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Suggestion Malignant ovarian cancer

Discussion in 'Expat Section' started by cabb, Feb 19, 2020.

  1. cabb

    cabb DI Forum Patron Highly Rated Poster ✤Forum Sponsor✤

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    My wife's mother just got diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in Holy Child. They went to Provincial Hospital, but it sounds like people were dying in the waiting room waiting to get seen. I'm looking for suggestions from people who know someone who has been treated for cancer what kind of coverage they got through PhilHealth. Some limited research mentioned something about a Z benefit package. I realize cancer can break you and have been through a similar situation with my mom about 6 years ago. Thank God she had insurance. Treatment is very challenging, first a debulking operation and then chemo which may kill you if the surgery doesn't. I'm looking for thoughts on PhilHealth, which hospitals to use and any other ideas you might have. Paying for this entirely out of my pocket will be a stretch with what I fear is a low rate of success. I appreciate all feedback.
     
  2. Notmyrealname

    Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    I am very sorry to read of your mother-in-law's illness and the concern it obviously is causing her family.

    I am not aware of the Z package benefits of Philhealth by person experience but found this
    https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/49624-philhealth-z-benefit-package-faq

    This states that the Z benefit is for the most serious cases but the chart shown there does not include ovarian cancer. It seems someone needs to visit a Philhealth office and ask about it. There may be another level of benefit available within the spectrum. ("PhilHealth classifies disease conditions from type A (the simplest and cheapest) to type D (the more severe and costly). Conditions under type Z, the farthest end of the spectrum, are cases "perceived as economically and medically catastrophic" due to the seriousness of the case.")

    One thing I have had experience of is Holy Child Hospital and I do rate it highly.

    I am sure you have read about ovarian cancer and I found https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/about/what-is-ovarian-cancer.html to be a useful source. It does state that the type of cell from which the cancer originates is a big factor in the outcome, as also is the degree of spread which has already taken place. Survival rates for 5 years can be as high as 98% but, of course, are lower in some situations.

    I wish I could be of more help but I think talking direct to Philhealth is essential and we then hope the cancer can be controlled and the outcome is positive for your mother-in-law.

    Best wishes.
     
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  3. you_have_been_removed

    you_have_been_removed DI Forum Adept

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    I too have these thoughts about my in laws and have said time and time and time again to my wife, that if I dont go 1st, I am not going to waste necessary funds that I will need for our two kids in the years ahead (I'm not a religious person), if you spend a lot of what you have now trying to keep and old person alive using what funds you have saved for your future, what are you going to do yourself when your worries came facts, this is no country to be walking past a bank and not being able to walk in, sure I have bought some medicines in the past and will of course again, but big big spends on in laws hospital stays and operations is a no no no (if hospitals or doctors see who is doing the paying, then be sure they will try to suck you dry)my wife and I have had several discussions/arguments about this, but as the years go by and she begins to see the things that us foreigners see and feel that is different in our cultures she too comments now on things before I do.

    I guess what im saying in this tough tough time for you, not being so free with your money is not necessarily being greedy, I think that you are being very practical about it.
     
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  4. OP
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    cabb

    cabb DI Forum Patron Highly Rated Poster ✤Forum Sponsor✤

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    Would you be so practical if it was your mother or dad in a similar situation? If yes, then at least you are consistent. If no, then things get more interesting. Not saying your choice is wrong because we all have different situations and different reasons for why we do what we do, just curious why you would treat your parents differently if presented with the same challenge.
     
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  5. Glendazumba

    Glendazumba DI Forum Adept

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    Is she 60 or above 60? If she is, then she automatically is covered by Philhealth----she will enjoy huge discounts on all medical services. Make sure to get her ID made at the Seniors' Citizens Office right near the SUMC or Medical Center. It is on the corner of the street outside of SUMC.
     
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  6. you_have_been_removed

    you_have_been_removed DI Forum Adept

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    By me saying "I'm not religious" I should have went a step further and said I'm agnostic, we are all humans, we come and we go, My mother is more spiritual than religious, but she does'nt fear death she would be the 1st to say, keep your money, I have had my life you go and have yours
    Why do you feel its your responsibility to shoulder all the financial burden.
     
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  7. OP
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    cabb

    cabb DI Forum Patron Highly Rated Poster ✤Forum Sponsor✤

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    I wouldn't say it religious. I would say it's a part of me. I'll call it compassion. The same reason I might want help another individual who is suffering. How compassionate I might be is a function of many things, like can I afford to be compassionate, do I feel I can help someone or how close am I to this person. We're generally pretty close to our wife, children and parents. Because this is my wife mom I have more compassion than I would an unknown person.
    I'm in a better position to help them then they are, but that help does have limits. If I had millions of dollars it wouldn't even be a thought. She's over 80, so she has lived a long life and it's unclear how much longer this treatment will make it. The most frustration part is the information coming from the doctors which is needed to help make the decision. Some information may also be lost in the translation phase to me. How much is a few months or a few years worth to someone? You see people who fight until that last breath and people who decide not to fight. I'll ask you why that is?
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2020
  8. OP
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    cabb

    cabb DI Forum Patron Highly Rated Poster ✤Forum Sponsor✤

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    She's around 80. One of my relative went to PhilHealth and they said they would pay $5000 peso. That's chump change in the cancer game. Not even enough to ante up. They say they have visited that office you are talking about. I've also heard that parents can be covered under their children's policy.
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2020
  9. Glendazumba

    Glendazumba DI Forum Adept

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    Yes, parents are covered by children's policy. Personally, it is not a good idea for her to undergo anything drastic such as chemotherapy or surgery. She's 80 years old and should not be made to go through such dangerous methods. I would suggest alternative medicine for her. Surgery and chemotherapy will only make her condition worse.
     
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  10. hiddenuser

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    holy child is my local choice for hospitals at this time tho i have no experience for hospitalizations there. if the ovarian cancer is primary the sooner it comes out the better. were it me and with her there i would ask her doctor for surgeons at holy child . second opinion i am sure johnny yee who is the head of family practice there would give you that probably for a cost of six dollars. removal of an ovary (oophorectomy) is a relatively simple procedure for a surgery and probably not all that expensive here but you can just ask for an estimate, or better yet get another filipino to ask. if its not the primary tumor then things become a lot more complicated no matter where you are. srry for your trouble but how fortunate they are to have you with them and that you care. good luck
     
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