Physical Therapy for 58 yr old Leukemia victim- Los Angeles

My father was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia cancer. It's been in
remission for the last two months and we hope it doesn't come back any
time soon. During and after his two chemo treatments though, his
physical state was very much affected. He has lost pretty much all
muscle and has begun to gain a little weight in the last 8 weeks.

He doesn't have very much energy though and he cannot move much. He
can feed, scratch himself and roll over once in a while on his own.
He can also bend his knees and lift his legs a little bit. He cannot
sit for very long, or even stand up and walk. He is in a lot of pain
and has digestive/gas problems. We hope that by him recovering
mobility and strength he will be able to relieve some of these
issues. Including the depression, frustration, and feelings of
wanting to die.

His primary doctor has not been a great help. Since she found out
that his cancer is in remission she has denied him any assistance
until he makes an appointment with her. She has also denied to help
in any way with the transportation of him. My uncle is going to rent
a truck so he can take my dad to the hospital, even though it will
probably be painful for him since he will not be laying down.


We are a poor family and it has been difficult, trying to work and
take care of him... since he is dependent on us. The insurance has
decided to not cover a lot of things because he is no longer under
treatment for cancer. I don't understand. He is in the state he is
right now, disabled, because of the cancer.

To get to the point, I have decided to take matters into my own hands
and apply for a loan to pay for his physical therapist.

My question is, does anyone recommend anyone in the Los Angeles area
or surrounding, or do you have any tips on what to look for..
certifications, specialty, etc? Is there a way to make sure I'm
getting the best, or therapy worth the money?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you. And the best of wishes for you.

Robert-

"dragonsecreto@gmail.com" wrote:

> My father was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia cancer. It's been in
> remission for the last two months and we hope it doesn't come back any
> time soon. During and after his two chemo treatments though, his
> physical state was very much affected. He has lost pretty much all
> muscle and has begun to gain a little weight in the last 8 weeks.
>
> He doesn't have very much energy though and he cannot move much. He
> can feed, scratch himself and roll over once in a while on his own.
> He can also bend his knees and lift his legs a little bit. He cannot
> sit for very long, or even stand up and walk. He is in a lot of pain
> and has digestive/gas problems. We hope that by him recovering
> mobility and strength he will be able to relieve some of these
> issues. Including the depression, frustration, and feelings of
> wanting to die.
>
> His primary doctor has not been a great help. Since she found out
> that his cancer is in remission she has denied him any assistance
> until he makes an appointment with her. She has also denied to help
> in any way with the transportation of him. My uncle is going to rent
> a truck so he can take my dad to the hospital, even though it will
> probably be painful for him since he will not be laying down.
>
> We are a poor family and it has been difficult, trying to work and
> take care of him... since he is dependent on us. The insurance has
> decided to not cover a lot of things because he is no longer under
> treatment for cancer. I don't understand. He is in the state he is
> right now, disabled, because of the cancer.
>
> To get to the point, I have decided to take matters into my own hands
> and apply for a loan to pay for his physical therapist.
>
> My question is, does anyone recommend anyone in the Los Angeles area
> or surrounding, or do you have any tips on what to look for..
> certifications, specialty, etc? Is there a way to make sure I'm
> getting the best, or therapy worth the money?

Hello Robert,
There's an "open" (as opposed to "in development") Gilda's club in
Cathedral City CA
http://www.gildasclubdesertcities.org/
Gilda's Club is for men and women of all ages, and with all types of
cancer, and for adolescents and children; and their families and friends.
Apparently they have a a special program for cancer survivors at Gilda’s
Club called ph&d. It is designed to help them achieve perspective and to
integrate into post-treatment life. A telephone call to reserve a space at
a New Members Meeting starts the process of membership.
I was thinking that by joining there (or by calling) you might be able to
get such information. If it does not6 seem suitable, when calling (or
emailing) for a description, then forget about it and try ACOR (below(

Another place to "network" would be the ACOR lists (one, or more, of the
leukemia lists here)
http://www.acor.org/mlists/mlists.html These are free.

Gilda's Club is "free" but might expect donation of time. Obviously your
father isn't well enough yet for that. I do hope you find good answers
through one or the other. And that your father improves. It might take
time. Sounds early yet. Good luck.

There's lots of internet advice, isn't there but when it comes right down
to it, a person needs money or better insurance to access the appropriate
care.
Do check back to see if others have made suggestions. I only know of one
in California, on this newsgroup, and as far as I know he hasn't required
rehab. The other's mother is in Colorado and she had her mother put into
hospital, for rehab, so I don't think that will help you.
J

<dragonsecreto@gmail.com> wrote in message news:1177044455.681713.61650@l77g2000hsb.googlegro ups.com...
> My father was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia cancer. It's been in
> remission for the last two months and we hope it doesn't come back any
> time soon. During and after his two chemo treatments though, his
> physical state was very much affected. He has lost pretty much all
> muscle and has begun to gain a little weight in the last 8 weeks.
>

Has your father applied for disability yet? Social Security Disability includes Medicare status. I know some people have a hard time getting SSD, but it is worth the try. Also any medical benefits through your father's place of employment or pension plan might help. I'd be going over every thing I could to see what help you can get him.

My husband has brain cancer and now receives help from both the VA and SSD, including Medicare. There are still some costs we have to cover, but they aren't as bad as they were before.

Pam S.