Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/46359
out-of-pocket expenditures (such as breast prostheses) will be covered, for many other costs (such as wigs or transportation to and from appointments), they often have to foot the bill on their own. It's not a realiza- tion that comes easy. "The cost of cancer doesn't discriminate … And the unexpected cost of cancer will shock anybody," Nystuen says. Yet many say that when faced with life or death, there is no choice. Patients pull out their wallets, cash in savings or do what- ever it takes to get to the other side. Not only a matter of defeating the disease at any cost, for many, finding a way to pay is about taking control of their lives. "I was devastated," says Shelley Ryan, producer and host of The Wisconsin Gard- ner on PBS and a three-year breast cancer survivor, recalling the emotion of finding out many costs related to her treatment would not be covered by her insurance. After her diagnosis in 2008, Ryan opted for a double mastectomy. Her aunt had died of breast cancer years before and she wasn't taking any chances. Knowing chemothera- py would be part of her treatment, she was also proactive about shopping for a wig. "Because I work on television and I knew my hair was going to fall out, I wanted to find a wig to match my hair, so my look would easily transition [on air]," she explains. A state employee with insurance, Ryan put in a call to see if the $250 expense for Organizations That Help Local programs can help cover a variety of out-of- pockets costs American Cancer Society Visit their office at the UW Carbone Cancer Center or call their Patient Service Center to learn more about programs offering assistance for travel, lodging, beauty treatments and other costs including free wigs. (800) ACS-2345 or cancer.org her confidence—like a wig—wasn't just business, it was personal. The irony was that the wig, an item some could argue was superficial or even cos- metic, was actually in line with the medical advice given by her doctor. "Most doctors say they want you to con- tinue with your 'normal' routine, includ- ing work," she explains. "But [to keep up a successful career] every woman needs her mental health, which includes having your head feel warm and feeling confident, nor- mal and capable of going through the day without people [staring] at you." The out-of-pockets costs to maintain that sense of control over her daily life and to keep her body functioning normally had only begun. "We were stunned. That year gas prices [when traveling to and from treatments] were horrendous," she says. "Also, be- cause there are a lot of side effects with chemo, we were spending money left and right on [over-the-counter medications] … and acupuncture treatments, which was a God-send for the nausea. But we just rolled with the punches because we didn't have any choices," she recalls. All told, Ryan spent thousands to pay for her care beyond her medical bills, but she'd be the first to admit it could have been worse. A Harvard study published in 2007 showed that even before the recent eco- nomic downturn, medical issues con- tributed to nearly two-thirds of personal Treatment Access Fund A part of the Wisconsin Well Woman Program and funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure South Central Wisconsin, this program provides help covering cost-of-living expenses for patients with outstanding medical bills including rent, utilities and more. (608) 242-6392 or publichealthmdc.com/ WWWP/programs/taf.cfm her wig would be covered. She was told that for this, she'd be on her own. "That was the first big shocker," she re- calls. And that's when the emotional roll- ercoaster of paying for cancer really began. She was, after all, losing her breasts, not to mention her hair—an experience many women say can only be understood by those who have been through it. Sure, she could put on a proud face and come to terms with the loss of her hair and breasts. But, like most breast cancer patients, Ryan knew she was going to take a hit to her self- esteem. Paying for anything to help regain 58 BRAVA Magazine October 2011 bankruptcies between 2001 and 2007— and most of those bankrupted had health insurance. The study's explanation? Job loss, high co-pays, deductibles and un- covered expenses associated with fighting disease or treating injuries. While Ryan was able to skirt the ex- treme of bankruptcy, she says the costs still "hurt." Often, members of her church stepped in to help with meals and there were others who offered support. But Ryan never realized she was missing out on a plethora of resources to help with these costs that are geared for patients in her shoes.