Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® Advocacy Alliance

Theresa Racine

Photo of Theresa Racine Harlem, New York

“Even a “health nut” can get breast cancer”

Theresa Racine juggled three jobs, including teaching aerobics six times a week, but could not afford health insurance. Even so, the self-described “health nut,” exercised, ate right and was proactive about getting annual mammograms through New York’s Cancer Services Partnership. When a regular screening showed that Theresa had breast cancer, she was shocked -- she never even got colds. Luckily, Theresa got the treatment she needed free of charge through the Partnership at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital. The program continues to cover the costs of Theresa’s care now that she is cancer free, including Tamoxifen (which helps to prevent recurrences).

Posted by jean vestal at 12/18/2008 11:02:15 AM |

I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN 2007 AT 42 YRS OLD. I HAD NO INSURANCE. I OPTED FOR A DOUBLE MASECTOMY, BUT, THE DRS DECIDED THEYD ONLY REMOVE 1. MY MOTHER DIED IN HER 50'S, BOTH MY DADS SISTERS R BATTLING IT AND NOW MY ELDEST SISTER IS HAVING A BIOPSY. DOESNT SOUND GOOD. HOW CAN I GET MY OTHER BREAST REMOVED WITH NO INSURANCE? I FEEL LIKE A TICKING TIME BOMB. I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND GO TO BROWARD GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER. PLEASE ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. NANETTE
Posted by: NANETTE HAZELTON ( Email ) at 3/24/2009 7:29 PM

Dear Nanette,

First let me say that no one should dictate medical treatment - that should be a decision between patient and doctor.

Perhaps you should consider paying for the surgery yourself. Although I have no idea of the cost of this surgery, I do know that going overseas to have surgery would likely cost about 20 to 25% of what it would cost in the USA, making it very affordable. There are many US certified hospitals with western trained doctors in countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and India. The care is as good or better than the care received in the states. You can research this on the web.

Best of luck to you in this important, life altering endeavor.

Brie
Posted by: Brie Goolbis ( Email ) at 3/27/2009 11:51 PM

Dear Nanette

You may have already gottem your question answered I just want to let you know, there are many places that will help with your medical costs for breast cancer. I believe you can contact the Susan G komen for help as well. Just becasue you have no insurance you should not be denied help. Not only does it seem that you need to have the second breast removed it seems that you should have the BRAC1 and BRAC2 test done to determine if this runs in your genes. If it is in your genes there is futher research that you need to do as well as decions to make.
Please do not put this off. This is your life. Please check into this right away.
Posted by: Kathy ( Email ) at 4/24/2009 9:38 PM

I would like to comment on all the stories I have read tonight..We who have cancer or had cancer can only understand what we go through each and every day that we are granted to live another day on this earth ..Just to see the sun and stand on the earth and breath in the air and smile ..makes my day ..but the stress of insurance and coverage and being ill from chemo and the fight just live does take a toll on us ..But as I see it ..we have to have the will and the guts and the passion to make every day last as long as we can and one day they will find a cure or a reason why we are going through this journey ..I was DX 2004 stage IIII BC Im still fighting for the cure,a break thru ANYTHING .. I have a passion to live ..hopefully I will someday see or not see a break thru they really need to find a cure with these cutting edge equitment we have these days and sciencist and reseach and go beyoned what they have already have ..I have seen too many of my chemo friend come and go ..We need hope,faith,and the will to live for our journey ..
high five to all u
gloria
Posted by: G ( Email ) at 6/28/2009 1:36 AM

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Posted by: cail2580@hotmail.com ( Email | Visit ) at 8/5/2009 10:24 AM

That is a very scary position to be in and I can personally recommend England if you are thinking of going overseas. I was diagnosed in July 2008, had two lumpectomies, chemo and radiotherapy. Today I had my 6 month check up and got the all clear! My oncologist is the clinic director and my surgeon writes the UK breast cancer guidelines. I'd be happy to introduce them to you. The anaethetist was actually the most expensive! I know you may be in a very tough place right now...but all I can tell you is that when you're all done you will better than you felt in YEARS, not just pre-diagnosis. Lots of love xjennifer
Posted by: Jennifer ( Email ) at 9/14/2009 1:42 PM

Your comment about a ticking timebomb is very concerning. There are a few questions that need to answered to determine if you do ,indeed, have a ticking time bomb. Was your cancer invasive or in situ? Was it the type that is more likely to spread to the other breast? There are different types of breast cancer. Have you had the gene testing done for the BRCA 1 or 2 gene or has anyone else in your family? All this should be discussed with a health care provider who is familiar with breast cancer, not just a general surgeon. I hope you are well on the road to recovery by now.
Posted by: Sallie ( Email ) at 11/20/2009 12:50 PM