Finance Vs Cancer

Apart from dealing with news of the cancer and coping with it's pain, the family needs to worry and plan about getting the treatment. The biggest challenge would be to support financially. To be frank it's very expensive and you will be running out of time to make wise choices for raising money.

Below are my suggestions and tips which could help you. This list is not exhaustive and hence recommend you to research thoroughly.

The first step is to get an estimate, which itself can be expensive as they have to run several tests to find the issue.

1. If you cannot afford at all, the government has specialized hospitals for cancer. 
1. Hosptials
1. MNJ -  http://www.mnjiorcc.in/
2. I have never been to these hospitals but I have been told that you will see myraid of patients. If you are going through stem cells transplant, you will need to worry the most about cross infections which could be difficult when the hospital is treating large number of patients
2. If you can afford a bit, try the research institutes
1. Hosptials
1. Baswa Tarakam - http://induscancer.com/
2. I have spoken to families of patients who were treated here and also with nurses/doctors and they have highly recommended. They have their own blood bank, irradiation machines, storage unit of stem cells, big pharmacy which can save you some money.
2. The research institutes receive funds for providing affordable treatment.  
3. If you can, speak to private hospitals and what they afford.
1. Private hospitals will provide you with better hygiene, better nursing staff and comfort.

Financial help:

1. Insurance - If you have health insurance, it's your best friend in these times. 
2. Pharmaceuticals companies support programme - We were lucky to receive 2 free dosages of Rituximab ( a common medicine for several chemotherapies) from Roche. Contact your doctor to see if they can help.
3. Check if you are eligible for Arogyasri - my discussion with people said that they cover good amount. Although it is limited to certain hospitals only.
4. CM and PM relief funds - See if you are eligible for CM and PM relief fund. These funds are usually provided only if you are treated at the designated list of hospitals. 
5. Seek out help to friends, family and beyond - There are websites that will help you spread the message and connect your cause with social media. Below are some that I am aware of.
1. http://www.giveforward.com/ 
2. http://www.crowdfunding.com/
3. http://www.gofundme.com/Medical-Illness-Healing/
4. http://www.ketto.org/ (works with Indian Currency)