"So, how much does treating your cancer really cost?"
All of us have some idea that treating cancer is expensive. The newspapers have tuned most of us to brace ourselves for that big medical bill when a critical illness hits us. Maybe not now, but one day. Hopefully, not ever.
But when I was asked this question some time ago, I thought that it would be good for more people to fully grasp what the real dollars and cents are, when an major illness like cancer strikes. And then perhaps, we all can better plan, save and respond to such an emergency. Is it about $10,000 or thereabouts? With medical costs escalating these days, perhaps double that to $20,000. The truth was, hubby and I didnt know what to expect in full, until now. So here's a summarised total of what I had to pay, moneywise, to fight this monster disease:
1. Surgery and hospital... $ 13,367
2. Chemo sessions (x6) ... $ 28,800
3. PET Scan.....................$ 3,100
4. Post-infusions (x4)..... $ 5,464
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Total todate............ $ 50,731
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And oh, this is not the end. Post-chemo infusions continue, now at 2 monthly intervals. And there are of course the followup visits with both the oncologist and gynae, which I expect will be required for the rest of my life. So, when the Health Minister says people of today needs to be able to manage and financially withstand a personal health crisis, we now know exactly what he means. It is interesting to note an article some time ago, that a high percentage of the American population today is one major health crisis away from personal bankcruptcy.
Goodness, and how true indeed, by just looking at this total sum above.
One word stands out like a beacon in my mind right now as I write this... insurance.
The need for health insurance to cover any major critical illnesses now rings true more so than ever. I am really glad I paid for some health cover when I was younger. I hope more women today will do likewise.
>> gleefully ntangle
