From BMT Newsletter May1994 Issue # 23 - Breast Cancer Reprinted by NYSERNet with Permission from BMT Newsletter
(Readers: Please note that we have deleted the names, addresses and phone numbers of the people who have contributed their experiences and ideas to "Your Turn". However, we would be happy to direct you inquiry or communication to them. Please contact us through our email: help@bmtnews.org, by phone: 847.433.3313 / 1.888.597.7674, by fax 847.433.4599, or by mail: BMT Newsletter 2900 Skokie Valley Road, Suite B, Highland Park, Illinois 60035. Thank you.)
"I'm 38 years old, married and have two daughters. I worked in the Air Force Re- serves and flew support missions from Cairo, Egypt to Mogadishu, Somalia, and participated in Operation Provide Promise to help the people of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
On January 1, 1994, my wife's health insurance coverage took effect. On January 12, 1994 I was diagnosed with lymphoma, but the insurance company refused to pay for any treatment, including a bone marrow transplant because they say I had a pre-existing condition. We are appealing the insurance company's decision, but in the meantime I must raise $100,000 for my BMT. I am in a desperate situation. If it's in your heart, please help and please pray for my family." R.H.
Editors Note: Contributions to help the Helms family pay for a BMT can be made to The Ron Helms Benefit Fund c/o Newman Savings Bank, PO Drawer 400, Newman GA 30264.
"I am 19 years old. Just a few days ago I celebrated my first year of rebirth after undergoing an allogeneic BMT for ALL in March 1993. Overall I'm doing very well. I'm back to school part time at the University of California at Berkeley. Al- though I'm still taking small doses of immunosuppressants to control the minor GVHD I had, I'm hopeful that I'm on the road to a total cure.
However, I have one concern. Ever since January I've had some pain in the pleura (lining of the lung). The condition has improved considerably in recent weeks, but nonetheless I would love to contact someone who has had a similar problem. Please contact me through the BMT Newsletter." D.H.
"I underwent a BMT for CML with an unrelated donor in January 1993. I am doing well but had many complications in the months following my transplant including aspergillus in my lungs and CMV pneumonia. I feel very grateful to God and to all the people who treated me, but most of all I am especially thankful for the unknown man who save my life by being my donor. What a wonderful gift!" T.A.
"I have Stage II breast cancer and was 30 years old when first diagnosed. I've had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. I will most likely need an autologous BMT (ABMT) in the near future.
I would be more than happy to talk or share experiences with any readers in a similar situation." L.W.
"My wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am a federal employee and am told our health plan does not cover BMTs for breast cancer. I've appealed to the insurance company twice and have written to the Office of Personnel Management in Washington to review the denial. All this takes time. Meanwhile I have to come up with $30,000 on the day of her admission and another $70,000 to complete payment.
I'd like to know if other federal employees have experienced similar problems with insurance and what they've done to get relief." D.S.
"My son has ALL and is considering a BMT. We would like to contact a long term survivor who has had a BMT for ALL and is about 30 to 40 years old. I think it would be very helpful if my son could talk to someone who has undergone this procedure and would not mind sharing his or her experience." H.P.
"In June 1993, after two miscarriages within 9 months, I was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). It converted to chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis by the time I went in for the BMT in October. Four months post-transplant, I'm doing great! I'm still desperate for a child and would like to hear from others in a similar situation, especially those with children after a BMT." K.M.
"I am 48 years old and have multiple myeloma. I am going through treatment with VAD and will then have a BMT. My brother will be my donor. I would love to hear from others like me." B.T.
"I am a student at Pacific Lutheran University who had a BMT last summer. Recently I finished an autobiography detailing my experience. Upon reflection, I decided I wanted to collect the stories of other people who have had to do battle with cancer and create an anthology. My hope is that this anthology would eliminate the stigmas and isolation that cancer survivors often feel. Your help would be appreciated." H.H.
"I am 24 years old and was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) last summer. I'm currently searching for an unrelated bone marrow donor. I would like to talk with patients or parents of patients who are also searching for bone marrow donors." S.B.
"I would like to talk with anyone who has information about teen survivors of BMTs." D.M.
"I have ovarian cancer and am contemplating a BMT. I would like to hear from someone who has had this treatment for ovarian cancer." J.B.
"I have CML and want to talk to someone else in a very chronic stage." J.L.
This document was created by NYSERNet, Inc. through a grant funded by the New York State Science and Technology Foundation as part of the Breast Cancer Infomation Clearinghouse.