Talk Cancer

Question:

Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire.  We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome! kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment?

It sounds like they’re saying you don’t need to pay them for your diagnosis, but you won’t know for sure until you get a hold of someone at Mayo who knows the answer. Again, I can not stress this strongly enough: make no jokes on the phone about mayonnaise. They won’t be amused. Ian — What can I say about this elixir? Try it on steaks! Cleans nylons! Small craft warnings! It’s great for the home! The office! On fruits! (Frank Zappa) http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved ::your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related ::to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." :: ::Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help ::treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help ::diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like ::they will help with treatment? Dear Kili, I understand it to mean that any charges related to Fibromatosis will be covered.  They aren’t going to pay for all your medical bills, just the ones that pertain to Fibromatosis. I suggest you save all your mails/e-mails from Mayo. You may want to call them and verify that they are taking you on. I do believe you got very good news today Congrats! Jackie ~*~I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster lately.  The other day my mood ring exploded~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Sounds to me like they are saying they will help with the cost of treatment for the Fibromatosis!  But…. is there a phone number you can call to be sure? Best wishes! MikeH

Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds.

 . — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Kili, I agree with Jackie.  This is wonderful news and a good start for you. DO keep a file of all emails or snail mail you receive from the clinic. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved ::your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related ::to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." :: ::Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help ::treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help ::diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like ::they will help with treatment? Dear Kili, I understand it to mean that any charges related to Fibromatosis will be covered.  They aren’t going to pay for all your medical bills, just the ones that pertain to Fibromatosis. I suggest you save all your mails/e-mails from Mayo. You may want to call them and verify that they are taking you on. I do believe you got very good news today Congrats! Jackie ~*~I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster lately.  The other day my mood ring exploded~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Kili, it sounds like a free ride to me.  Great! You should definitely clarify it with them, though. xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire.  We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome! kili

Kili, I agree with the others.. I think they are saying they will cover anything related to your fibromatosis condition. This is such wonderful news, I am so very happy for you!!!!! Like everyone else said, I echo: call and confirm. If you are super anxious, call a few times LOL. Seriously. If you have a question, ask..and ask until you know that you know so you can relax and not wonder "what if". Keep that letter. Do what Jackie recommends, she knows her stuff. Love and congrats again, I am very happy for you. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire. We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome! kili

Kili, The way I read it is, they will cover anything related to your current diagnosis, which is Fribromatosis. I believe you’re correct on this one. I wouldn’t read it the other way. Everything I’ve ever received from my PPO reads like this when they’re covering something. Call them and double check, but it sounds like you’re in!  This is great news! Love, Dawn — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire.  We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome!

Sounds to me like they’ll not charge you for anything related to the fibromatosis, but will not treat you for anything else. — David Chamberlain – ASAPM Moderator |        Support for anxiety or panic disorders. Check us out!        | | alt.support.anxiety-panic.moderated http://stump.algebra.com/~asapm | — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

HI, As others have suggested, I would call or perhaps write a quick note / e-mail to them.  I would thank them for approving you, and just say something like "I am proboly just a bit anxious about this, and I applogize, could you please help clarify something for me?  Can you please tell me if this program will cover my ongoing treatment for this condition or if this aid program only applies to the diagnosistic phase" jamie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved ::your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related ::to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." :: ::Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help ::treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help ::diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like ::they will help with treatment? Dear Kili, I understand it to mean that any charges related to Fibromatosis will be covered.  They aren’t going to pay for all your medical bills, just the ones that pertain to Fibromatosis. I suggest you save all your mails/e-mails from Mayo. You may want to call them and verify that they are taking you on. I do believe you got very good news today Congrats!

That’s how I took it, too.  I leave for the Mayo Clinic today because my appt. is early tomorrow morning.  I’ll know more when I get there. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire. We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome! kili Kili, The way I read it is, they will cover anything related to your current diagnosis, which is Fribromatosis. I believe you’re correct on this one. I wouldn’t read it the other way. Everything I’ve ever received from my PPO reads like this when they’re covering something. Call them and double check, but it sounds like you’re in!  This is great news!

Dawn, you can not believe how thrilled I am, although the anxiety is kicking in over my appointment up there, tomorrow.  I couldn’t sleep all night; just had shortness of breath with my heart pounding.  You know the drill.  Thank goodness my husband is taking me there so I have his support.  Thanks for yours! kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – kilikini schreef: Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire. We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome! kili It *can* be read both ways although it seems more likely to me that it’s about free treatment. I mean, they don’t know yet what exactly they’re going to diagnose you with in the first place, do they? The way I read it , it says: "We’re going to see if you have fibromatosis (or maybe we already know that) and you will not have to pay on any charges *RELATED TO* this diagnosis. What else can be related to a diagnosis except treatment? Philip

Well, they’ve got my slides from my biopsy, I’m bringing my films, they’ve read the operative report AND pathology reports, so the diagnosis has been confirmed.  I’m just hoping that this means treatment from this point on is covered.  If so, I’ll be away from home for quite a while, which is a bummer.  I’m already stressing over my appt. tomorrow.  Sigh.  We leave tonight. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire. We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome! kili Kili, I agree with the others.. I think they are saying they will cover anything related to your fibromatosis condition. This is such wonderful news, I am so very happy for you!!!!! Like everyone else said, I echo: call and confirm. If you are super anxious, call a few times LOL. Seriously. If you have a question, ask..and ask until you know that you know so you can relax and not wonder "what if". Keep that letter. Do what Jackie recommends, she knows her stuff. Love and congrats again, I am very happy for you. Sally Thanks, Sally!  We have to leave for the clinic today, so I’ll be sure to call before we head up there.  The woman in the Charity Case office and I have established a really good rapport.  I just can’t believe they are going to help me!  It’s been such a long struggle since I found my tumors in April. kili

Kili, I am really excited to hear what happens at the clinic, you have to please let us know what they say and do.. It is hard to believe really good news sometimes. Actually.. I am not sure it’s even sunk in with me that I found such a nice place to live after the sale of my home. I had pictured a cardboard box for like, a year, LOL. Someday it will hit me that I did not end up in anything like that, but that kind of traumatic worry can stick with you, even after the problem is resolved, LOL. How irrational is that? Try to believe this is real and try to enjoy it. I’ll attempt to realize I don’t reside in a cardboard box in the winter in a climate that can be brutal in the winter. Kili..I’m just so happy for you. You needed good news like this, and I don’t feel it is a coincidence that you had moved near the Mayo Clinic – in spite of the fact you despise where you do live, it looks to me like you ended up living in a place you may not have wanted to be, but would need to be. I’ve just had my life happen that way for me too many times, to not recognize it when it happens in the lives of others. We’ll be waiting to hear what happens at the clinic. Love you, Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Sounds to me like they are saying they will help with the cost of treatment for the Fibromatosis!  But…. is there a phone number you can call to be sure? Best wishes! MikeH

Thanks, Mike.  There’s a really, really nice woman named Eloise who works in the Charity Case Department of Mayo Clinic who I’m going to call today before we leave just to be sure.  If treatment is covered, that means an MRI, subsequent surgeries, radiation, etc.  If it is what you all think it is, it’s amazing! kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Kili, it sounds like a free ride to me.  Great! You should definitely clarify it with them, though.

Yeah, I agree.  I’ll do that today.  Thanks! kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Kili, I agree with Jackie.  This is wonderful news and a good start for you. DO keep a file of all emails or snail mail you receive from the clinic. smiles, Elise

Thanks, Elise!  I’ve been keeping a file on everything I’ve received regarding the tumors so far.  (The file is getting HUGE!)  I’m already getting nervous for my oncologist appointment tomorrow, though.  Luckily, my husband will be with me and that will help tremendously. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire. We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome! kili Kili, I agree with the others.. I think they are saying they will cover anything related to your fibromatosis condition. This is such wonderful news, I am so very happy for you!!!!! Like everyone else said, I echo: call and confirm. If you are super anxious, call a few times LOL. Seriously. If you have a question, ask..and ask until you know that you know so you can relax and not wonder "what if". Keep that letter. Do what Jackie recommends, she knows her stuff. Love and congrats again, I am very happy for you. Sally

Thanks, Sally!  We have to leave for the clinic today, so I’ll be sure to call before we head up there.  The woman in the Charity Case office and I have established a really good rapport.  I just can’t believe they are going to help me!  It’s been such a long struggle since I found my tumors in April. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire. We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome! Sounds to me like they’ll not charge you for anything related to the fibromatosis, but will not treat you for anything else. — David Chamberlain – ASAPM Moderator

Okay, consensus is in; sounds like I am going to get fully treated for the cancer.  Yay!  Thanks, David!  I can’t believe I’m finally getting a break. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

HI, As others have suggested, I would call or perhaps write a quick note / e-mail to them.  I would thank them for approving you, and just say something like "I am proboly just a bit anxious about this, and I applogize, could you please help clarify something for me?  Can you please tell me if this program will cover my ongoing treatment for this condition or if this aid program only applies to the diagnosistic phase" jamie

I may borrow your note word for word, Jamie.  :~)  It sounds perfect.  Thank you. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

kilikini schreef: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey folks, I got a letter from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL today regarding my request for a Charity Case to treat my cancer. This is what a section of it said, and I’m interested in your interpretation of what it means because my husband and I are at odds. "Thank you for taking the time to fill out the financial questionnaire.  We realize that some who come to Mayo Clinic may face financial hardships in meeting the cost of medical care.  Mayo Clinic has reviewed your request for financial assistance. In order to help relieve some of your financial burder, we have approved your request.  You will not be asked to make payment on any charges related to your diagnosis of Fibromatosis." Okay, question, to me that sounds like they’re taking me on and will help treat my condition.  My husband says that he thinks it means they will help diagnose my condition.  I’ve already been diagnosed.  Doesn’t it sound like they will help with treatment? Any thoughts welcome! kili

It *can* be read both ways although it seems more likely to me that it’s about free treatment. I mean, they don’t know yet what exactly they’re going to diagnose you with in the first place, do they? The way I read it , it says: "We’re going to see if you have fibromatosis (or maybe we already know that) and you will not have to pay on any charges *RELATED TO* this diagnosis. What else can be related to a diagnosis except treatment? Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response: