Treatment

My husband has just been diagnosed with non small cell squamous lung cancer which has metastized to his liver.  He has severe stomach pain.

We would like to be able to seek out all possible treatments for this

type of cancer and how it has metastized but our HMO is limiting. 

Any info on how to deal with HMO's and increase his chance for survival

would be greatly appreciated.

If any of the treatments, surgery, medicine is denied by your HMO you have the right to file emergency appeals. The doctor, primary care along with the oncologist, surgeons, nurse practioner must be involved. They have to answer with a 48 hour time period. If they deny the appeals you have the right to file an appeal with the state in which you reside. I went thru this with HIP HMO Insurance. After filing numerous appeals I mostly won. Speak with the primary care dr about your concerns. One thing I did learn is when they are admitted to the hospital and other drs are called in out of the network they must be covered. When there were doctors he had to see outside the network I had the oncologist and Primary Care doctors fax letters to the Nurse Coorinator who was viewing my husbands case. I stayed on the friendly side of her, I beleive that also helped us. If they don't cover certain drugs, sometimes the drug companies help. Contact Cancer Care, it is an organization that also helps out with some of the bills. Every little bit helps.

Wishing your husband and you the best.

Hi

I am sorry to hear about your husband, it will be a very hard time and he'll need lots of help with everyday things.   

My dad was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer in April 2007, he passed away in March 2008. The doctor told him he had three months to live but he lived for 11 months and was able to attend my wedding.

Dad had a mixture of chemotherapy and radiation which seemed to shrink the tumour initially but did not have much effect in the end. He had intense stomach pain like your husband but it was mostly from being constipated which was caused by the pain killers he was taking. An enema given by the nurse seemed to help.  

 This website uses alot of scientific wording but i found it useful: http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/123/1_suppl/244 for looking at various treatments.

When dad was still alive I also saw an article on a lady who survived lung cancer - she took something called Iressa.

I'm not sure if this has been of help but I wish you and your husband all the best.

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

I'm so sorry for the loss of your father.  Thank you so much for replying,

it helps to know there are others who care.  Good luck in all that you do.

Thank you so much, God bless.