Lung nodules & scared!

I looked at this site and looks wonderful. I am sure they wont take my insurance though.

I am wanting to know what the protocol is for finding out and then treating lung cancer? How many tests do we need to go through and how do we know which treatments to accept as the answer? When do I know when a second opinion is needed and where do I go in Indiana since my insurance doesn't pay out of state. I could go to Mayo if I were wealthy but am not. So many hospitals and Drs tell you what they know from where they work at from what I understand. I get that bc that's their hospital but this is my life and I have to advocate for myself. So if it means moving to be healthy, I will in a minute not panicking, so don't worry:) Also, I think my posting issues come from posting from my iPhone bc now I am on my laptop and it seems to be fine. Thank you

Hi @pattymac, It never hurts to give a call and find out for sure. Sometimes you have to jump through some hoops to get coverage, but often it can be done. Teresa

Pattymac......please call the number on the site to see if you financially could go to NJH......for the first 50 years of their existence....1898 til 1958 they did not charge clients.....
I am on Medicare....they accepted it fully....3 months after my trip....l have yet to see a bill....
they have a separate person who works out the financial part of the visit prior.
I know it sounds too good to be true....but it is there to help people. l beg you to contact them to check.terrid

Love it Terri! Our own health and what we choose to think is so connected to our own decisions about what we are worth and how much we value ourselves. And often a health crisis brings the beautiful opportunity to improve, elevate, and decide what our level of self-love and self-acceptance are! Overthinking and sentencing do not speak to healing - we must move past the fear - but considering beautiful direction like this and pursuing it IS a part of our health and healing mentality. I never mind if someone disagrees with this belief, but I see marvelous people like you and others prove the power of positive thinking and action. Often, what we decide is exactly what comes to pass! Anything truly is possible, and where there is a will, there is ALWAYS a way! : ) Thank you for the great education - I looked at their site and history from your link last night! You are a gift. JM : )

@jms7, I have been pondering this but decided to just mention my thoughts .. you have such a positive attitude .. such a way with words ..just love how you put your thoughts down in a post .. such wise words of wisdom .. great advise. You are a wonderful addition to our group!

But I was thinking .. we just have to remember that as the USA was based on "separation of church and state" .. we must be respectful of the various spiritual values or lack thereof for members of Mayo Clinic Connect .. AND have the same "separate of church and Mayo Clinic Connect". All members have a right to their own spiritual beliefs or lack thereof on our Connect Forum. Just thought I'd mention this because I KNOW your spirituality means a great deal to you and has been a source of great comfort .. I respect that. I also know that you mean well and want ONLY the best for our community. PLEASE keep up the good supportive help! Sending you a Hug! Katherine

@tdrell, Terri, you are a font of knowledge for our group .. thank you SO much! I have added your post to my Filing Cabinet! Yet again I am sending you a Big Hug! Katherine

@pattymac, take a good look at Terri's post .. CALL JNH using the info she gave you! Below from my File Cabinet are some posts Terri has made about JNH! Hugs! Katherine

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Q National Jewish: how long (approximately) does it take to get in once you have sent the records and the sputum sample? A I believe that once they check your insurance and make certain that all is okay, it was about 5 weeks or so for me. If your schedule is flexible, you could ask that if they have a cancellation to let you know and you might be able to get in sooner. Don't be afraid to call them and ask that question; they are extremely kind and professional. FINANCIAL You will have an excellent experience please call the number on the site to see if you financially could go to NJH......for the first 50 years of their existence....1898 til 1958 they did not charge clients..I am on Medicare....they accepted it fully....3 months after my trip....l have yet to see a bill....they have a separate person who works out the financial part of the visit prior. I know it sounds too good to be true....but it is there to help people. l beg you to contact them to check
From member @tdrell, Terri : At National Jewish Health last week, all I did was show my Medicare card then my supplement card......no other mention of $/payments. I could focus my energy on the rigorous tests without worry about paying for pricey tests....especially as they were added.

@pattymac, I know others have said NO ONE can say how another can deal with cancer .. BUT I will tell you how my husband and I HAVE deal with cancer VERY effectively!!
1. Have an attitude of gratitude for what we DO have .. get OVER ONLY looking at what we DO NOT HAVE .. IE "a life without the cloud of cancer hanging over out heads!"
2. A BIG THING .. deciding to ONLY deal with an issue if it was "IN our face" .. meaning an immediate issue/decision/choice/option .. otherwise we live our lives in DENIAL!! Big time! If it is NOT in front of our face .. it does NOT exist!! We go on with our lives as if it did NOT exist!
3. We "PUT OUR ENERGY INTO WHAT WE CAN CONTROL .. LET GO OF WHAT WE CANNOT CONTROL"

As a grandmother of 10 .. if I am frank with you .. what I see you doing is putting ALL KINDS of WASTED energy into things you CANNOT CONTROL! "Putting the Cart before the Horse!"

1. You are NOT a doctor .. LET GO of "I am wanting to know what the protocol is for finding out and then treating lung cancer?" WHEN you know your options .. AFTER discussing this with your doctors .. THEN you deal with your treatment options.
2. Same answer for "How many tests do we need to go through and how do we know which treatments to accept as the answer? " You CANNOT know until you KNOW. LET GO!

WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL AND COULD PUT YOUR ENERGY INTO RIGHT NOW .. IN MY OPINION:
1. Calling JNH and getting an appointment
2. Gathering together the maximum number of records/doctor notes/tests you possibly can so they do not have to be repeated. You could post to @tdrell .. terri .. she did a good job of that
3. If you get to JNH .. in my opinion you do not need .. "When do I know when a second opinion is needed' Luckily Terri gave you the answer to "I could go to Mayo if I were wealthy but am not. "
4. Now in my opinion the MOST important thing is to focus on serenity .. there is SUCH a mind/body connection .. you MUST take care of your body with serenity as well as seeking proper medical care. All this panicky stress is VERY damaging to the body .. it will NOT promote healing. So even if you only go to youtube and google meditation exercises .. that would be a start. Be kind to that sweet body of yours .. be kind to yourself. Know that we are all here for you .. but ultimately YOU must be there for YOURSELF! Be kind to you. Sending you many Hugs from a Mom .. a Grammy and a Connect Friend! Katherine

Pattymac...call