Health: Deteriorating
I lost my insurance producer license as a result of the delays of the skeevy & unreliable off-the-books plumber who never completed the job.
As a result, I have no income other than social security.
In May 2017, my Medicare supplemental policy lapsed for non-payment of premium.
Now I cannot afford treatment for the diagnosed recurrence of invasive breast cancer & lymphedema.
Other new problems  were being evaluated to determine diagnosis of congestive heart failure
&/or DVT &/or eosinophilic fasciitis &/or kidney disease &/or atrial fibrillation? 
As I cannot pay the 20% required w/o Medigap policy, I can't afford those diagnostic tests or recommended treatment.
Current prescriptions cannot be refilled without an MD appointment.
  • The swelling & thickening of the skin in my calves and ankles make it difficult to climb stairs & some days just walk.
  • My lower legs feel like they are on fire from the prolonged swelling & the itching is ....unimaginable.
  • Loratadene (claritin) is a 24 hr medication: I found that taking one every 6 hours or so controls some of the itching.
  • Bigger shoes are needed to accommodate swollen feet tho some days the bigger shoes don't fit either.
  • I cannot bend my knees; the pain is astonishing, the skin has been swollen so long it's breaking down.
  • While my legs are in the worst shape, the swelling & itching is also in my arms, shoulders, back, & torso.
  • Rib cage on surgical side is beginning to push out...tumor? heart? Don't know. 
  • My legs don't feel like my legs: they feel like rock slabs. Ice packs, elevating several times per day - doesn't help much.
Conclusion: I'll die an earlier death due to my inability to afford medical care w/o Medicare supplemental  coverage.
I find that preferable by far to my current situation as long as my death occurs prior to the time I become homeless as I can no longer work to earn income as a broker.
Click on photo to enlarge
2017
September-October 2016
Leg, Fingernails turn orange, Wrist
Even if I could afford medical care, lymphedema is not covered by Medicare (or any other insurance).
Lymphatic drainage therapy is available approx 100miles from my current location for $225/session.
When I experienced lymphedema near the surgical site in 2009, it required 3 sessions/week for 6 weeks,
then 2 sessions per week for another month when I ran out of money.
There are no pills or drugs to deal with this condition.
This is what untreated lymphedema can become:
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