The healthcare system in this country is beyond broken, and I’m surprised it’s not talked about more. Tbh, I’m surprised we haven’t all taken to the streets to force a change… hard to do when most people are scrambling to make enough to get by, I suppose.
few things are more quintessentially American than having to split insurance coverage between family members. It’s a calculus we run every fall. I’d love it if we never did it again.
I should just say ditto to what Kevin said. No topic gets me more riled up than the U.S. healthcare industry. No one, not doctors, administrators, insurance agents, not even most multi-millionaires, like our system of cruelty, ineptitude, bribery, corruption, inhumanity…I could go on and on.
And I’m learning more and more about the systemic elder abuse inherent in Medicare as I take care of my 81 year old aunt. Oy.
I can't imagine dealing with Medicare, though I'm sure I'll be dealing with it at some point! My brother handled all that with my mom when she was alive.
Yay to no cancer. Job loss sucks. And in this climate!
You may have thought of this already but if there is any inkling he was fired because of the cost of his cancer treatments he must sue. There are federal and state laws against this type of discrimination. Has he had his exit interview? They may want him to sign something that promises not to sue. Talk to a lawyer.
> I refuse to feel ashamed about our situation because shame drives us to hide and I think in times of stress and vulnerability we need community the most.
Amen to that. I appreciate you sharing your story. It is people like you who are willing to share and be vulnerable who will help countless others are they go through similar situations.
Thanks, Ian, for this comment specifically about a willingness to share our experience. I do try to open the door for more direct conversations about taboo topics.
Feeling your situation Jen and standing with you and Bryan. Thanks for the updates and your beautiful heart and clear voice. Nodding with your perspectives. Holding your stuff today.
Wishing you good luck and care as he hunts for a job. 🙏🏽 I can’t understand how our healthcare system just continues to erode…anyone who’s really had to experience it knows how much better we could be doing. It is infuriating.
I'm so sorry for all that you are having to manage right now. Cancer alone is hard enough; worrying about getting care on top of it is just...so wrong. I grew up in Seattle and moved to Portland in 1990 (because housing was more affordable there then) and I couldn't agree more with what you've said about the city being so-called progressive. Portland is no different. My kids are aging out of being able to be covered by me (this month) and I can't believe their lack of good options. It doesn't have to be this way. It's not this way in other places. I'm always thankful for people who share their stories. Thank you.
Very glad to hear the good news re: no cancer. But the timing of this layoff feels particularly brutal, given the year you've all had. I'm so sorry. And you're absolutely correct about the brokenness of American healthcare. There needs to be a better way. There ARE better ways. Ugh.
Oh lordy I am stunned and sad for the second news. And elated for you about the first news. I also completely agree about not shouldering the burden of shame. I feel this way about many things, among them illness and mental health. Let’s talk about it all, normalize it all. Especially poverty and struggle. Sending love to you guys, and light and magic. 🌿
Good to hear the good news, and sad to hear the bad. I have yet to see a healthcare system that works really well (and I've lived in a few countries). But the sheer scale of medical costs that you have in the US and all the insurance coverage issues you face always amaze me. Good luck!
Such a tough time for you and your family. So sorry.
As part of the job hunt I would recommend considering a career change, perhaps an upskilling to a related or new field. AI is regrettably taking over some of the tasks in a range of industries including in computer related jobs and this is why it is difficult to find work. It's not going to get easier. Eventually it will impact everybody.
Yay for a clean scan and sorry about the layoffs. It's definitely been widespread. FWIW on healthcare, I've lived in 4 different countries (UK, Canada, Germany and US) and while none of them had perfect health care systems, they were all horrified by the American system.
I was also expecting 2024 to be better than 2023. January was significantly worse. February was ok for the first few days, then my car (my cute cute little car) got sideswiped parked in front of my house. it's all gonna be fine, but what a hassle.
I'm team Zug for sure, so if there's anything I can do in your world, let me know. I don't have any tech connections, but if Brian is interested in low paying non-profit work, I got all kinds of recommendations!
First and foremost, hurray for negative scans!
The healthcare system in this country is beyond broken, and I’m surprised it’s not talked about more. Tbh, I’m surprised we haven’t all taken to the streets to force a change… hard to do when most people are scrambling to make enough to get by, I suppose.
few things are more quintessentially American than having to split insurance coverage between family members. It’s a calculus we run every fall. I’d love it if we never did it again.
I should just say ditto to what Kevin said. No topic gets me more riled up than the U.S. healthcare industry. No one, not doctors, administrators, insurance agents, not even most multi-millionaires, like our system of cruelty, ineptitude, bribery, corruption, inhumanity…I could go on and on.
And I’m learning more and more about the systemic elder abuse inherent in Medicare as I take care of my 81 year old aunt. Oy.
No wonder we have an epidemic of anxiety.
Oh, happy Sunday! Go Niners!😜
I can't imagine dealing with Medicare, though I'm sure I'll be dealing with it at some point! My brother handled all that with my mom when she was alive.
Scary, scary stuff. Good luck to your husband on the job front and yay about the no-cancer news
Thanks, Jenna!
First, awesome medical update. So happy to hear the good news. But sorry to hear about Brian's job.
This is a tough time in our economy, and the world as a whole. Thanks for shining a light on important topics needing change. 💜
Yay to no cancer. Job loss sucks. And in this climate!
You may have thought of this already but if there is any inkling he was fired because of the cost of his cancer treatments he must sue. There are federal and state laws against this type of discrimination. Has he had his exit interview? They may want him to sign something that promises not to sue. Talk to a lawyer.
Yup, already considered this. Thanks!
> I refuse to feel ashamed about our situation because shame drives us to hide and I think in times of stress and vulnerability we need community the most.
Amen to that. I appreciate you sharing your story. It is people like you who are willing to share and be vulnerable who will help countless others are they go through similar situations.
Thanks, Ian, for this comment specifically about a willingness to share our experience. I do try to open the door for more direct conversations about taboo topics.
Feeling your situation Jen and standing with you and Bryan. Thanks for the updates and your beautiful heart and clear voice. Nodding with your perspectives. Holding your stuff today.
Thank you! I didn't realize you have a substack - I'll check it out!
We just started last week. Yippie.
Wishing you good luck and care as he hunts for a job. 🙏🏽 I can’t understand how our healthcare system just continues to erode…anyone who’s really had to experience it knows how much better we could be doing. It is infuriating.
Thanks, Lindsey.
I'm so sorry for all that you are having to manage right now. Cancer alone is hard enough; worrying about getting care on top of it is just...so wrong. I grew up in Seattle and moved to Portland in 1990 (because housing was more affordable there then) and I couldn't agree more with what you've said about the city being so-called progressive. Portland is no different. My kids are aging out of being able to be covered by me (this month) and I can't believe their lack of good options. It doesn't have to be this way. It's not this way in other places. I'm always thankful for people who share their stories. Thank you.
Thank you, Rita.
Very glad to hear the good news re: no cancer. But the timing of this layoff feels particularly brutal, given the year you've all had. I'm so sorry. And you're absolutely correct about the brokenness of American healthcare. There needs to be a better way. There ARE better ways. Ugh.
Oh shit. I know, I know … so grateful for better health and Bryan’s continued positive prognosis … but what the fuck.
Holding you both in my thoughts tightly.
Oh lordy I am stunned and sad for the second news. And elated for you about the first news. I also completely agree about not shouldering the burden of shame. I feel this way about many things, among them illness and mental health. Let’s talk about it all, normalize it all. Especially poverty and struggle. Sending love to you guys, and light and magic. 🌿
Thanks, Kara! Normalizers For The Win!
Good to hear the good news, and sad to hear the bad. I have yet to see a healthcare system that works really well (and I've lived in a few countries). But the sheer scale of medical costs that you have in the US and all the insurance coverage issues you face always amaze me. Good luck!
Such a tough time for you and your family. So sorry.
As part of the job hunt I would recommend considering a career change, perhaps an upskilling to a related or new field. AI is regrettably taking over some of the tasks in a range of industries including in computer related jobs and this is why it is difficult to find work. It's not going to get easier. Eventually it will impact everybody.
Yes, always good to consider making a change when in a transition. Thanks for the comment!
Yay for a clean scan and sorry about the layoffs. It's definitely been widespread. FWIW on healthcare, I've lived in 4 different countries (UK, Canada, Germany and US) and while none of them had perfect health care systems, they were all horrified by the American system.
A girl can still dream of a healthcare utopia! 😂
I mean, when I walked out of a UK pharmacy with a year's worth of birth control and no copay, it felt kind of like healthcare paradise?
I was also expecting 2024 to be better than 2023. January was significantly worse. February was ok for the first few days, then my car (my cute cute little car) got sideswiped parked in front of my house. it's all gonna be fine, but what a hassle.
I'm team Zug for sure, so if there's anything I can do in your world, let me know. I don't have any tech connections, but if Brian is interested in low paying non-profit work, I got all kinds of recommendations!