Cancer Treatment - Medical Expenses
Donation protected
During a visit to Australia my sister urged me to visit a doctor after I mentioned that I was displaying some out of the ordinary symptoms.
The doctor was immediately alarmed and ordered some initial tests. The test results came back positive for a cancerous tumour growth on my colon.
The doctor then gave me a referral to see a surgeon to be assessed for surgery.
Thankfully, my travel insurance agreed to cover the tests and the consultation with the surgeon.
After many more tests and scans, the surgeon was alarmed at how advanced the cancer was, and scheduled surgery to remove the growth as soon as possible.
Against the recommendation and wishes of the surgeon, my insurance company decided that the best course of action was for me to return home. They said even though the surgeon report stated that flying was not recommended due to high risk of internal bleeding their own assessment was that I was fit to fly and would not cover the cost of surgery in Australia.
That left me with two choices. 1) Fly home for the surgery and risk internal bleeding and death on the flight home or 2) Go ahead with the surgery in Australia and have no insurance to cover the medical cost.
I went ahead with the first part of the surgery, and thankfully the cancer has been removed. A few weeks after the surgery, I suffered acute kidney failure, which required additional hospitalisation at extra cost.
I am now booked in to complete stage two of the surgery, which will involve restoring regular bowel function and the removal of my colostomy bag.
And while I am still struggling with paying the first round of medical bills, the second round is not optional and must be carried out.
The doctor was immediately alarmed and ordered some initial tests. The test results came back positive for a cancerous tumour growth on my colon.
The doctor then gave me a referral to see a surgeon to be assessed for surgery.
Thankfully, my travel insurance agreed to cover the tests and the consultation with the surgeon.
After many more tests and scans, the surgeon was alarmed at how advanced the cancer was, and scheduled surgery to remove the growth as soon as possible.
Against the recommendation and wishes of the surgeon, my insurance company decided that the best course of action was for me to return home. They said even though the surgeon report stated that flying was not recommended due to high risk of internal bleeding their own assessment was that I was fit to fly and would not cover the cost of surgery in Australia.
That left me with two choices. 1) Fly home for the surgery and risk internal bleeding and death on the flight home or 2) Go ahead with the surgery in Australia and have no insurance to cover the medical cost.
I went ahead with the first part of the surgery, and thankfully the cancer has been removed. A few weeks after the surgery, I suffered acute kidney failure, which required additional hospitalisation at extra cost.
I am now booked in to complete stage two of the surgery, which will involve restoring regular bowel function and the removal of my colostomy bag.
And while I am still struggling with paying the first round of medical bills, the second round is not optional and must be carried out.
Organizer
Leonora Pretorius
Organizer
Ormeau, QLD