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[Tyrs]

I haven't posted to this part of the boards before, but I've read a lot of it, and there's something to be said for group knowledge.

A very dear friend of mine was just diagnosed with breast cancer at age 20. She has no insurance, no money, and neither does her family.

I'm as terrified of her dying as she is. What options exist for people in this situation in the US?

[Aqizzar]

Checking with Medicare would be the first stop I think.  If nothing else, they can probably tell her who to ask.

A lot of her options in disadvantaged medical assistance depend on which state she's in, since they all have their own programs.

[Vector]

I don't know, but I'd recommend that the first thing you do is try to find a social worker.  It's their job to help set people up with basic amenities and aid those who are falling through the cracks.  Of course, you may have to try a few--but it's a good place to start.

I really, truly with both you and her the best of luck.  Stay strong.

[MetalSlimeHunt]

Whomever diagnosed her would probably have information on available plans to pay for her treatment. Don't think this is a hopeless situation by any stretch of the imagination, by the way. At her age, and with such a common form of cancer, getting treated and surviving is far more likely than not.

[Ricky]

I'm probably going to be Boo'd offstage, but there have been many legitimate cases of people curing themselves of cancer/ailments with many methods.

Fresh fruits put in a juicer carrots, apples, ect. and live off that. No meat, No McDonalds, just fresh, healthy organic fruits. Reports and facts point to such a diet healing people of lethal illnesses.

And, I know for a fact that good, positive thinking will at least prolong one's life.

My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly 7 years ago. The doctors said she had maybe 6 months to live. She lived a happy life, always thankful for the good things in life, never thinking of the bad. Just last month, She was finally tired of chemo and checked out, on her own terms.

What i'm saying is, asuure her all hops is not lost, she seems young, and should be ready to fight cancer no matter the situation. Hope is what you need.

[Vector]

I'm going to vote no on the only-fruit diet, Ricky, because that shit messes you up.  For real.

[MetalSlimeHunt]

I'm also going to dispute your claim, Ricky. There is no discernable reason why a diet of organic fruit would do anything to cancer. Cancerous cells are still a living part of your body and are seen by the immune system as such, you being healthy wouldn't effect it.

[Joshua IX]

Ricky you are describing things that can help prevent cancer. They are unlikely to cure it...

[Ricky]

* Grabs his fruit and walks offstage *

[hemmingjay]

don't worry Ricky, i'll be even more unpopular. Look for confirmation of this diagnosis through her family before doing too much for her. Cancer is the second worst thing that can happen to someone. the worst thing is the well known situation where a young person tells others that they have cancer. There are way too many cases of this happening in society today to discount the possibility no matter how close you are.

Be there for her, support and care for her, but find confirmation from family or go with her to a dr appt for moral support. I know it's an awful thing to say, but someone I have known has lied about cancer on 2 different occasions on 2 different coasts. I have heard countless stories of others too.

google "people who lie about having cancer"

[Bouchart]

She should probably get a second opinion.

[Gorjo MacGrymm]

Contact the closest Susan G Kommen Foundation center you can find.  ASAP.  Ask her and her family to speak with them.  They can really help.  You can get honest answers.  Doctors are usually fair and honest, but they are also clinical.  At SGK, you can talk to hundreds of women who have been through it and also helped hundred and thousands more.  You will get real world advice from them beside medical information.  Things like: treatments and thier effects, useful changes in diet to help get through treatments, useful lifestyle changes to accomodate treatment, useful exercises to help maintain the body through treatment (often very very basic things for those undergoing heavy chemo) and help maintain the mind (probably the most important thing).  They can discuss how chemo and therapy can effect relationships, sexual, familial and others.  Common psychological reactions and emotional responses and how to deal with them.  And maybe most important, an outside support group she can talk honestly with, without fearing about the feelings and/or relationship she has with them.  It can be hard for anyone going through this to face their own fears, doubts, and worries without having to deal with the emotions, fears, doubts, and worries of loved ones and the unspoken thoughts she will see in their faces.

My sister in law beat breast cancer and got a double mastectomy, went through chemo, and then had 2 beautiful children.  Before any of that happened her first child died of S.I.D.S.  She and my brother managed to get through all of that.  I am sure she will be more than happy to correspond with your friend.  She also runs an annual Susan G Komen fundraiser and is active within it.  PM me of you want to know more.

[Tyrs]

Thanks all. A bunch of my RL friends have said a lot of the same advice, though I did not know about that foundation previously, and I'm a lot less freaked out. Her chances look good, and the biopsy isn't back yet, so nothing for sure yet.

As for the not trusting thing, I've heard that a lot about different topics, and while it truly sucks when it happens, its very rarely the case. Its just that cases like that get a lot of attention because they evoke strong feelings so easily.

Again, thanks you all for the advice and support.

[Gorjo MacGrymm]

My prayers for her, you, and her family.  God bless.

[Angel Of Death]

I'm not too sure, but apparantly treatments and surgeries are free in Canada.