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What should I do now? Cancer and financial programs?
Im a 45 year old male diagnosed with stage 4 Embyonal Carcinoma in Oct 2025. After my initial diagnosis I had emergency surgery to remove my right testical and a large section of the veins and tubes that connected it up into my abdomen as I was told they had tumors on them as well.
I then went on a very aggressive regimen of chemotherapy nearly 5 days a week for 5 months. It did a real number on me as my oncologist said it had to be an aggressive amount to counter the late stage I was in.
After months of the daily chemo and consistent imaging and blood test I was told I had achieved a tumor marker count of 0 and my latest imaging had shown shrunken tumors and no new tumors. For this news I was very grateful. Now my concern and question.
I am a single man and during my initial treatment period I was released from my long term employment and lost all my income and insurances. I asked and received a return to work authorization letter but have been unable to find new employment.
I still experience pain, and a general "wrong" feeling on the entire right side of my groin that I brought up multiple times during treatment and was assured it would return to normal but hasn't done so as of yet. Ive also recently started experiencing the same type of pains I had before in my genetals other parts of my body.
I have an upcoming appointment with my oncologist that requires imaging and then blood test and although I have a savings it grows smaller every day and im beginning to worry when I think about the possibility of a reoccurance of the cancer. Without any type of income or insurance I dont know what the next step for me should be. I fear If I am diagnosed with cancer again I wont be able to afford the expensive treatment again.
I already worry about how I will pay for medications or office visits and not including the port I have in my chest that will require surgery to remove.
Is there any advice someone who may of gone through this can offer? Maybe tips on resources i can look in to? Thank you in advance.
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Ask if the facility has a financial assistance program. Most of these have . Maybe they have a clinical trial?
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1 ReactionIt sounds like you have been employed in this country for a long time? If so, you probably can qualify for social security disability with an advanced cancer diagnosis. I don’t know this for sure, but I think you should look into it. Also, you should investigate getting health insurance in the marketplace. Without any income, you can probably qualify for insurance that is very inexpensive.
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1 Reaction@gandray
Welcome to Mayo Connect. You're in a very stressful situation. I am glad you are not delaying getting checked out.
As a previous member mentioned, definitely ask the clinic about their financial assistance policy.
Have you checked with your state's Human Services dept, which may go by a different name in other states? You may be eligible for low-cost insurance or Medicaid. I know my sister was able to get insurance via Medicaid in MN when she was unemployed and not able to find another job, partially due to her medical situation.
This website might help find Medicaid info for your state:
https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/where-can-people-get-help-medicaid-chip
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4 ReactionsHey, is there anyone with first hand knowledge of state Medicaid requirements? The not great state of Florida has no Medicaid in general unless you are preggers. I heard Colorado is pretty lenient. Let’s work to find real solutions for people who need coverage.
@nrocpop Not really helpful, Obamacare plans still have copays and coinsurance which still makes it impossible.
@gandray, I'm so sorry that financial worries have compounded your concern about a possible recurrence of cancer. That is scary.
With respect to the financial side, here are more suggestions and resources in addition to the ones you've already received from fell members.
* Contact patient organizations that may offer help like:
--CancerCare https://www.cancercare.org/financial
--American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/financial-insurance-matters.html
* Ask if your hospital has a Charitable Care or Financial Assitance program. For example here is information from Mayo Clinic
– Charitable Care and Financial Assistance at Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/financial-assistance
* Ask to speak to an oncology social work who can help find financial aid
– How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/
FindHelp https://www.findhelp.org/ is a resource directory that helps people find and connect to social services in their area. Services include food pantries, legal services, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more. Just enter your Zip code.
There are many low cost, no cost services in the FindHelp directory that may be helpful for you in your search for resources, including social work to help navigate cancer care.
Your wise to think about finances, but might I suggest one step at a time? Focus on your upcoming appointment. Prepare your questions for the oncologist. You could also ask for a referral to a cancer social worker at your appointment. They can help navigate financial issues whether it turns out you need them or hopefully not.
When is your appointment?
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5 Reactions@colleenyoung
Next Monday. Thank you for the information. Ive been writing it all down in preparation for bad news that I hope is not coming.
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1 ReactionThe Affordable health care bill (ACA) ensures health coverage for everyone. You should apply for Medicare based on the ACA.
Your health care system should have resources to help you finance your care. That would include a referral to Medicaid.
You are a young person. You should be
Able to do get your treatments
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