Q&A: Is there a doctor who will do breast reconstructive surgery on a cancer survivor for free?
February 3, 2012 Categories: Breast Health
You have to know for questions related to the health insurance for breast cancer survivors
Question by Patricia C: Is there a physician who will do breast reconstructive surgery on a cancer survivor for free?
I am wondering if there are any physicians who donate their time to helping people who are uninsured. I had breast cancer 17 years ago. A quarter of my right breast was removed and I selected not to have a silicone implant (risk factor). Due to age and weight gain, I am very lopsided and would like to have breast reconstructive surgery done using the fat from my tummy. I tried to have this procedure done back when I had insurance, but I ended up having a pacemaker place in and my surgeon wouldn’t do the surgery then. I have since lost my job and have no health insurance. Even though this is not a life saving procedure I need, it is an emotional one that has torn up my self esteem real bad. Thanks!
The ideal answer :
Answer by Teresa K
Check with the American Cancer Society, maybe they can help
Give your answer to this question below!
Breast Cancer Support Group to Start May 12
This Breast Cancer Support Group is offered free of charge
A newly formed Breast Cancer Support Group will hold its first meeting soon at Three Rivers Health. This group will be open to all survivors of breast cancer, from those who are newly diagnosed through those who have survived for many years. “The group will offer education and support,” said Kim Rogers, MSN, RN, who is a 20-plus year breast cancer survivor and experienced support group leader.
The first meeting will be held in the St. Joseph Conference Room at Three Rivers Health, beginning at 6:30pm on Tuesday, May 12th. The two-hour meeting will begin with an informative presentation, followed by refreshments and a support group discussion.
http://www.threerivershealth.org/trh.nsf/View/NRelBreastCancerSupportGroup
17 years later? I don’t think any doctor would do it. It would be giving away time and effort for nothing literally more than a decade later, whether you are emotional about it or not. Your best bet would be to get a Victoria’s Secret bra with the soft breast-cup inserts that make the breasts look bigger. But really, other than that, the best you can do is look for a in-your-bra breast cancer type catalog that shows different styles, etc. But free after 17 years? I doubt it seriously…
If I were you I would check out some of the following avenues:
1.) Susan G. Komen foundation and/or the American Cancer Society – see if they can offer any direction.
2.) Check with your local Cancer Center or affiliated hospital to see if they can refer to any doctor that would do that or work with you on payments.
3.) Check with a University Hospital where they may have Residents or some other program that may be looking for patients for different procedures. (I don’t think I’m wording that correctly, LOL….not trying to make you sound like a guinea pig.)
4.) Check with a teaching hospital or any facility to see if they ever use any of their surgeries for teaching, such as making educational “How To” videos, etc. Usually they “comp” those procedures.
5.) Check for clinical trials that would have to do with reconstruction, as those services would be free.
Hope this helps.