Turns Out Ovarian Cancer Is Really Damn Expensive

I am *wildly* uncomfortable about creating this, but many of you have asked.

I'm Guenevere (Genni) McMahon and I have recently been most unpleasantly surprised to find out I have ovarian cancer. To add insult to injury, those parasites at BCBSNM have denied my request for out of network care at MD Anderson, the top rated hospital in the US for cancer care.

Ovarian Cancer is aggressive. Most people don't know they have it until it is advanced. I have one best shot at extending my life, which is why we are paying out of pocket for my initial evaulation, tests, upcoming surgery and pathology. Right now that bill is at about $165,000 and mounting. We have family and savings for a lot of that, but there are also a ridiculous number of other costs--like flying there and back, hotels, food, etc.

If you know someone who is totally strapped and struggling, give them money and wish me well. There is so much need out there and none of us can support all of it. If you love me and want to help and this makes you feel good, I am honored to accept help during what is so far the worst three weeks of my life. Money is a tool, as my mom has reminded me, and it's a disgrace that the United States of America has healthcare that is designed to decimate people's life's work/savings in order to get good care. It disgusts me, it's wrong, the injustice is staggering.

In order to do the most important parts at MD Anderson, I had to agree to chemo through UNM, since BCBSNM (marketplace) is worthless and will only pay for in state care. That will still entail travel, hotels, food, etc. As it is for any family, this will be a heavy lift.

If nothing else, let us be further radicalized that we need universal, MEANINGFUL and COMPREHENSIVE health care. Crappy care that more people can pay through the nose to have is *not* a solution, it's a sound byte for politicians. We deserve far better than what we've got and anyone saying it's enough should be ashamed of themselves.