Library series



I am so excited for this library event! Some of the photos will be up on display starting December 1st, check them out. On December 10 at 7pm I will be giving a short presentation about this journey Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer has taken me on. While the photos are raw, graphic and uncensored my vocabulary will be guarded, I promise.  I want people to feel comfortable bringing young adults and teens to this. It is so important for them to see not just the images but to see the support that friends and family give. How we as a community, family, girlfriend, father empower each other to get through the hard times. With that in mind bring a friend. This is a battle we all are fighting and we need friends to battle with. Make it a save your breast date. If you bring a friend The Dazzle Store in Manlius is offering 10% off coupons to you both! Great store showing fantastic community support, if you haven’t been to the store you need to check it out. Check their Facebook out https://www.facebook.com/stupiddumbbreastcancer?ref=tn_tnmn#!/thedazzlestore?fref=ts or their website www.newdimensions1.com Thanks so much to Dazzle for adding some sparkle to this event.

The community has been incredible with their support and it really continues with this event. The library will be giving free a coffee to anyone who purchases a shirt! The staff at the library especially Brenda has welcomed Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer with such enthusiasm it is truly amazing.  This event is not only showing everyone the real side to breast cancer but raising the awareness to a new level. I am so proud of what it coming out of this journey. Thanks to everyone involved!

Posted on November 27, 2012 .

I will not let breast cancer take my holiday

A sample ot today's work



I started at a little before 7am and just finished. Yes it took me longer than normal, yes my back is killing, my chest is sore and yes I only made 13 instead of 16 different types of Holiday cookies. BUT I FUCKING DID IT!! Everyone kept saying "You don't have to make cookies this year", "This can be your year off", "Why bother?" I will certainly explain!
First, I am a baker and I love making cookies for Christmas. I have been doing this for so long I can not even remember when I wasn't making them. I have rules- well just one, stay out of my way! So Tom happily takes the kids out of the house all day. My entire family looks forward to my cookies. Cooking for people you care so much about when made with love is such an incredible feeling. I want them to feel that every year.
Second, I had to show myself that even through all that has happened, how I am feeling and what is up next, I can still do this. I realized how tired I was, so I stopped and didn't make the last three. Maybe I will or I won't, I am not worried. I have to admit cutting the bar cookies was difficult, which pissed me off but made me more determined.
Third, yes they drive me nuts and need to get the fuck out of the kitchen when I am bakin,g but when Tom and the boys came home smelled the house it was worth it. Anthony was excited his favorite kind were coming out of the oven, Sam wanted the three layers "so bad", Julian ate an Anise ball and proclaimed them the best, Ben took his favorite split levels to his buddy's and Tom tried at least four saying that this year his favorite was the Anise,  like Jules. This made me feel like I gave cancer another kick. I know to some reading this you are like "She needs medication!", but right now being able to bake all day is huge. Making it to another holiday is magnificent!! I wanted to just be able to do this without stupid dumb breast cancer getting in the way.


Happy Holidays from the Otis Family!
Taken days after my double mastectomy


Anyone who knows me knows I do three things at the holidays, bake a ton of  cookies all in one day (DONE!!), throw a killer Holiday party (next weekend, whoot whoot) and I have to be the first holiday card you get. Yes I know I could have taken this year off I get that. HELLLSSSS NOOOO!! I hope that when some of you (sorry I can not mail it out to everyone that visits my blog) got your mail today it was in there and you opened it. I even wrote on every single card, in pink of course. I love getting and giving holiday cards and I wasn't going to make this year any different. I love the holidays and my OCD ways!
Posted on November 24, 2012 .

Thanksgiving

Funny how a little  breast cancer gives Thanksgiving a whole new perspective. I used to have some snarky comment about stealing land from the Indians, but now I just have thankful thoughts. Ok I still have snarky comments, but I am more thankful than ever. I am not sure how I could ever express all my thanks and how overwhelmed with it I am. I am thankful I had enough breast education to get my lump checked and to pursue it beyond a "normal" mammo. I am so thankful for my doctors who I trust and know they are doing all that they can to keep me alive and focused. I am thankful for all those who support and help STUPID DUMB BREAST CANCER because this is my mission now. I am thankful for every single friend that brought me dinner, a cancer gift, took my kids, held my hand, threw me a party, listened to me cry or was just here. I am beyond thankful for my family who loves me so much and worries with me through all my worries and supported me (and obeyed the "no crying" rule). I am thankful for my babies and all the gentle hugs and the pride they have encountered supporting their momma! I am thankful for my TFO that even through the rough spots he is there holding me and loving me. I am just thankful this year. I am giving thanks for breathing. This Thanksgiving raise your glass to LIFE, SALUD!  ("to health!"in Italian).

My crazy ass Italian Family
Posted on November 21, 2012 .

Do you see what I see....

I have been battling with the mirror for a while. Everyone knows what I mean, we see ourselves through this harsh image that is distorted and judgmental. I've been talking to several friends and its funny because none of us our listening to our own advice. Accepting ourselves, our bodies our life and embracing it. I have been struggling all week with these new boobs. Yes they "feel" better than the expanders, but they are not me, no way. I feel scared and tired and changed. I did not enjoy dress shopping the other day and how different I look in clothes, it was very difficult for me. I'm glad I had cookies and milk with me!  I feel like a hot ass mess, a HAM as my good friend Duke would say. I hate the way I've gained weight and can not wait to work out. I am disgusted with these scared, ripped, fake, nippless boobs! But I am alive and sitting here with my family while my phone goes off with friends and other family members worrying about how my day went. I am a breast cancer survivor and those breasts did not define or make me who I was. Yet, I know that is not what others see when they see me. I tell people all the time to look deep in that mirror and see what the world sees, I want to do that!

Yet when I look at this photo here is what I see.....
First, I want to state that when Genevieve sent this I cried ...hard. The symbolism of the blurred chest was profound. The picture as a breast cancer survivor speaks volumes and I know my warrior sisters will agree. I am a woman who is tired and scared. I am stressed and worried that my health could get worse at any moment. That at any doctors appointment, tests could come back with more bad news. I'm dreading another surgery but know that there is no other option. I am battling the beast and don't want to give in. I don't  think "Why  me?" but "This is me".  The crazy thing is this chest is not me any more, it is fake and has no feeling, yet when I look at it I feel so much. I have no feeling about how they look or what they are because they are so foreign to me. I feel pain and stress. I feel overwhelming guilt that I survived, yet power that I beat it at the same time. I see me, the same woman I was, but a woman who now looks at the world in a different light. I see the real side to breast cancer, I see my side of the journey! I am a woman who was not defined by cancer but refined by this battle!

 
This is what Tom sees......
AM, you asked me to add something here in part, I think, because you thought I would be uncomfortable with you posting this picture. I'm way past that at this point.  One thing I can say about this whole experience is that I've fallen in love with you in a way that seems more awake and urgent than ever before. When you showed me this photo, I told you it was beautiful. Yes, I see the pain and the stress. But I can also see past it and see someone that is so strong and so brave. I see someone whose beauty was not diminished by adversity, but was increased by it. It's a strange thought, but I think the sense of purpose you now have about your life was a gift that cancer never meant to give you. You will struggle through the physical changes and I believe you will arrive in a place that you can feel comfortable with yourself. It's hard for you to look in the mirror now, but it's just as hard for me to stop looking at you. xo 
Posted on November 20, 2012 .

Doctor doctor give me the news...





I figure if you have to go to see the doctor, might as well see as many as you can! I get to go see my plastics first. I do have to say I love this office. The ladies are fabulous and I am usually in and out! Strange I know but I must not lie, I like going to this office. I am excited for the doc to check my new boobs and let me know how he feels they are healing. I will say that my friend Kristin was right, there is no stuffing these boobs into a dress, what a bitch it was finding one that is just right!

 I am also thrilled because they will tell me when I can get my INK!! Now that puts a large smile on my face. Tom drew these magnolias that are pink and white and have branches that will wrap to the side and cover the drain mark. I figure hell, if I get them soon I won't feel a thing. Plus, I am thinking this is the perfect time for my Dad to get his, anyone else???.

OHHHH and then there is the box of nipples. Did you know that they have a box of nipples you can choose from to stick on for certain outfits??? Oh hell yes I am getting some, I see lots of good times ahead with nipples. Genevieve will love taking those pictures. I also will be getting the OK to work out. I miss working out so much and my partner misses me yelling at her. I am just one workout away from a good mood and shit, it’s been months, so you know what a bitch I have been. I know that I won't be doing wall pushups by Friday but I need something. I feel like a flabby mess. I want shut up and squat, BURPEESSSSS I miss you so.

Then I am off to the breast care doctor, who I also LOVE!! I am lookinhg forward to seeing her new office. Just a checkup so I am hoping for a quickie there too. We will be talking about when she feels I will be ready for the oophorectomy (I just love that word). I know I get December off of surgeries then January it looks like it is back at it. Do you see that this is not "over" with a mastectomy?? The appointments are ongoing as well as the checks. This is why it is so important to love your doctors and the staff; you spend a lot of time there. YOU and YOU alone have to like them not your Uncle Lou's neighbor Lola, their opinion shouldn't matter and they should keep it to themself.

I am going to just enjoy the holidays. January looks too intense for me. I go back to the oncologist for all my "cancer tests". NOT at all looking forward to scans, blood work, needles and results. Then surgery, but we are not talking about that right now like I said HOLIDAY....CELEBRATE!


Posted on November 19, 2012 .

70%...

Of breast caner survivors have low self body image. What is insane is when I look at my survivor sisters I think that they are so stunning, that their warrior marks show how strong they are, that they radiate a powerful beauty that blows my mind. But then I look in the mirror and while I know I am healing I look down and say WTF!! I hate that these implants they are not me, they are foreign cancer causing agents. Yes they feel real (or so Tom tells me) but shit I can not feel that! Yes from the top the cleavage looks nice and I will show that off. BUT when I look at the scars that are already starting to keyloid I cry. The scars are not just from the double mastectomy and the swap but the drains too. The scars are itchy and bumpy and right now a painful reminder. I can not wait to have my buddy DJ hide them for me and make them part of my changing self. I do feel like a butterfly. This is the hard part of stupid dumb breast cancer that goes forgotten, the after pain. This is what breast cancer has done to me. Some women opt for no reconstruction, some just for a lumpectomy, some a single breast is taken, all having such an intense part of their body altered. Their breasts,  no matter what they choose, are so changed that the healing process can take a lifetime.The key to all this is NOT BY CHOICE. I chose reconstruction- yes, but because I have breast cancer. I did not ask for this nor would I ever judge my friends choices regarding their breasts. We choose the best path for us. I am satisfied with mine after all my doc did make them look good. The reality of how it changes me is what I am dealing with. I just want my peeps to get that this may "look good" but the internal part is a struggle that most breast cancer women are fighting to overcome. Mind you I may wake up crying about this but when I get outta bed I put my big girl bra on (ok no bra but I like the metaphor) and I say "YOU DO NOT DEFINE ME" and will never beat me!
 
 
***BREASTNOTE~ this is not a pity post. This blog is therapeutic to me and helps me to explain my emotions. Plus, I know there are other women feeling this and they need to see they are not alone!
Posted on November 14, 2012 .

Swap



I love how they call it a "swap", makes me think of a swap met. Everything good yesterday. The doctor was  running a little late but we did not complain. After all I didn't want him to take it out on me. In a strange small world the women he did before me is friends with my good friend Lorrie, so I didn't want him to rush her. The nurses were all fantastic, my post and recovery nerve even found me a princess sticker! Genevieve was there snappy photos in really bad light, MC was there to keep the joking going strong. My sister was there on time none the less! My dad and G-Deb came and both did an exceptional job of not crying. Tom of course was there rocking a Stupid Dumb Breast cancer shirt. It was a small room but all fit in there chatting away. It was great to have them all there to keep my mind off of the surgery.

Of course I rocked some sparkly heels to give me even more attitude. Again the staff did not know what to make of me. Oh, and my surgery nurse is cousins with my neighbors growing up  and her BF is my cousins sister in law! And some other nurse knew some people from the Nort side that my dad was making the Italian connection. Most of the staff had heard about Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer and that was awesome! I left some business cards just in case there were ones that didn't.

We waiting patiently until the doc finished but when I saw him in the hall I felt much better. The    anesthesiologist came in to administer my sleepy nice nice medicine and had a hard time not looking at my shoes or Tom's shirt. She was sweet and quick, even better in my book! It was time to be wheeled off to OR. The drugs started to kick in and it felt like a big ol bong hit, yes I said that but have no memory. I do not even remember going past my peeps, gotta love those pharmaceuticals! I chatted with the staff while getting prepped, can't wait to hear what I said. I am pretty sure it was not at all inappropriate in the least. Well maybe a little. 


I woke up in recovery with my fabulous nurses ready to help. I had that anesthesia feeling, so groovy and uncontrollable. After being wheeled into the larger room I had the pleasure of meeting my friend' s friend, damn drugs can't remember her name! She looked great while I looked green. I hope that we can connect soon. The staff in that area was fabulous too. I feel so lucky to have had amazing doctors and nurse and other hospital staff. There is nothing there to bitch about.
 

I was out of it last night, groggy and tired. We enjoyed a delicious stew thanks to Stephanie which was the perfect thing for my nausea. Before surgery. I really wanted a McMuffin which I found out had ham. If you want it to have sausage then it's a sausage  McMuffin, who know!? I also wanted Fried fish sandwich, you would thought I was pregnant! So today I will rest and watch Teen Mom or Honey Boo Boo. The pain last night was strong then the drugs given but manageable. Funny how even pulling your pants up was hard. I can not wait to wrap my chest and see what it looks like. Nor can I wait to shower and wear deodorant and lotion. As my husband pointed out I look ashy! I feel better today and am so excited to be drinking a coffee with pumpkin spice. A big huge shout out to Joyce, Kelly and Dave' family and mu cousin Denise for registering for the race  yesterday, that made my day. now the rest of you fools get on that! Thanks so much for all your well wishes, good vibes and prayers. I really love it and can feel that positive energy. As the body takes time to heal  physically the mind has heal as week. That is why I insist on positive energy to help me through this. That and a killer pair of stilettos!
Posted on November 10, 2012 .

Done

Hey all-
AM is out of surgery and the doc said all went well. Did she wear heels in? Of course. Was she loud and inappropriate? Yep. Did she kick cancer's ass? Officially. She'll need to be in recovery for a while, but will go home later today. Thank you all for your support and friendship through all of this. We hope this brings the hard part of this journey to a close. I'm sure she will post as soon as possible...
Tom
Posted on November 9, 2012 .

Scalpel



After a great night's sleep, BLAHAHAHAHAH, I am ready for a coffee or surgery. I wish I was going to be awake just before surgery to say "Scalpel", it sounds so doctor like. As I have said before, I have a very bad habit of saying the most inappropriate things while under, so this seems harmless. I stopped eating after midnight, good thing I didn't have the late night munchies. And now I get nothing, not even coffee, a mint, water, gum, WHY me why?? Ok so this is the rule before surgery but I really want coffee. Today is surgery number 4, YUK. I have seen my boobs change so much in the past 6 months it is crazy. From getting them mutilated at the lumpectomy (no fault of my amazing doctor- the nipple did not look great after), then they got lopped off and filled only to be cut open again and stuffed. I just can't wait to get them tattooed. Tom drew the prettiest magnolia and butterfly, gonna be hard to not show those off!

While I know there is not a limit to how many surgeries one can have, let's be honest. The more you have the higher the risk. There is always the risk of infection, I mean that is one hell of a cut they are making AGAIN, it is not paper cut. Not to mention I do not do well with anesthesia. PLUS, what shoes am I going to wear? I may have set the bar high with my mastectomy heels... And this random thought of the typical grandma comment keeps popping into my head, "make sure you have clean underwear on, cause you never know." Always cracks me up, but I am stressed I will pick the wrong underwear!  If only I had pink ribbon panties, LOL. I am scared they will open me up and see cancer all over and then I am screwed. Totally irrational, I know, but seriously this journey has been uncontrollable, hate it. The recovery (even though I hear you bounce back quick) will leave me laid up for awhile, I HATE SITTING STILL!! I want my real workouts back. I want to get rid of this 10 fucking pounds I put on. I am 4 feet 11 inches, that weight shows. It still blows my mind that they preform these surgeries then send you home that day. Do not get me wrong, I do not want to stay over, but there are people who need that stay. SHHIIITTT I come home to a house full of kids. I do not think I thought this through, looks like NyQuil for all!

Instead of sending me well wishes, cause let's face it I am just going to be laying there, send them to the doctor and the staff. Let your good vibes give my plastic surgeon a steady hand, calm, mind as he does his work. I swear if I wake up looking all Dolly Parton heads will roll! Hope that the hospital staff has the patience of a saint for dealing with me today and the humor of a comedian, they are going to need it. I just hope the waiting room is big enough for my entourage. I had a dream that my doctor was Edward Cullen's "father" from Twilight, yes I am too lazy to look his name up. I can not tell if dreaming your doctor is good or bad? I am more of a werewolf girl after all:)

Thank you to my cousin Heather who set up the mealtrain for next week. Although we do not need it, it is totally appreciated and I know people love to do that. We look forward to some good eats. Anthony told his class that when I had surgery "we had to eat his dad's cooking and deal with it". I am not sure what he is talking about because the meal train was awesome and my man makes one hellava pizza (for someone of the non-Italian species).

I will be signing off for now. Tom will blog later about surgery and tell you all how amazing I am and that he could not have a better wife. Then MC will post on FB how she is thinks that I am Superwoman and she wants her daughter to be just like me and not like her at all. Genevieve will be there snapping pictures and telling me to "work that hospital gown". My father, G-Deb, my brother and my sister will all be in the waiting room discussing how maybe just maybe I really am a princess after all......

Good bye to this stage of Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer





Posted on November 9, 2012 .

Mammos and wigs and support OH MY

 
 
 

Garment Resources

Local Garment Resources

Rothschild Home Health Care
www.rothhomehealth.com

817 E Genesee St
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 475-5181

Lady Jane Mastectomy Boutique
www.ladyjaneboutique.com

892 E Brighton Ave # B
Syracuse, NY 13205
(315) 498-9086
 

New Beginnings
5008 Brittonfield Pkwy # 200
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(315) 634-1295‎
Online Garment Resources

http://content.yudu.com/A1xm5z/FallWinter2012/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tlcdirect.org%2FCancer-Scarves-and-kerchiefs-for-Women-Cancer-and-Chemo-Patients-American-Cancer-Society-TLC-Direct

Tlc-tender loving care is a not-for-profit website and catalog of the American Cancer Society. Our mission is to help women cope during and after cancer treatment by providing wigs and other hair loss products (plus how-to information), as well as mastectomy products, all at affordable prices.


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Wigs and Head Coverings
ACS Wig Program – A program that provides free wigs from limited supply to needy patients suffering from hair loss due to cancer treatment. These wigs are intended for those with insufficient insurance coverage for wigs. For more information: Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org

New Beginnings
5008 Brittonfield Pkwy # 200
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(315) 634-1295‎

Mr. C’s Hair Replacement Studio
315-458-9568
6088 E. Taft Rd., N. Syracuse, NY 13212
www.mrcshairstyling.com

Profiles by Kristin
315-454-3132
2113 Brewerton Rd., Syracuse, NY 13211
www.profilesbykristin.com

Genesis II Hair Replacement
(315) 458-1074
405 East Taft Rd., North Syracuse, NY
www.genesishair.com

A&E (Real Hair Wigs Only)
5781 Bridge St., East Syracuse, NY
315-445-1177

Hot Cocoa’s Hair & Beauty Supply
(315)469_4826
4200 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Free or low cost mammograms, education/awareness programs, and patient navigation in Central New York

The New York State Cancer Services Program will provide free breast screenings to women 40 years and older and who are uninsured or cannot pay for these services.

In Onondaga County: 315-435-3653
Outside Onondaga County: 1-866-442-2262

 

2012 - 2013 Grantees – Funded by Komen CNY
ARISE Child & Family Service, Inc.

Phone:  315.472.3171

Email:  nlutz@ariseinc.org

  • Provide breast health outreach & education to underserved woman, including African American and Latina populations, and also women with disabilities
  • Assist in overcoming barriers to receiving screenings and follow-up health care when needed

 

Canton Potsdam Hospital
Phone: 315.244.3007   
Email:  jdow@cphospital.org

  • Patient navigation throughout screening, diagnosis and treatment

 

Carthage Area Hospital
Phone:  315.519.1530

E-mail: caoutreach@carthageareahospital.com

  • Outreach & awareness programming to underserved populations

 

Cayuga County Health Department

Phone: 315.253.1560    
E-mail: joan.knight@dfa.state.ny.us

  • Breast cancer screening & diagnostic
  • Provide breast health education and clinical breast exams

 

Chenango Health Network- Every Woman Counts
Phone: 607.337.4128
E-mail: sharon@chenangohealth.org

  • Community based education & outreach activities
  • Support for uninsured/underinsured women to receive screenings & follow-up care if necessary


 

Crouse Hospital / Crouse Health Foundation
Phone: 315.470.7015

E-mail: kathleenmiller@crouise.org

  • Outreach & awareness of free and reduced-cost services
  • Patient navigation through the continuum of care
  • Breast Cancer & Lymphedema Physical Therapy

 

Highland Hospital

Phone:  585.487.3304

Email:  stacy_portella@urmc.rochester.edu

  • Provide awareness on importance of self-exam and clinical exams, mammography and support services for medically underserved populations
  • Educational materials and outreach activities providing breast health education, health resources and referral systems
  • Aid in overcoming barriers to care through patient navigation from initial screening, through treatment and follow-up, when necessary

 

Lewis County Public Health Agency- Circle of Care Breast Cancer Navigation Program
Phone: 315.376.5453
E-mail: egrunert@health.co.lewis.ny.us

  • Community based breast cancer navigation program
  • Provide screenings for those who do not qualify for Cancer Services Program

 

Oneida County Health Department

Phone:  315.798.5229

Email:  whunt@ocgov.net

  • Provide breast cancer screenings through Cancer Services Program
  • Screenings, education and awareness for women of the Oneida Indian Nation, Latino population and women in rural areas

 

Onondaga County Health Department

Phone:  315.435.3653

Email:  jennydickinson@ongov.net

  • Culturally appropriate materials for education & outreach to at-risk populations
  • Provide support and reduce barriers for urban African American women and Onondaga & Oneida native women to receive breast cancer screenings

 

Spanish Action League on Onondaga County, Inc.
Phone: 315.475.6153  ext 212

E-mail: fsm@laligaupstateny.org

  • Awareness for Latina women on screenings and early detection through educational workshops
  • Provide interpreters for doctor appointments and assistance in insurance paperwork and necessary resources for the uninsured/underinsured

 

 

St. Lawrence County Public Health Department

Phone: 315.386.2325

E-mail: cfield@co.st-lawrence.ny.us

  • Breast cancer screening through Cancer Service Program
  • Staff assistance through screenings and follow-up scenarios

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Foundation- Lymphedema Education & Prevention

Phone: 315.703.2035
E-mail: janine.capucilli@sjhsyr.org

  • Provide treatment and self-management skills for breast cancer patients suffering from the effects of lymphedema
  • Educational seminars for the community and providers

 

University of Rochester

Phone:  585.224.3070

Email:  Candice_lucas@urmc.rochester.edu

  • Provide clinical breast exams and ensure access to annual mammograms for uninsured women
  • Provide education and awareness, through workshops and bilingual materials, on the importance and availability of screening and diagnostic services

 

Financial Resources for People Living with Breast Cancer
There are many financial resources to help people with breast cancer. The first place you can turn to for advice is a trusted health care provider. Physicians, nurses and social workers can all provide information and advice about financial matters. Hospital discharge planners, patient relation offices, patient service offices, social workers and patient navigators at hospitals or managed care organizations may be helpful too. For questions about specific insurance policies, state insurance agencies and insurance companies can be helpful.

Many state and national organizations provide information about financial assistance and insurance. Some of these are listed below along with resources to help with travel, lodging and medical items, including prescription drugs.

Local to NYS and Identified Counties in NYS
St. Agatha Foundation
Phone: 888-878-7900
www.saintagathafoundation.org
For help paying for the following costs: treatment, procedures, testing, prescription co-pays, medication not covered by insurance, Office visits or Procedural Co-pays, Wound Care Systems, Breast reconstruction, Lymphedema Sleeves, Alternate Treatments not covered by insurance, Transportation to and from treatment, Prostheses, Post-surgical camisoles, bras, wigs, and wellness needs.

Serves patients in Onondaga, Cortland, Cayuga, Madison, Oneida, and Oswego counties.
Works directly with the hospitals or practice where the survivor is currently receiving treatment.

Embrace Your Sisters

Phone: 585-624-9690

Embraceyoursisters.org
Embrace Your Sisters (EYS) is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping people in the Finger Lakes region (Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates counties) with emergency funds when faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer, allowing them to focus on their families and recovery. Funds can be provided for mounting co-pays and medical expenses, rent/mortgages, utilities, and other necessary expenses.

SIS
Phone: 585.362.0626

http://www.helpsis.org
A non-profit organization created to provide financial assistance to those during the battle of breast cancer. Help provided for: Rent/Mortgage, Utility Expenses, Vehicle Payments, Childcare, Groceries, Pharmacy Co-pays, Uncovered Prosthesis/Medical Clothing, Wigs, Transportation.

Mary Lukas MRI Foundation
marysmrifund@yahoo.com
www.mrifund.org
MRI Funding by this Not for profit organization to assist individuals at risk for breast cancer and without the means to pay for an MRI.

New York Bridge Plan
In New York State, the PCIP plan (the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan) is called the NY Bridge Plan, and is administered by Group Health Incorporated (GHI), an EmblemHealth company.
       To be eligible to apply, individuals must:

·         Be a legal U.S. resident;

·         Be a resident of New York State;

·         Have a pre-existing medical condition;  

·                                                                                                    and not have had health care coverage for the last six months.
The NY Bridge Plan covers a broad range of services, including primary and specialty care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, and prescription drugs, as well as assistance from professional nurses and caseworkers to help members manage chronic conditions and maintain overall health. Eligibility is not based on income. Coverage for a pre-existing condition begins right away, with no waiting period. Health insurance coverage under this program is more affordable than what is currently available in the individual market. Through the NY Bridge Plan, premiums will be $362/month for residents of upstate counties and $421/month for residents of downstate counties.

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the NY Bridge Plan reaches capacity, a waiting list will be established. If you need an application and brochure mailed to you, please call 1-877-444-9622 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting or toll free 1-877-444-9622 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

 

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Foundation
1-866-944-4223
www.eraseibc.com

 

Information on Financial Issues and Insurance
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Gives detailed information on Medicare and other health insurance programs for people over 50.
888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277)
www.aarp.org/health

American Cancer Society's "Taking Charge of Money Matters"
Offers a series of booklets on financial topics for people living with cancer.
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
www.cancer.org

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Publishes the booklets "Working It Out: Your Employment Rights as a Cancer Survivor" and "What Cancer Survivors Need to Know About Health Insurance".
301-650-9127
www.canceradvocacy.org

Patient Advocate Foundation
Offers legal and advocacy help when disputing insurance claim denials and provides financial assistance information.
800-532-5274
www.patientadvocate.org

Social Security Administration
Find your local social security office.
http://www.ssa.gov/

US Department of Health and Human Services: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Provides information on choosing a health plan.
www.ahrq.gov/consumer/cc/cc060308.htm

US Department of Health and Human Services: Medicare
Provides detailed information on the Medicare health insurance program, including Medicare prescription drug plans.
800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
www.medicare.gov

 

Posted on November 8, 2012 .