Does this sound like a relapse in cancer?
Dear Anonymous,
I agree that to address these questions you need to have a full battery of tests and scans. MRIs and CAT scans are some of the best way to detect cancer that may have spread from the original site. There are also blood tests that look for markers that indicate cancer has spread.
You don't say what your current insurance status is, but please don't let lack of health insurance stop you from getting the care you need. Every community has a public hospital or other medical center that takes uninsured patients. If you don't have insurance and are not getting care because you can't afford to pay the doctor you previously used through your insurance, you'll need to switch your care to the institutions that serve the uninsured. If your income is low enough, you qualify for Medicaid, which will cover your medical expenses. Here is some information on Medicaid. You don't say how old you are, but if you're age 65 or older, you qualify for Medicare. If you are under 65 but suffer from a disability that prevents you from working, you may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
