I'm a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in October of 2020. I had a single mastectomy and went through 2 years of chemotherapy, which was only supposed to be 12 rounds initially. I was given a shot that I had to take for 7 days on the third day after my chemotherapy was complete because I have Sickle Cell Trait. I'm on hormone replacement therapy for an additional 2 years because this is what my oncologist suggested for my estrogen-induced breast cancer to lessen the chance of recurrence.

Back in October, I went to the dentist and found out that I had to have several extractions, and that would cause me to go to an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery LTD center because it's something that my dentist doesn't do. I was quoted an astronomical price to have this done, and this is pre-dental insurance cost. So they inquired about my medical insurance and dental insurance, and I gave them information for both. I did some research and found that there are a lot of cancer survivors & fighters of cancer who suffer with dental issues that they have only had upon their battle with cancer.

I am starting this petition because if these issues that can only be fixed by surgery from a widespread medical issue such as cancer and this is a lasting effect, why does your medical insurance not cover a portion of this service?

I spoke with 2 representatives today from Aetna, and they informed me that if I did not undergo radiation treatment, then I was not eligible for my extractions to be covered by medical. I'm really finding that hard to understand because cancer in any form isn't more or less alarming than the other, and the treatment, although different, offers the same thing, so why again are my extractions not covered?

I have to get 10 extractions done to the bottom of my mouth because upon cancer treatment, hormone therapy, and 2 years of chemotherapy, I was told that I would need a partial. I spoke to a representative and was told that the health insurance does cover extractions if they're medically necessary. I got my oncologist to provide me a letter stating that the treatment could cause issues with dental and never received a response through email or phone call. I called back to touch base because it had been over a month and was told that although I did have cancer, because I didn't receive radiation treatment, I would not be covered. You don't have greater cancer because you were treated with radiation instead of chemotherapy. It was upsetting and frustrating, and I felt dismissed.

So I am setting up this GoFundMe to request any financial assistance for anyone that can help with this extraction procedure. I was quoted close to $7000. I already picked up a second job for my partial to be created and root canals that needed to be done, which is also costing me roughly $6800. I simply can't afford to pay for both with this economy and the cost of living.

If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you in advance!!!