Coping with a Brain Tumor and the Sudden Cost of Care
- “Vanderpump Rules” star Jesse Montana was diagnosed with a brain tumor after suffering multiple seizures. He’s since undergone surgery to have the tumor removed from his brain. His reality TV show cast members sent prayers and well-wishes.
- According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), brain tumors account for 85-90% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. They can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign), and depending on where the tumor forms on the brain, doctors determine its type, potential symptoms, and potential treatment.
- While Montana’s type of brain tumor is unknown publicly, some brain tumors are very aggressive and difficult to treat, such as glioblastomas. This type of tumor also impacted former U.S. Senator John McCain.
- Montana’s turned to GoFundMe to help with growing treatment costs. For help navigating treatment costs, patients can consider speaking with a financial counselor at the hospital or seeking treatment through clinical trials.
“Vanderpump Rules” star Jesse Montana remains in good spirits after undergoing brain surgery to remove a tumor. Fellow cast members sent him well-wishes and prayers as his family prepared for the added costs associated with treatment.
“Jesse is recovering amazingly,” a GoFundMe in support of Montana shared with concerned fans.
On December 4, Montana underwent surgery to have the brain tumor removed. His fellow cast members quickly chimed in, offering their support.
“Jesse is truly one of a kind in every way,” Ariana Madix wrote in an Instagram post.
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“If you are lucky enough to meet him, you are immediately struck by his generosity and beauty inside and out. I love you so much,” Madix continued.
“On Monday, he suffered three seizures and was rushed to the hospital, where they found a brain tumor. He has surgery scheduled for Monday and needs all of the thoughts, prayers, and help we can give him,” Vaderpump cast member Scheana Shay wrote on Instagram.
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Making Sense of a Brain Tumor Diagnosis
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), brain tumors account for 85-90% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. They can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign), and depending on where the tumor forms on the brain, doctors determine its type, potential symptoms, and potential treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors impact a person’s brain function and overall health, depending on their size, type, and location within the brain. Tumors that grow big enough and disrupt normal central nervous system functioning can press on nearby nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues. The disrupted central nervous system can present in various ways, making walking or maintaining balance difficult.
However, it’s important to know that brain tumors do not always cause symptoms.
Other signs of brain tumors can also cause include:
- Headaches
- Difficulty speaking or thinking
- Weakness
- Behavioral changes
- Vision changes
- Seizures
- Loss of hearing
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Treatments for Brain Tumors
Treatment options for brain cancer depend on a variety of factors, including the size and type of the tumor as well as the grade of the tumor.
Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are options doctors use to treat brain tumors. Cancer warriors are encouraged to talk to their doctor about their situation and the best treatment options.
The prognosis for brain cancer, or how likely it is to be cured, depends on a few things:
- The type of brain tumor
- How fast the brain tumor is growing
- The tumor’s location
- If there are DNA changes in the cells of the brain tumor
- If the entire tumor can be removed with surgery
- Your overall health
Your doctor will be able to help you understand your specific and unique circumstances and how they relate to your prognosis.
Where to Find Help With Cancer Costs
Montana’s support system has turned to GoFundMe to help with treatment costs. When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, one of the most stressful parts of the journey is paying for the treatment.
“Cancer treatment is incredibly expensive,” Laurie Ostacher, a Behavioral Health Clinician at Stanford Health Care, previously told SurvivorNet.
“How much coverage you have depends on the insurance plan that you purchased. Sometimes, when folks are younger, they might purchase a plan with a high deductible, assuming they won’t get ill. So, really, it’s helping them think about and kind of try and plan for the expenses that will be coming up. Oftentimes, your cancer center will have a financial counselor who will help you with that, who can kind of sit down and go through the costs.”
Financial toxicity is a term that has been coined to describe the problematic financial impact cancer treatment brings.
The consequences of cancer costs can extend beyond patients’ wallets. Some people feel they must cut their pills in half to extend their medications or not refill their medications for several weeks because they can’t afford it.
To begin your journey for financial assistance, start by talking to your doctor. Your cancer center can help address any concerns about the cost of your cancer drugs.
Ostacher also recommends exploring disability programs.
“Most people are working when they’re diagnosed, and finances are a significant issue for them. So, for those who want to take some time off and can take time off, I will talk to them about the disability programs that exist,” she said.
“There’s the state disability program. Every state has a disability program. They vary from state to state. And then there’s also the federal disability program. So, I’ll help folks kind of sit down, look at their income, estimate how much money they will get, they will collect from disability, how to go about the application process,” Ostacher continued.
Other options may include taking part in paid clinical trials, said Dr. Nina Shah, a hematologist at UCSF Medical Center.
“There are also parts of clinical trials, which may pay, for example, travel or a hotel night so you can stay close to the institution. There are also parts of drug companies that will allow you to get certain drugs on a patient assistance program. And we’ve used those many times. It’s important for you to know at each point that you are your own best advocate,” Dr. Shah explained.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you are worried about cancer treatment costs, here are some questions you can ask your doctor to kickstart your way to solutions.
- What will my treatment cost?
- Will my medical insurance cover my treatment?
- How long do you expect my cancer treatment to last?
- What options do I have if I can’t afford my medication?
- Can you recommend a financial counselor or navigator to talk with?
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