Welcome to tokoni

I am a 'young' healthy, or so I thought, 60 year old woman living in the suburbs of Sacramento. Last year, to my horror, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Why I thought, when I have never smoked in my life. I've lived a clean vegetarian life, and was basically at peace with myself.  Well, put aside months of chemotherapy, alternative healings etc., here I am, still feeling healthy and still kicking.  But, again to my horror, I must now face an empty pocketbook, and a lot more medical bills on the way.  I was lucky enough, or so I thought, to have health insurance. I must pay my insurance out of pocket as I can no longer work. I am reduced to disability, which doesn't even make my monthly insurance payment. Not to mention my deductible, and of course, my co-pay. What money should have been in my account for my 'golden years', is going out at an alarming rate. When what is left in that account is gone (I'm not 62 so social security is not an option) and I can't pay my insurance, where will I turn? I know, I can look forward to Medi-Cal and SSI. But, as I understand, there are very few physicians in my area who accept Medi-Cal, and would I even qualify for it? I have worked and supported my children, have contributed to my community, and now I take care of my 91 year old mother. It's a crime that in a country like ours, my future and the future of other Americans struggling with cancer, is relegated to the fear and heartbreak of not receiving decent health care when our money runs out.  Not to mention the basics of food and shelter. Can we even dare to think about dignity?

Lucky for me, I'm still strong and able to function at this time.  I wish I could do more for others with cancer in this position, but I don't know the right platform from which to start. I'm hoping that 'WomenCount' will help me find a way. Cancer doesn't make me a victim, it makes me a fighter. We must all fight to support health care reform. It's the number one issure.

Thanks for listening.