Large ovarian tumor! Please help!

[cmrodgers_77]

In April my sister was diagnosed with a 15inx15inx12in tumor on her left ovary. She has had 2 CT scans since and 1 ultrasound. The doctors talk with great urgency that they need to get it out. They have not done a biopsy but do not think it is cancerous. My sister can not hold down solid food. Her stomach is huge (like she is pregnant with twins) and her stomach is numb all the time now. Her back is killing her, she has terrible acid reflux, I could go on forever... The doctor said when they did the surgery they will have to cut her from breast bone to pubic bone and they were unsure what they would find once inside. Meaning, they do not really know what all it is attached to, they just assume it is the left ovary because they can't find it anywhere. The problem we are having is: They won't proceed with the surgery because she doesn't have insurance. She has applied for Medicaid, SSI, and SSD with no luck. She is a single woman with no kids. She makes $8.00 an hour at a 40 hr a week job. I do not know what else to do... I am afraid I will come home one day and she will be dead. Since April she has gone down at least 2 pants sizes but has gained 16 lb! This is life threatning and no one seems to care unless they know how she will pay. We live in NW Florida and have gone to Sacred Heart. If there is anyone out there that could possibly tell me where to take her, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

[MarieMichele]

Sacred Heart is supposed to be one of those hospitals that will help the poor and uninsured...have they not been helpful?

[Heffmeister]

That's awful... and America is supposed to be the most civilised country on earth?? It makes me cross that so many people complain about the NHS (free for all public health service) here in the UK when you here stories like this. I would go to A+E and not leave until something is done. I had a undiagnosised football sized cyst rupture in April this year and I very quickly because seriously illl. Good luck x

[hopeshell]

I am really sorry to hear of your sister's condition and insurance struggles.  It is a law that emergency rooms must see and treat a person regardless of insurance.   Given the size of your sister's mass, her pain level and the possible negative complications she may experience from waiting, I think she should go to the ER.   If she can't hold down solid food then it IS an emergent situation.  She needs to stress that to the docs in the ER.  Also, your public heath department may have some ideas.  But, at this point, given her condition, I don't think she can wait.   I hope she can get some help soon!!!!  

[littlebetty]

What you are saying is so upsetting.  I researched the new health care laws and the only thing in effect that I could figure out was that no insurance company can turn her down for insurance with a pre-existing disease as of June 2010.  I am sure that the premium would be high, but I do not know that.  According to what I found on the internet, emergency rooms can not refuse treatment.  Again, I do not know all the information.  You are going to have to obligate financially to your sister and any other family member.  Your church may want to help also.  It's time to start bringing in the money from family and friends.  I am so sorry for your delima.....may God help you find the answers you need and especially the help.  Good luck and inform us as you fight this fight

[littlebetty]

How absolutely horrible.  My heart goes out to you and to your sister.  I thought as of "now" no one can refuse treatment according to the new laws that Obama has put in place.  I am not sure about that.  I can not believe that here in America anyone is refused.  I hear how anyone (including illegal immigrants) are never refused.  Please Please you are on the internet.....I feel stupid telling you to google new health care laws and dates they take effect.  Surely someone can help you......I am not in Florida to help you, but will go and see if there is someone you can contact.....research!