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I went to the primary care office and saw another doctor who after reviewing my blood work told me I had cancer. He said "I hope I'm wrong" but to be sure to have the second bone biopsy on the 28th of December. My hematologist has me get a 2nd opinion, which is why I'm having 2nd biopsy.
We've been isolating ourselves as my neutrophils have been running .0 to .3 and my white blood count is 1.6.


I'm 70 years old and I am unable to walk and am in a wheelchair. I'm also my husband's primary care taker.


I'm telling myself to stay calm and wait until final results, which they have told me will be weeks to months. The primary doctor suspects a form of blood or bone cancer. I would like to prepare myself prior to finding out but I' not sure where to access data since there are so many types possible.


Whatever treatment is used, then I have to find a solution to help my husband as his dementia is more challenging now. At what point can the doctor help us - if he can? I know we have to get rid of assets if either of us need Medicaid and I am currently doing repairs.


I am looking for a handicap van that doesn't cost a fortune. If any reader is close to Richmond VA and know someone who has a van, please let me know.

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Try to stay calm.
Wait for the facts. Remember that even if it is the dreaded C, many types are treatable & managed well.

Ask the Primary Doctor who to talk to - for info & support. Maybe an info line, local support group or for a Psychologist? Sometimes being asked the important questions by a professional make the answers to unsolvable questions become clearer & then solvable.

If a couple you knew needed cognitive & physical support between them, & their needs were about to increase, what would you advise them to do?
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You know need to make a hard decision and that's placing your husband sooner than later. If you have any assets, Medicaid allows them to be split. His split going to his care in a NH and when the money runs out, he applies for Medicaid. You become the Community spouse and remain in the home. If you are going to need treatments, you can not care for him. So better to get him placed now. See an elder lawyer.

A van, Facebook has yard sale sites. Find a local one and post ur in the need of a van. There's one called Marketplace that you can search and post ur in need of a Van.

Call around to dealerships to see if they have one, if not, ask that they call u if one comes in. Craigs list, but be very careful. With any privately bought vehicle you need to have a mechanic check it out.
My GF bought a 10 yr old one and it cost her 30k. Brand new you are talking about the cost of a Van and the cost of a conversion. Look up PT Cruiser for the handicapped. They are neat, less expensive and easier on gas.
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Don't give away assets! See an elder law attorney to help you with a plan.

Actually getting rid of assets could cause you to become ineligible for Medicaid.
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I'm sorry you are going through this distress. I agree to stay calm until you know you have something to worry about. While you are in a "holding" pattern, maybe now is a good time to just start getting all your legal ducks in a row (which we should be doing no matter our health status or age), like figuring out who would be your Power of Attorney, creating your Advance Healthcare Directive, who will care for your husband should something happen to you, finding resources, consulting with a Medicaid planner, etc. These are all things that should happen anyway, so maybe do them now so that IF you get back an unfavorable diagnosis you won't be overwhelmed with doing all of it PLUS getting treatment. For me, the distraction would be welcomed to keep my mind from worrying. I wish you peace in your heart and good health in your future.
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I hate these doctors who toss out the cancer diagnosis based on little evidence. My husband has low white blood cells and pretty much always has. It's just how he's built, and he doesn't have cancer.

My motto is "don't panic until someone gives you something to panic about." Easier said than done, but still, do try to wait for test results before listening to a doctor who failed Bedside Manner 101.
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