My friend is dying and it might have been preventable...

[astonamous]

A very dear friend of mine is dying. She has advanced lung cancer that evidently is also in her spine.

She hasn't had health insurance for several years because she is a road comic (stand-up) and couldn't afford it. She went to the doctor only when she had to but couldn't have any tests done because (1)she couldn't afford it and (2)didn't want anything diagnosed because she didn't want any pre-existing diagnosis.

She finally decided not to pay her mortgage a couple of weeks ago and bought insurance. After the blood work and x-rays, they scheduled her for an MRI. She got the diagnosis on Tuesday and was told there is nothing they can do for her at this point.

[ThomCat]

1. I am so sorry for your friend

and I am so disgusted that we have a country so dominated by the idea of corporate profits that something like this can happen. :(

[astonamous]

4. You are so right.

I'm so mad and so sad at the same time. She is someone that has worked hard and succeeded in life, has always thought of others before herself and even though she is a broke-assed comic (something she only began doing a few years ago)she always her time, energy and talent to those in need.

[medeak]

2. oh man....

respiratory therapist in past life... not good. All I can say is I hope cancer spreads to her brain first.. so very sorry.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear astonamous...

I am so sorry to hear this...

Single payer health insurance could have prevented it, most likely...

Safe passage to her...

Hugs to you...:hug: :hug:

I am sure she appreciates your support now...

[astonamous]

7. You are so right...

not having to worry about what it would cost for a few simple tests might have at least given her some options if the cancer had been caught sooner.

Thank you for the hug. :cry:

[Swede]

5. That's some tough news.

So sorry to here it. You and your friend have my sympathies.

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. Holy God - welcome to the Republican's wet dream America.

Where people don't get a diagnosis because of the fear that, if they ever DO get a chance to have health insurance, they'll be turned down.

Fucking criminal and immoral.

I'm so sorry to hear it - I'm sure you will be a wonderful companion on her journey to death in her remaining days.

For all the bullshit the Repukes spout about us being the greatest country in the world, it's amazing how we're really far more similar to fundamentalist Muslim countries and third-world shitholes - shitty education levels, high infant mortality rate, high child homeless rate, high poverty rate, we execute people, we don't have universal health care, we imprison people without charges or Miranda rights, and criticizing the government is illegal.

Best wishes to you, and my hopes and prayers for an easy transition to death for your friend. Bone and lung cancer are especially painful ways to die - my mom had breast cancer that went into her bones, and once it did, she was done. Lots of morphine in her last weeks; but we held vigil over her, let her die at her sister's home in a wonderful, peaceful place, and did all we could to help her through.

I hope you will be there for her to support her and help her. Be well!

[astonamous]

8. Thank you!

She's one of us old hippies and if nothing else, we can at least enjoy a little "herb" together. I make a mean batch of brownies... ;-)

I had a friend in high school that had cancer in her spine and you are right, very painful and it seemed to go on forever.

[cuke]

9. One of my many nightmares

I am unemployed and uninsured, and recently diagnosed with Graves disease, almost certainly a lifelong condition. I could easily be in her shoes.

Please let her know about all the good things she's done.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

10. I'm so very sorry astonamous

My thoughts, prayers and positive vibes go out to your friend and her family and friends, including you:hug: :hug: :hug: This is such a sad situation

[judaspriestess]

11. did she have some type of symptoms that prompted her to

get insurance? I was just wondering if there were any warning signs....... I am so sorry about your friend.

[astonamous]

13. She thought her asthma was acting up and having incredible

pain. Cancer was the furthest thing in her mind but knew something needed to be treated so she could continue her work.

[NorthernSpy]

12. I'm so sorry, astonamous...

Damn...

:hug:

[Mike03]

14. Tragic, horrific...

My heart goes out to you and your friend.

It's very, very sad. In my experience, artists (including comedians) truly are underinsured on health matters, by no fault of their own. We live in a very cold time in a very cold country.

[SammyWinstonJack]

15. Aren't we a great Country?

:sarcasm: How sad! Maybe Delay can address this. :puke:

[GreenPartyVoter]

16. Horrible! I am so very sorry *hugs*