#53352 12-17-2007 03:20 PM | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 | I have been considering waiting to have reconstruction until I go on Medicare in May. I have also been thinking about letting my insurance go after this month. Four months at over $600 with a $1900 deductable is money that can be used for other purposes. All of my medical tests, except for mammogram, have been finished for this year so I figured it would be better to just pay out of pocket for my medicines at about $400 a month and for scheduled visits to my ENT in Feb. and primary Dr. in March. and any required bloodwork.
After reading the posts here and spending much of today on the internet and phone, I realize how foolish that would be. At least I have a chance of Blue Cross possibly covering dental work if the proper coding is done. They will OK the reconstructive surgery if it is not cosmetic.(After over 40 years of marriage, I don't think my husband really expects me to look like a glamor queen!). I think that my Drs should be able to find a medical way to explain that I could choke to death if my bite drifts so far that I can not use the only two teeth that actually meet for chewing. :rolleyes:
SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
Support OCF
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#53353 12-17-2007 04:17 PM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 | Malka: We're all glad that you found the forum, too! The amount of information to be learned from others' experiences is amazing!
Regarding the insurance question, it has always been my policy to buy as much coverage as you can possibly afford, then DOUBLE it!
I'm sure your doctors will find a way to justify your surgery, so that you can get the procedure you need.
Good luck!
Lois & Buzz in NC
CG to 77 y/o hubby;SCC Alveolar Ridge; Wake Forest Baptist Hosp surgery: 07/19/07; bi mod radical resection/jaw replacement;
T2 N2-B M0 Stage IV-A
28 IMRT +
6 Paclitaxel/Carboplatin
Getting stronger every day!
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#53354 12-18-2007 02:47 AM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Malka,
After 40 years of marriage I'm sure your husband looks at you as his glamor queeen every day.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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#53355 12-18-2007 05:41 AM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I agree with David. I bet your husband still chases you around the house. The mind always remains young and playful, just the body seems to change.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
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