out and lose interest. I can't do that though. I'm stuck firmly in the middle of it all and it's going to be awhile yet until it's all resolved.
My shop: http://phoenixfiredesigns.etsy.com
My fundraiser shop: http://phoenixfunds.etsy.com
The story: http://www.giveneyestosee.com/blog/hysterectomy
Donation link: http://tiny.cc/hysterectomy
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Just an update....
Tomorrow, I go back to the OB/GYN for an ultrasound to check on the status of my tumors; see if we can schedule surgery yet or not. I’m actually getting really panicked right now thinking that tomorrow I may have a date scheduled. I mean of course I want this to be over and done with and in order to get back to “normal” I need to have surgery but….it’s still surgery. Major, serious surgery. And I’m terrified of it. I’m afraid of the pain, the limitations, restrictions, medications – just the whole experience. And, once I have it, I have to put my entire life on hold for 4-6 weeks. I mean, no running to the post office, no driving myself to the craft store, no leaning over to pick up my beads off the floor – no nothing!
It’s hard to be facing surgery, time in the hospital, and then at least a MONTH of recovery. Knowing once I have a date, I will be on a countdown of days left I can function normally. The surgery and recovery just terrify me and it’s all this big, scary unknown. I’m trying to avoid reading too much about it because I don’t want to read horror stories. But, in trying to get an understanding and prepare myself, even the “normal” stories suck. It’s a lot of misery for a long time after the surgery even when it goes well.
The long build-up and the months of waiting have kinda made it worse since I’ve had more time to think about it and stress and worry, you know? When I was in the ER, it was all very urgent and immediate and while scary, I didn’t have a lot of time to dwell on it. But now, I’ve had months of waiting and worrying and too much time to start freaking myself out.
So I’m kinda freaking out today.
Tomorrow, I go back to the OB/GYN for an ultrasound to check on the status of my tumors; see if we can schedule surgery yet or not. I’m actually getting really panicked right now thinking that tomorrow I may have a date scheduled. I mean of course I want this to be over and done with and in order to get back to “normal” I need to have surgery but….it’s still surgery. Major, serious surgery. And I’m terrified of it. I’m afraid of the pain, the limitations, restrictions, medications – just the whole experience. And, once I have it, I have to put my entire life on hold for 4-6 weeks. I mean, no running to the post office, no driving myself to the craft store, no leaning over to pick up my beads off the floor – no nothing!
It’s hard to be facing surgery, time in the hospital, and then at least a MONTH of recovery. Knowing once I have a date, I will be on a countdown of days left I can function normally. The surgery and recovery just terrify me and it’s all this big, scary unknown. I’m trying to avoid reading too much about it because I don’t want to read horror stories. But, in trying to get an understanding and prepare myself, even the “normal” stories suck. It’s a lot of misery for a long time after the surgery even when it goes well.
The long build-up and the months of waiting have kinda made it worse since I’ve had more time to think about it and stress and worry, you know? When I was in the ER, it was all very urgent and immediate and while scary, I didn’t have a lot of time to dwell on it. But now, I’ve had months of waiting and worrying and too much time to start freaking myself out.
So I’m kinda freaking out today.
I'm sure in many ways it will be better then I think and in many ways worse. But even though I'm just kinda freaking out right now, I know it's the right decision and things will be better once it's over and done with.
Thanks, I'll update again once I know more and if we have an actual date after the appointment.
Ok, first off, sorry I didn’t get a chance to update yesterday. It was a VERY long day and I crashed really early last night. But onto the news…
Had an ultrasound. I was at around 1,200 grams before. Yesterday? About 650 grams!! So we’ve cut the size down almost in half so far!! He had wanted to get me down to around 600 grams for surgery. He could do it at 1,200 but it would mean much longer under anesthesia and bleeding risks. Well, now that we’re down, he’s ready to get me on the schedule. I don’t have a specific date yet. His nurse will be following-up with me to schedule me about a month or so from now.
Sometime around the end of September I will be having my surgery.
He thinks that by then, I may even be down to about 400 grams because the Lupron is still in my system for another two months. So even better. The Lupron TOTALLY worked for me.
Right before surgery, I’ll have a final ultrasound just to get a last-minute check on things and I’ll also need bloodwork for cross and type for the surgery. But basically, we’re in the motions and stages of pre-op – finally and officially. Holy crap, now it starts getting real. (And really scary!!)
Had an ultrasound. I was at around 1,200 grams before. Yesterday? About 650 grams!! So we’ve cut the size down almost in half so far!! He had wanted to get me down to around 600 grams for surgery. He could do it at 1,200 but it would mean much longer under anesthesia and bleeding risks. Well, now that we’re down, he’s ready to get me on the schedule. I don’t have a specific date yet. His nurse will be following-up with me to schedule me about a month or so from now.
Sometime around the end of September I will be having my surgery.
He thinks that by then, I may even be down to about 400 grams because the Lupron is still in my system for another two months. So even better. The Lupron TOTALLY worked for me.
Right before surgery, I’ll have a final ultrasound just to get a last-minute check on things and I’ll also need bloodwork for cross and type for the surgery. But basically, we’re in the motions and stages of pre-op – finally and officially. Holy crap, now it starts getting real. (And really scary!!)
Kindness
Ever since being in the ER, I've had a whirlwind of emotions; fear, anxiety, anger, resentment but also gratitude, thankfulness, amazement and wonderment. With the exclusion of a very limited few who showed their ugly, inner true colors, almost universally, I've received the most positive support. Friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers have been so generous with their support both vocally and financially.
Between donations of money or craft items to sell and other aide like links and awareness of my cause, I've kept my head above water these past few months. I was able to pay almost a thousand dollars in doctor bills before my insurance kicked in and since it has, have been able to pay my premiums and start putting a dent towards that deductible as well. I went from a situation that was impossible - raising money when down an income! - to one that, with help, has been kept not only alive, but truly thriving.
Today I was the recipient of another amazing blessing. A substantial donation putting me within arm's reach of my immediate total surgery goal. (The breakdown is: $588 due to my doctor, $1,000 deductible and $948 for a minimum 4 months premium or total of $2536 bare minimum to raise.) I don't know if this person wants to be named, but I wanted to publicly acknowledge their kindness. $1,000 was gifted to my fund today and brings my actual cash-in-hand total to an amazing $1,933!
Where government resources and supposed charity and assistance programs have utterly failed me and totally left me between the cracks, the kindness of a dedicated group of individuals has gotten me leaps and bounds closer then I ever thought possible. It's because of each and every one of you that I'm still here, still fighting and still able to keep striving towards my goal. And ultimately, when this is all over and done with, my health and my ability to move on with my life better then before will also be because of all of you and your care, support, kindness and generosity.
It's all too easy to think the worst of people and to look at the problems of the world and believe that everyone just sucks. But let me assure you there is still goodness in the hearts of many. There is kindness in the world and there are still people who care. I've been truly blessed with getting to experience this first hand.
The battle is not yet won and some days it feels like I will <I>never</i> be done with this, but I know we're getting ever closer and in truth, it will be here sooner then it seems. And again, it's only because of you - all of you who have supported me - that I am where I am.
I won't lie, many days the whole thing still scares me and facing surgery is not easy. But knowing that I have such a solid support system in place and so many people behind me, really does make it a little easier to bear.
So thank you to everyone for helping me get this far. We're getting so close now and days like this remind me that all things truly are possible - with a little bit of kindness.
Ever since being in the ER, I've had a whirlwind of emotions; fear, anxiety, anger, resentment but also gratitude, thankfulness, amazement and wonderment. With the exclusion of a very limited few who showed their ugly, inner true colors, almost universally, I've received the most positive support. Friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers have been so generous with their support both vocally and financially.
Between donations of money or craft items to sell and other aide like links and awareness of my cause, I've kept my head above water these past few months. I was able to pay almost a thousand dollars in doctor bills before my insurance kicked in and since it has, have been able to pay my premiums and start putting a dent towards that deductible as well. I went from a situation that was impossible - raising money when down an income! - to one that, with help, has been kept not only alive, but truly thriving.
Today I was the recipient of another amazing blessing. A substantial donation putting me within arm's reach of my immediate total surgery goal. (The breakdown is: $588 due to my doctor, $1,000 deductible and $948 for a minimum 4 months premium or total of $2536 bare minimum to raise.) I don't know if this person wants to be named, but I wanted to publicly acknowledge their kindness. $1,000 was gifted to my fund today and brings my actual cash-in-hand total to an amazing $1,933!
Where government resources and supposed charity and assistance programs have utterly failed me and totally left me between the cracks, the kindness of a dedicated group of individuals has gotten me leaps and bounds closer then I ever thought possible. It's because of each and every one of you that I'm still here, still fighting and still able to keep striving towards my goal. And ultimately, when this is all over and done with, my health and my ability to move on with my life better then before will also be because of all of you and your care, support, kindness and generosity.
It's all too easy to think the worst of people and to look at the problems of the world and believe that everyone just sucks. But let me assure you there is still goodness in the hearts of many. There is kindness in the world and there are still people who care. I've been truly blessed with getting to experience this first hand.
The battle is not yet won and some days it feels like I will <I>never</i> be done with this, but I know we're getting ever closer and in truth, it will be here sooner then it seems. And again, it's only because of you - all of you who have supported me - that I am where I am.
I won't lie, many days the whole thing still scares me and facing surgery is not easy. But knowing that I have such a solid support system in place and so many people behind me, really does make it a little easier to bear.
So thank you to everyone for helping me get this far. We're getting so close now and days like this remind me that all things truly are possible - with a little bit of kindness.
That is great news, MissM (both of your last two posts).
FWIW, the meaningfulness of that peridot tree of life brought tears to my friend's eyes when I gave it to her on her son's birthday. Thanks for your amazing talent in creating it.
Best of everything to you. :wave:
FWIW, the meaningfulness of that peridot tree of life brought tears to my friend's eyes when I gave it to her on her son's birthday. Thanks for your amazing talent in creating it.
Best of everything to you. :wave:
Oh thank you so much for sharing that! How wonderful!! (And if you get a chance, I would appreciate if you could leave feedback for the transaction so other potential customers will know I'm a reputable seller.)
Surgery date
OMG the nurse called me while I was out at Target. Surgery is going to either be Wednesday, September 21st OR Wednesday, October 5th. She’s shooting for the 21st. Which is only a WEEK AND A HALF AWAY. *panic*
Wednesdays are his OR day. And we can’t do it the 28th because the 29th is Rosh Hashanah and as the high holy day of the year, you’re not allowed to work on that day. So he’s not doing any surgery the day before to ensure he doesn’t have any patients on that day.
She’s sending over the info to the primary doctor for my pre-surgery release info. I told her I just had a physical so that might count as clearance for my surgery or I might need a different appointment. And I need to get in for a blood type/cross in case I need a transfusion during the surgery and I need a final, last-minute ultrasound to see where we are at.
But if all that happens quickly enough, it might be the 21st!
Panic!!
(She’s off Monday and Tuesday so she’ll get back to me on Wednesday the 14th to let me know if we’re a go for the 21st and if so, what I need to get done in that last week.)
OMG the nurse called me while I was out at Target. Surgery is going to either be Wednesday, September 21st OR Wednesday, October 5th. She’s shooting for the 21st. Which is only a WEEK AND A HALF AWAY. *panic*
Wednesdays are his OR day. And we can’t do it the 28th because the 29th is Rosh Hashanah and as the high holy day of the year, you’re not allowed to work on that day. So he’s not doing any surgery the day before to ensure he doesn’t have any patients on that day.
She’s sending over the info to the primary doctor for my pre-surgery release info. I told her I just had a physical so that might count as clearance for my surgery or I might need a different appointment. And I need to get in for a blood type/cross in case I need a transfusion during the surgery and I need a final, last-minute ultrasound to see where we are at.
But if all that happens quickly enough, it might be the 21st!
Panic!!
(She’s off Monday and Tuesday so she’ll get back to me on Wednesday the 14th to let me know if we’re a go for the 21st and if so, what I need to get done in that last week.)
Thanks. I'm kinda freaking out right now. I know it will be better once it's all over but I'm really afraid of the healing/recovery part because that alone is 4-6 weeks. I just want to be better you know? And having to go through worse to get there kinda sucks.
NYwdwfan
Well-Known Member
I know - it's clearly one of those "easier said than done" situations. Hopefully once the surgery is completed you will have each day get better and easier than the one before, until you are finally back to normal. Please keep us posted and we will continue to send magical thoughts your way!
After thinking about it, I'm going to request we go with the Oct 5th date. I'm just afraid we won't have enough time to get everything done for the 21st and the last thing you want to do is rush surgery!
Yeah, in the long run, I know it's the right decision and that ultimately, I'm going to be in such a better place but getting to that place has been a LOOOONG road - and I'm not done yet.
Thanks for the thoughts and well-wishes. Wednesday I'll know for sure which date it will be. And then the countdown begins! :lookaroun
Surgery date and time
Talked to the doctor's nurse this evening. We're set for the surgery and pre-op appointments!
Pre-Op - Monday, October 3rd
With the doctor: 9:45am
Final Ultrasound: 10:45am
With hospital: 1:00pm
Surgery
12:30pm Wednesday October, 5th.
The doctor is assisting with a very long, very complicated surgery in the morning apparently so she wanted to give him enough time which is why I have an afternoon time.
Eek!
Talked to the doctor's nurse this evening. We're set for the surgery and pre-op appointments!
Pre-Op - Monday, October 3rd
With the doctor: 9:45am
Final Ultrasound: 10:45am
With hospital: 1:00pm
Surgery
12:30pm Wednesday October, 5th.
The doctor is assisting with a very long, very complicated surgery in the morning apparently so she wanted to give him enough time which is why I have an afternoon time.
Eek!