Medical Expenses for Melanie Frederick

Melanie "Sister" Frederick is a genuine, loving, and caring person. She helps everyone she can, and puts a smile on your face. She is a hard worker and takes care of her disabled elderly mother. 

In March 2019, Melanie sought medical treatment for the swelling of the inside of her right leg from her primary care physician.  Her normal doctor wasn't available.  The attending ordered an ultrasound and the results were inconclusive. Upon returning to her primary doctor for a follow up, she was instructed to go directly to the hospital with blood clots suspected. The hospital performed a brief physical with measurements. She was diagnosed with lymphedema, referred to a circulatory specialist, and sent home.  In August 2019, her specialist ordered another ultrasound. These were results were also inconclusive. He required further testing and ordered a cat scan. He reported that there were no blockages and referred her back to her PCP within the week.

In November 2019, she returned to her PCP and was told they had found a mass. She was diagnosed with a right adnexal mass that can be caused by lymphatic or ovarian cancer. She was told it would require a biopsy for further treatment and referred to MD Anderson.

Throughout all of this, she has taken care of her mother and continued working. She is a part-time employee of Cracker Barrel. The hours allotted to her do not qualify for mandatory insurance through her employer. Each visit and test has been paid for out of her own pocket. MD Anderson requires financing before being seen. She was told there would be an 8 week process to see if she would qualify for financial assistance. At the same time, she applied for a county indigent care program. Both financial programs state she does not meet the requirements and is denied.  Currently, Melanie is in the process of filing for bankruptcy. Her work hours have been cut to 9 hours per week, and she is at a complete standstill with her medical situation.