[Castaway]

Help with housing after stem cell transplant

by Castaway on Mon Mar 30, 2015 9:56 am

Hello everyone,

I recently posted about my stem cell harvest and delaying the actual transplant due to personal obligations. The post led to talks about being a long distance to my stem cell transplant (SCT) hospital and hotel costs plus distance from the hotel and hospital during the cell harvest.

After my cell harvest, I spoke with the stem cell coordinator. She said that I would need to be close to the hospital after I have the transplant for a couple of weeks. It was either that or expect to drive from home to the hospital every few days. That was not an option living 200 miles (320 km) away.

So I called the American Cancer Society about housing assistance. I was really impressed with the person who helped me. They first entered all my information and I was able to talk with them without having to hurry through the conversation. I let them know where I lived. and also where the SCT hospital was located. They looked up what would be available in that area close to the hospital. She told me that I would have several options on temporary housing. Some could be without any cost to me. Some would have a reduced cost.

I was told to call them back when I have set an actual date for the transplant. Since I was entered into their system, I just have to call them and give them my name and some personal info to have them start the process of getting my housing options when I set the transplant date. At that point I can decide what housing option to take.

I would highly recommend The American Cancer Society to help with housing assistance.

Castaway

[NStewart]

Re: Help with housing after stem cell transplant

by NStewart on Tue Mar 31, 2015 12:51 pm

Castaway-

The American Cancer Socity is helpful in many ways. I do volunteer driving for them here in Phil­a­delphia, providing rides to treatment for people who don't have a way to get to treatment. The people who are using this service are so thankful for the rides that they are getting. It's one of the ways that I get to pay it forward for all of the help that I got from people when I had my transplant.

You might also want to contact your insurance company to see if there is any coverage for housing and / or transportation for treatment. I know some policies include some benefits for this.

Good luck with all of your planning for the eventual transplant,
Nancy in Phila