Yall I have had one hell of a year in finding out that I have been diagnosed with cancer and them go in to surgically remove it a couple of weeks ago and not having the luck they had hoped are now going in to do "invasive" surgery to get it all out *fingers crossed* on the 25th of this month. I am a very compassionate person and am allways thinking of what others in my same shoes may be going through, so naturally I asked joe "what happens if you are in prision and in my shoes, how is it handled". He could only give me a blanket answer to my question cause he has never been sick in prison escpecially with a life threatening illness. Please share with me any info you guys might have on this subject. I mean he went as far as to tell me that they must have a system set up for it due to the number of HIV patients they have locked up. I got to thinking about do they get the same surgeries I am getting cause I know that if it werent for my having insurance they would just let me die. Tell me there is some form of care for these men and women, I guess what I want to do is ease my mind here in knowing that others are not suffering worse than me (of course not forgetting that they are locked up as well). Would they aggressively treat this? Is it the right of the inmate to have adequate medical care even if they cant pay? I am sure someone here will have more answers than joe did, please let me know what you know so I can know exactly how to direct my prayers.

Oh Ragland, my heart just dropped when I read your post. My heart and prayer are going out for all of you. We hear at PTO have gotten to know you pretty good and one thing that has always stood out is your constant concern for others. You truly amaze me all the time with you strength and courage. I have faith that you will fight this cancer with all you have.



As for medical treatment of inmates, I have no experience myself but I’m sure that the DOC does what they have too. I do believe that it has gotten better since the last year when Alabama got national attention due to the mistreatment of HIV inmates.



Take care, and fight like he**….



Denise

thank you whole heartedly for your concern for me but please say your prayers for someone that cant help themselves as much as i am, i am so blessed to have a 10 yr old daughter to hold my hand through all of this and the other two kids just keep us laughing...i would really just like to know more about what all goes on behind those walls if you have cancer. it may inspire me to fix what may be broken, or it may make me sleep better at night to know i dont need to fix anything. again thank you

Maybe this post could get more attention under the medical concerns forum. I know I have head alot of people voicing opinions on this issue in the past.

I wish you the best just pray got knows what you are talking about. Take care of yourself.

ONE

My prayers are with you and I wish you the best! I've had dealings with the medical part for about 4 years now but not with cancer. Some things they were very good about and some things, it took a few calls to get something done. For the most part, I think they do what they can with their rules they have to follow. There have been things that just completely shocked me but like I said, I've not had to go through or deal with cancer and the DOC. Take Care!
PJ

I couldn't help but to respond to this topic. Six years ago this month I too had cancer and I had surgery. Hold your head high,all things are possible. I know it is especially hard going through these things alone without the guy you love there by your side but remember always he is there in spirit. The one thing that I did while in the hospital was to forward my home phone to my cell phone so he could call and check on me, it not only helped me it gave him a peace of mind.

As for wondering what they do in prison, I know that they have a program at St. Clair for people with cancer. I know that they allow inmates to take classes , they are like mentors for the inmates, they write their families and loved ones, they read to the inmates. I know that this is something my guy Mike wants to get into if and when he ever gets transferred up there.

vicki

Rags...you are definately in my prayers, girl...but, you are a strong, strong woman...and I have faith that you will overcome this. I just don't see you as the type of person to let this get the best of you...ya know? Please keep us updated, okay.

As far as the prisoners...I don't know. I would *think* they had to do whatever they had to do..ya know? Like Denise said...with that national coverage the DOC got with how they weren't taking care of the HIV inmates...I don't think they are *slipping* anymore...and if they are...not like they were. My thoughts and prayers will also be with those men and woman who are incarcerated that need medical attention...

Like I said earlier...please keep us updated, girl. Don't give up (we know you won't)...stay strong okay...I have faith you will make it through this...

(((huggs)))
Selena

Oh Dear Sweet Friend Rag...You are so much like me..not wanting to worry others. I have faith that you along with the strength of your children and joe you wiil make this thru/ Yes I have assumed the PTO position and added you to my prayers. God will guide the surgeons to rid your body of this evil disease.
To your question on the prison aspect.. I fear too that they dont do what is neccessaary. My daughter has PelvicInflamatoryDiease which left untreated with the right meds( and they dont always give them to her regularly) she to will end up with cervical cancer if she doesnt have it by now. She refuses to let them cut on her. Hoping against all hope that once she was paroled in June(as you know that fell thru) she could see real doctors. But as each week passes the pain gets unbearable, she may in fact give in and let them have their way. We are praying that the next work release hearing will send her to B'ham and she can get care at a real hospital.

Sending extra prayers your way!

Love and Hugs
GSPack

thank you all for the prayers , i just got home and am still foggy minded so ill prolly not post much till these meds are easier for me to handle. miss you guys dearly

We miss you too Ragland Hope you have a speedy recovery
Love and hugs
Me