Wow, some amazing news! Seven years after symptoms began, six years after getting a diagnosis, and nearly six years of being on a shit ton of drugs, I am (surprisingly) done with chemo! Well… at least I hope I am. This disease has at least a 40% chance of recurrence, and “22% [of those afflicted] … Continue reading I’m … Done?
Pyramids
Wow, four months since I last posted here. No news is good news, right? I saw the oncologist in April. He echoed nearly verbatim my thoughts about chemo: that stopping now just because the insurance won’t pay vs. having clinical data over a year showing good response with reduced administration isn’t the wisest course of … Continue reading Pyramids
I’m FULL of Surprises!
I saw the concierge dermatologist a couple of weeks ago regarding my hair loss. Wow, what a nice guy. And really knowledgeable. He got up close and personal with my scalp and a lighted magnifier of some sort and said that my scalp doesn’t look normal. “I was not expecting to see what I’m seeing.” … Continue reading I’m FULL of Surprises!
Quick Update
My oncologist met with a physician from my insurance company, known as a “peer to peer” review. And they denied coverage for my chemo right then and there before he was even off the phone. "It's experimental. We don't cover experimental treatments." He’s filing an appeal but I’m not hopeful. On the one hand, I … Continue reading Quick Update
Duh… I Should Have Known
Early February marked five years since I was diagnosed with this disease. March will be six years since I first began having symptoms. On one hand, it’s hard to remember a time when this disease didn’t dominate my life. On the other, I’m so grateful that I’m doing as well as I am and that … Continue reading Duh… I Should Have Known
Doctor Round Up
Long time no blog! I guess like most things, no news is good news. I’ve had several doctors’ appointments since July. The concierge endocrinologist (Dr. S) told me because of my “complicated health history,” she wanted to see me monthly for the next several months. She’s a bit quirky and is incredibly thorough. I’ve seen … Continue reading Doctor Round Up
It’s Only Money, Right?
Monday I saw the nurse practitioner at Lovelace endocrinology. I actually liked her well enough. Too bad she’s leaving the practice. She’s older than my regular endocrinologist and just has a calmer energy about her. My regular doctor never sits down and is constantly in motion. I’ve described her as a hummingbird before. I don’t … Continue reading It’s Only Money, Right?
So Predictable…
A couple of weeks ago, I got a text from the concierge endocrinologist saying, “I know you have an appointment with me at the end of the month but I’ll be out of town that week.” I’m sure as soon as I read that I rolled my eyes and thought, “Oh great.” Because OF COURSE … Continue reading So Predictable…
Getting Nowhere Fast
This will be another frustrating, whiny read. You have been warned. Ha. I’ve still been trying to get an appointment with another endocrinologist after my last horribly disappointing experience with the Lovelace office. The last time I called UNM, I got the “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” treatment. And the concierge endocrinologist wasn’t taking … Continue reading Getting Nowhere Fast
Breakthroughs
Dang, it’s been almost two months since I last posted anything! I guess like most things, no news is good news. This will be short: nothing much has changed, just humming along. Today is my “chemoversary.” Four years ago today, I got my first infusion in Pittsburgh. Hard to believe. It’s been such an incredibly … Continue reading Breakthroughs
Low, Low, Low 