- Life expectancy
- If better care is available elsewhere
We've had a good talk with the doctors at Landstuhl. It was SO refreshing to have a conversation that wasn't in broken English or requiring translators. We must have talked with that doctor for a couple of hours.
And he's given us lots of good information. And more importantly, he's helped us make a decision.
I'm applying for the Compassionate Reassignment.
Is the care better? Well, while the procedures are the same, it's definitely possible that the general nature of the care is better. Plus, we'll have access to clinical trials, and other options.
We're going to try for the Norfolk, Virginia area. Why there? The family's not there, you'll ask. No, but there are many good military cancer docs there, and it's a short distance from DC - home of Walter Reed, Bethesda, the National Institutes of Health, and other good organizations.
What's this mean?
Well, we'll have to move and the European chapter of our life comes to a close (but honestly, it's been over for some time). I'll have to leave the unit and leadership that I love and would eagerly deploy with again (and they're going and I'm not... feel like I'm abandoning them... again).
There'll be a massive pay cut as I lose the COLA pay that we enjoy over here (lately, it's around $700 per month). That's about 1/3 of my take-home pay that we're accustomed to, so there'll be that adjustment.
TriCare in the States is different than TriCare over here. There are no copays and limits overseas... we have been told there are in the States. (Note: If those of you stateside have better info, please share - need to budget.)
Hospice should be available.
New house - have to find an affordable, yet large, single story, accessible home in an expensive area. From my research, my BAH (housing allowance) will be about $1100 per month. Unfortunately, the homes run about $2000 per month (rent) or $300,000 to buy. Sigh. More research needed there.
Going to have to rent vehicles for the time that our beast (ok, our SUV) is in transit. Both sides of the ocean. Wheeeee.
All new appliances...
Ok, rambling now, sort of building a checklist for myself here in this post...
Anyway, that's what we're going to do. And here's the neat part - we will actually need them to DELAY the CR! Normally, these things are highly expedited, but... since we have to coordinate with ongoing treatments, that's not the best move for us...
More news when we have it...
And as always, thank you for your incredible support.
15 comments:
Checklists are good. You've got an awful lot to keep track of. Still sayin prayers.
No info but lots of prayers. Daily. Nightly.
With Tricare Prime, that you should have as an active duty soldier, I have never had a co-pay when I've been referred by the local Military Treatment Facility. You might check into posts in Texas there might be one close to MD Anderson, they're a great cancer hospital. And Texas is far more affordable than the area you're looking at now.
Ditto Lori about Tricare Prime. MD Anderson is in Houston and Fort Hood (I think) would be the closest Army post which is at least a 3 hour drive. What about Scott & White hospital near Fort Hood they may take Tricare Prime or Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio?
Thinking and praying for you all!
Hedi and Lori are right Ft Hood is close to Scott and White and they have a good thing going there. Not sure about the Tricare. Cost of living around Ft Hood is way cheaper and really good quality for a fraction of the cost of Va. As for appliances check into the scratch and dent area of Lowes and HomeDepot when you are stateside. Alot of them are are there because someone order the wrong color or they just did not like them. Freecycle is a great place to look to. Keep the list and take it one minute at a time.
My contribution is prayer. Constant prayer.
No advice. I'm in WI and never been in the military. However, I will be praying, praying, and praying.
Va does have a high cost of living but the medical facilities are amazing. My contribution along with others is prayer.
I found this link that might help
http://www.mdw.army.mil/
and also Sloan Kettering has alot of info on treatments and case studieshttp://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/457.cfm
What about Lewis? My BIL was treated for testicular cancer at Madigan and has had nothing but positive things to say about all of his doctors. Very aggressive, very dedicated, very talented. Cost of living is not bad. And as far as I know, he hasn't had to pay a penny out of pocket. I can ask him more if you'd like.
We haven't been active for over a year, but we were on Tricare Prime Remote - since we lived more than 50 miles from a military medical facility.
We chose our own doctors and had zero co-pays except for medications then it was 3 or 9 bucks per month (or 3 - 9 bucks for a 3 month supply if ordered online).
We were western region - their website for info on coverages is www.triwest.com.
prayers heading your way..
*hugs & prayers*
still praying as well, and a move...on top of everything else?
You both continue to amaze me...
use military one source if you need to have questions answered.
Hi Dean!
You probably checked out all you could find about Tri Care in the States but if you go to www.military.com, there is a section called "Tricare Explained". You just check the appropriate info in the drop down thingies.
Living in Houston, I can tell you that MD Anderson is one of the top cancer centers in the WORLD. They are fantastic!
As Lori, Heidi and others have mentioned the cost of living here is very inexpensive.
*** Side Note: We have an almost new range we could donate if you move this direction. ;)
I also have a large group of women who would help make a great support system for you here in Houston.
We could offer assistance with the small things such as baby sitting and bringing in meals.
Send me an email if you want more details on the area.
MomofDJT@aol.com
Cindy... aka PCMom visiting from the Tanker Brothers' site
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