Couple Goes Broke After Incorrect Cancer Diagnosis Leads to $80K Bucket List Spending Spree
- Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:00am by
Liz Klimas
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Frank and Wilma of New Zealand lived extravagantly in what was to be Frank's last months with terminal cancer. Turns out he was cancer free. (Photo: New Zealand Herald/Kellie Blizard)
If you were diagnosed with a terminal disease, it may be your first instinct to start checking things off your bucket list. Such was the case for a New Zealand man diagnosed with cancer that was expected to kill him within a couple months. The man and his wife gave away many of their worldly possessions, sold their home and began doing really whatever they wanted.
Nearly two years later, Frank, 69, was told he actually didn’t have cancer. At this point, he and his wife, Wilma, were $80,000 in the hole.
The New Zealand Herald reports Frank and Wilma after his initial diagnosis in May 2010 with a deadly form of cancer in his heart tissue sold or gave away much of what they owned, including Frank’s handyman company. They began taking extravagant trips and even started a separate business, which eventually fell under.
After living it up, the pair returned home to “wait for Frank to die,” but death never came. In fact, Frank said “the pain never came.” With that, 23 months after he was told he only had a couple months left to live, Frank’s physicians found they had made a mistake. The New Zealand Herald reports Frank was tested negative for any cancer in Dec. 2011 but wasn’t informed by the hospital until Feb. 2012.
Frank recounted how he found out he was perfectly healthy:
“He said, ‘I’m here for the last time’, and I said, ‘Why’? He said, ‘Well you don’t have cancer’. We looked at each other and he said, ‘Don’t you know’?”
Now the couple, who asked their last name not be published, say they’ve essentially lost everything and are in debt — a bittersweet situation for a clean bill of health:
“We had a good time. We spent too much money on food, going around New Zealand and then a business which fell down,” Wilma said.
“What would you do in this situation? If he said jump I would jump … I was putting him first, whatever he wanted, he got.
“I’m short on my credit cards for $80,000 and the money we had left went on a business and that didn’t work out so we are broke.”
The hospital has admitted to its mistake but stands by the physicians making the initial diagnosis based on the evidence they had at the time.
Wilma and Frank had expected his life insurance to cover the costs of their excessive life-style.
(H/T: MSN)
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Comments (47)
AnimalsAsLeaders
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 5:43pmHey, he still checked everything off his bucket list – that’s more than a lot of people can say.
Report Post »RedManBlueState
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 4:47pmWould have been funnier if they we named Fred and Wilma. Sounds like a plot that could be tidily played out in 22 minutes.
Report Post »TJexcite
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 4:26pmSo if they did die the credit card company is out the money and that is okay to them. You can’t take you debt with you so rack up the bills and debt when you know you are going to die. And when you find out you are not, cry that they told me I was going to die so it is their fault that I got in debt.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 4:54pm@TJexcite—–Wilma and Frank had expected his life insurance to cover the costs of their excessive life-style.
Report Post »justin.blake
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 6:47pmExactly…read the whole article. They were planning on the life insurance proceeds to cover the costs of their spending spree. So I kind of agree that the hospital has some culpability here in failing to inform a patient of a diagnosis for 3 months. That is considered well below the standard of care and can be considered malpractice, regardless of the diagnosis. Should they pay for the parties and fun? No, but there is some grounds for failure to inform. What would have happened if a patient was told they were fine, and they really had a terminal illness? Everyone would be all over the hospital for failing to diagnose and inform. Outcome was different, but the principle is the same.
Report Post »TheLeftMadeMeRight
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 4:11pmWas she dieing of cancer too? or was that part of the plan to leave her broke and homeless???
Report Post »The_Cabrito_Goat
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 4:00pmThis reminds me of a Queen Latifah movie called Last Holiday. I just hope this couple got the moral of the story, like Queen Latifah did. Atleast she won her money back at roulette, I can’t say this couple will be doing well financially.
Unless people donate to them =) America is great in this way
Report Post »Bamabelle
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 2:58pmActually this happened to us in a way. Our 26 year old son had a brain tumor. It was diagnosed as stage 3 cancer and one of the worse kinds of tumors when before the operation the doctor was convinced it was a cyst. Very low incedence of cancer. So here we were ready to go through a horrible ordeal of head radiation that would have left him less then what he was and chemotheraphy with no real chance of survival and the radiation doctor was confused by the xrays of the tumor. You see, he said it didn’t look like the diagnosis either. So he sent the sample to John Hopkins to reevaluate and turns out it was exactly what they thought. Low cancer with low risk of reaccurance. Thank heavens for a decent doctor in the bunch is what I say! Here we were about to start paying a funeral home in advance for my son’s funeral and now no cancer. Wow. So it happens even in the US.
Report Post »koyettsu
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 2:37pmI have a really hard time feeling bad for them, they decided to spend everything they had? I 100% disagree with anyone saying the hospital should have to pay for their bad decision. They misdiagnosed the situation, they didn’t tell them go out and spend a fortune on every thing you want to do. Their plan was spend more then we have and then he will die and she can stiff all their creditors. Also talk about failing as a husband, what was she going to do after he died with that much debt, no house and no finances? I will tell you what, she was going to live off the Government screwing everyone else. I say they should be required to pay it all back, they enjoyed what they purchased they should be responsible for payment.
Report Post »proud2bmom
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 3:15pmExactly.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 4:58pm@koyettsu——–If you read the last sentence of the article you have read your answer.
Report Post »mhood
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 1:03pmWhy didn’t they spend some of that money on a ticket to the States for a 2nd opinion? What about treatments? Medicines?
Report Post »toto
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 2:05pmSocialized medicine there, they don’t waste money on people with “fatal” diseases. Palliative treatment only unless cures are known to be effective, medicines to just prolong your life, not so much. Maybe nothing wrong with that, good subject of debate, but the issue is once the government is in control of whatever health care you receive, you no longer have ANY choice in the matter. Can’t believe sooooo many in this country have been duped into thinking Obamacare will take good care of them just like their mama.
Report Post »katzmeow44
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 12:51pmI’m confused. The wife didn’t have terminal cancer. So how was SHE going to survive after his death if they were out squandering all their money? A life insurance policy maybe? Hmmm…
Report Post »Melika
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 11:41amYet again, The Blaze drops the ball:
“Frank had part of his lung removed following a brush with cancer, and after chemotherapy started getting chest pains and was short of breath. He had an ultrasound done and fluid was taken from his pericardium – a tissue sac which surrounds the heart – for testing. A month later he was given the devastating news it was likely the cancer had returned to his heart and he only had a few months to live.”
“The consensus at the time from all the doctors, including the oncologist involved in Frank’s care, was that, sadly, there was a high likelihood or little doubt of a recurrence of the lung cancer”
“It was not until their hospice carer came for his monthly check-up – 23 months after Frank was told he was on his way out – that they discovered the terrible mistake. … Frank had had another ultrasound test in December 2011 – and this cleared him of cancer. But it was not until the hospice worker told him in February that he knew he was in the clear. They don‘t know why the hospital didn’t tell them earlier.”
To recap: They went on a spending spree expecting his LIFE insurance to cover the costs; that is the insurance which is paid to the spouse after you die (personal insurance). He apparently DID have some second opinions. They provided Hospice care for some time to him with the idea that he would die. At no time did they use the term “bucket list” and this kind of coping mechanism is normal prior to the movie.
Report Post »jeffthevoter
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 11:55amThe blaze did not drop the ball in any way, they simply reported the bare bones of the story. Once again, they provided an interesting human interest story, and once again you’ve decided to play troll.
Report Post »guntotinsquaw
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 12:22pmVery good Melika, you have learned well. Take no-ones for it it (not even Beck) do your own research, and question with BOLDNESS.
Report Post »nobody-aka-nobo
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 12:23pmJust as JEFFTHEVOTER stated, it’s not The Blaze that is at fault..
See the thingy at the bottom of the most articles posted on The Blaze, “(H/T: MSN)”? That means the original came from MSN, you’re welcome to link there and read more, other info, etc. Sometimes it’s a Blaze exclusive meaning it originates here and then other sites, Freedomslighthouse or similar will link to it.
The Blaze isn‘t going out with reporters and ’gathering’ this info, they’re just consolidating/republishing based on what their readers might find interesting.
Report Post »Taldren
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 12:23pm@jeffthevoter, Leaving out the truth is the same as lieing. I am going to side with your so-called “Troll” on this one. That is a huge chunk of the story they left out.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 3:04pmPlease explain to me what rules you are following were a recount of an existing story has to be word for word? Were their links provided to get the full story? Hmm yes. This is a blog with lots of stories, not everyone is going to be word for word, as that would be plagarism? Wise up.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 5:02pm@jeffthevoter—–Melika needs it all spelled out before he can debunk it.
Report Post »Gamaliel
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 11:32amCancer free and we’re supposed to feel sorry for them? Get a grip!
Report Post »80k is a small price to pay!
Stu D. Baker-Hawk
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 11:21amMy wife was diagnosed late with stage-4 colon cancer last August (she died on 6 November). Going out on a lavish spending spree was the LAST thing on our minds as we grappled with the seriousness of her situation. I had to become a financial budget expert in short order to ensure our household would continue after her death. (I miss her so much, I feel like dying myself…)
Anyway, this couple must have a couple of screws loose from what I can gather. No sympathies here, for either of them.
Report Post »lketchum
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 11:36amI was diagnosed nearly a year ago to this day. I won’t go into all the treatments, except to say that very often passing seemed easier.
My wife and I focused on doing what was necessary to protect our businesses and household finances. We became more conservative than we have ver been and despite terrible costs, we still have no debt. None in the businesses and none personally and all assets are full depreciated.
Report Post »We’ve done this by living well below our means throughout our lives – saving when times were good, to weather tougher times. We live well and without fear of finances. God is first in my life and I beg for the wisdom to do the right thing. I survied my cancer with God’s grace and today I am cancer free. I hope to stay that way, but in case I do not, we will continue to be conservative and more than double our savings this year.
LeadNotFollow
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 11:00am…
First of all, doctors and hospital staff should never make such serious mistakes, but they do.
But…..ever heard of getting a second and third opinion before blowing your life’s savings and going eighty thousand in debt?
When your diagnoses is terminal, you don’t just settle for one opinion, even if you have to pay for it out of your own pocket.
Why was he spending ALL their money? He didn’t leave any for his soon to be widow, to live on until the insurance company paid out. Even if he had died, what if the insurance company had found a loophole and would not have paid out?
I’m having trouble feeling sorry for these two. Hope they aren’t trying to get donations from the public. They won’t raise much.
Report Post »But, I must say, that woman is sure loyal to her man. She must really love him. Hope he cares as much for her.
hauschild
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:58amI guess a “second opinion” escaped this couple?!?!
Chalk up another one to socialized medicine.
Report Post »castuslonginus
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 11:49amAre second opinions allowed in socialized medicine. After all the doctors all work for the same “clinic”.
Report Post »MRMANN
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 12:53pmSocialized medicine, right around the corner for the USA
Report Post »Master.Debater
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:54amToo bad they don’t live in the US. Then they could sue their doctor to recoup all the money they squandered plus pain and suffering for mental distress.
Report Post »Athinkerinaseaoflibs
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:51amWe better not let BHO hear about this. Next thing you know the bucket list binge will be covered as a right under his Obamidable Care Act!
Report Post »castuslonginus
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 12:09pmWell,nancy did say you could quit your job to be dancer or an artist,talent or not. So why not.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:42am…..but on the bright side, you don’t have cancer!
Report Post »soap on a rope
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:40am100% of patients die. Living beyond their means was stupid.
Report Post »ManThong
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:29amBucket list.. months to live.. start a business ?
That’s all you need to know about this scam..
Report Post »Obamujahadeen
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:28amI‘m sorry but they weren’t BOTH diagnosed with cancer and that was just plain dumb. Never take ONE hospital and Dr’s word for anything, I don‘t care if he’s late famed heart surgeon Debakey or th freaking MAYO clinic, at least TWO OPINIONS!! AT LEAST!!
Number two, if they never saw that dumb movie they never would have known what a freaking BUCKET LIST was or is… I just find this incredibly stupid and I have survived a brain tumor in 87 and now MS for the past 10 years and I ain’t out selling all my stuff. Stupid.
Report Post »txannie
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:34amI agree. After a cancer diagnosis and treatment I am still here 10 years beyond what the “experts” said. If I had done what these people did and gone of my rocker like they did, then what? Starve to death? A diagnosis of cancer doesn’t give you license to be stupid.
Report Post »Obamujahadeen
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:44amExactly, I would want my wife to have that money should I die, not blow it like that. But that’s us, others do stupid stuff I guess when faced with possible death but I was lucky my parents had insurance on me and I had the best surgeons at the time available and they saved my life. ;)
He should be dancing in the streets he’s not gonna die frankly. I think they’re just looking for some possible easy insurance $dough$ from the hospital ; (
Report Post »Snaker
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:27amYup, socialized medicine. No second opinion, No specialists until 2 years later.
No additional testing.
Let’s see… let me consult my Quija Board for your cancer diagnosis… YES??? or NO???
hmmm…… seems inconclusive…
Obamacare in the SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE!!!
Report Post »Dunno if I agree with making the hospital poney-up… I think I’d have spent the
80-grand on a second opinion… Nobody forced him to spend that money….
Everything is upside-down….
lqtm
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:41amIt’s called confirmation bias. Google it.
Report Post »Athinkerinaseaoflibs
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:25amSome people can’t lose for winning.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:25amA physician can make a broad statement ( you’re gonna die ) , and be correct half the time.
Report Post »randy
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:09amThe hospital needs to pony up 80 grand.
Report Post »objectivetruth
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:50amI agree with you.The fact he didn’t get a second opinion is troubling but not necessarily inconsistent.He deserves some compensation in the fact that they took so long to tell him.Why the bungling?Probaly hiding something or someone elses diagnosis.Either this is an elaborate scam by him or one of the most incompetently handled patient records Ive ever heard of.
Report Post »Most on this board think that a second opinion is always had.They are wrong as they can be.In countries with socialized medicine its hard if not impossible to obtain one on your own accord.In america it isn’t had unless you have the money.Guess most of them do.Power to them ,they just need to know not everyone does.
EqualJustice
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 10:07amDon’t they have “SOCIALIZED” health care there?
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