What a day!!! On the phone practically all morning!!!
When I saw Dr. May on the 14th of this month she said I was 'finally' approved for a PET scan....being on the chemo pill for two weeks, I had plenty of time to make my appointment. This week is the second week so I decided not to wait until the end or middle of this week to schedule the scan.
I called Newton Imaging (the same building as the cancer center)....come to find out that their PET scan machine is broken and has been for a month!!!! with NO sight for it to be fixed right now....
first call AFTER speaking with Newton Imaging = to the doctor's office = where do I go now? Morristown, Dover....what about Hackettstown (so much closer)...yes, they will do it there BUT you have to call your insurance co. to ask them to change the site for this scan...
second call: called insurance co.....NO, you have to call the Hackettstown Hospital to have them agree to doing this scan.
third call: called the hospital = NO, I have to call the insurance co. back OR the doctors office and tell them that we have ANTHEM blue cross/blue shield and not Horizon....
forth call: called doctors office - we know you have Anthem...here is the authorization number, call back the hospital and give it to them.
fifth call: called hospital and made the appointment for the scan = Monday, March 31st at 8:45 AM....BUT I still have to get the authorization number from the doctors office. I also need to go to Sparta to pick up the CD of my last scan (so they can compare it with this new scan). I can leave with the 'new' CD....wonder how long it will take to get a written report?!!! I wonder if they will fax a copy to Dr. May or if it needs to be read by the radiologist in Sparta (Newton Imaging).
sixth call: called doctors office and got the authorization number - which ended up missing one number (finding out after I made the seventh call).
eighth call: called doctors office and ended up leaving a message and asking her to call me back knowing all this was made....no call back!!!!
So....I have an appointment for a pre-authorized PET scan at Hackettstown Hospital on Monday, the 31st. I will go home with the CD and bring it to Dr. May's office on Friday the 4th of April....UNLESS she wants it brought to her office BEFORE my follow up on the 4th.
All this....and I'm still not sure if the hospital will get all this information....I'm sure it will be okay...I would just like to know ahead of time.
I had all this information on scraps of note paper - hoping I'd remember what to say to whom!!! and see what the next step was....
All this time on the phone and I was so surprised that no one tried calling here!!! I think I would have gone just a little crazy if someone tried calling!
God does work in mysterious ways!!!!
Thanks for listening!!
Next update will be AFTER I find out the results of the scan.....
Monday, March 24, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Tuesday, March 18th
When people ask why I haven't posted in a while, I was asked to say the following:
THERE AIN'T A FRIGGING THING TO SAY LOL.....and Believe in Miracles
quoted from an 'old' friend....John O'Toole..........
THERE AIN'T A FRIGGING THING TO SAY LOL.....and Believe in Miracles
quoted from an 'old' friend....John O'Toole..........
Friday, March 14, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Always remember = no news is good news.....especially when I don't post on a regular basis.
All is well. Just came back from seeing Dr. May = on my 'week off' the chemo pill. Had blood drawn and everything is good.
FINALLY got approval to have a PET scan!!! I will call on Monday to make an appt. I will go on my next 'week off' which brings me to the first week in April.
Nothing else new.....prayers are working so I don't have bad symptoms. I have the occasional bout of diarrhea and still the tingling in my hands and feet - but nothing to complain about.
The only thing that I'm upset about is since the end of November I have gone off the 'good' foods and can't seem to go back.
The end of November when we had problems with our well, we weren't able to use the running water in our house. Which I gave up trying to wash the fresh veggies....it seems to have taken a little over 2 weeks to be able to use our water and that's when I began eating my regular diet. I have gained back all that weight I lost...and I keep trying to go back....breakfast is good, but then I begin snacking about 10 minutes after I finished eating really healthy. If I could only continue = I'd be fine! I guess or maybe I'll just blame it on Paul. When he is/was around = I'd eat good...with him being away = no incentive. Charlie, on the other hand, is doing great! He works out everyday/night! He's looking good! All the weight he's taking off = I'm putting on.
Okay, now I'm done complaining!
Thanks again for your prayers! and continued support.
All is well. Just came back from seeing Dr. May = on my 'week off' the chemo pill. Had blood drawn and everything is good.
FINALLY got approval to have a PET scan!!! I will call on Monday to make an appt. I will go on my next 'week off' which brings me to the first week in April.
Nothing else new.....prayers are working so I don't have bad symptoms. I have the occasional bout of diarrhea and still the tingling in my hands and feet - but nothing to complain about.
The only thing that I'm upset about is since the end of November I have gone off the 'good' foods and can't seem to go back.
The end of November when we had problems with our well, we weren't able to use the running water in our house. Which I gave up trying to wash the fresh veggies....it seems to have taken a little over 2 weeks to be able to use our water and that's when I began eating my regular diet. I have gained back all that weight I lost...and I keep trying to go back....breakfast is good, but then I begin snacking about 10 minutes after I finished eating really healthy. If I could only continue = I'd be fine! I guess or maybe I'll just blame it on Paul. When he is/was around = I'd eat good...with him being away = no incentive. Charlie, on the other hand, is doing great! He works out everyday/night! He's looking good! All the weight he's taking off = I'm putting on.
Okay, now I'm done complaining!
Thanks again for your prayers! and continued support.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
About a half hour before Shameless goes on and I finally decided to sit down and type this....
This is my week OFF....two weeks on, one week off = the chemo pill.
Feeling great....no symptoms this round.
I still have some tingling in my feet and I think I now have plantar fasciitis...heel pain. I bought a pair of heel cushions and it seems much better. It's an inflamation of your heel mostly from standing a lot (which I do). I keep moisturizing my hands with lotion and under my finger nails (seems that is where the skin is the dryest). Other than that, I have my energy and appetite.
I have an appointment with Dr. May and blood work on Friday.
I WAS suppose to go for a PET scan this week but it seems that my insurance company DENIED it. The office called to say that I was now to schedule a Nuclear Imaging Bone Scan (at the hospital) and then have a CT Scan at Sparta. I called to make the appt. for the bone scan....it's for Wednesday at 10 am = I go for the radiation injection at 10 am - then I can leave or stay but need to be back 3 hours later for the 1 hour scan! Are you kidding me?!!! I made this appt. on Friday about 2 pm. I was home alone and completely lost it! So totally frustrated that I have to have 2 scans on two different days and see the doctor on Friday! Plus it's having all this crap injected!!!
After I calmed myself down, I decided to call the insurance company directly. They said it was denied due to the doctor not giving all the information needed. She can call again and re-apply for this PET scan. I was happy with that answer. I called the office and got the answering machine. Here it was about 2:30 and they leave at 4 == had no call back. Now dwelling over this the entire weekend, first thing tomorrow I will call the office to set this ONE scan up!!! Guess nothing will happen this week = so I'm sure it will be in 3 weeks = which is fine with me. As long as Dr. May agrees with this and doesn't pressure me to go for these two scans. Not that the PET scan is any better = but it's just ONE scan and being injected with radiation once! The PET scan gives bone density information.
What blows my mind = if the insurance company declines one scan for the cost....now with two scans it would cost more! Really?!! Is the doctor trying to make some kind of point with the insurance company??? Is this related to Obama Care???? = heck, it's all a conspiracy!!!! LOL Guess you have to find some humor in all of this.
I do a fair amount of 'channel surfing'....I've watched before but I don't know the actual schedule = Joel Osteen. He totally amazes me. He gets me so uplifted by what he speaks about. I've caught his show twice....his first one was 'telling' God, the Lord, to heal me! He said God wants good for all of us and we have to be persistant and stong to 'tell' Him what we want. Today Joel Osteen was talking about 'timing'...why is it when we ask for something it doesn't happen tomorrow....God has a plan. He knows what and when you will receive it. It may take a day, month, years...and in that time you will find what you were asking for...or someone that you meet that takes you to achieve your intention. I've always known, deep down, that God brings people into your life for a reason. If you ever get a chance to see or listen to Joel Osteen - do, I'm sure you'll be totally impressed and uplifted by his speeches.
Other than this beautiful weather we are experiencing - life is great! As I shake my head in disbelief....more snow expected Monday night into Tuesday. We have so much snow and no place to put what is being plowed! and when the warmer weather comes to melt it...and being cold at night = what melts turns into black ice! No winning here = at least for another month! We need several days of warm weather along with rain = to wash it all away....and most likely into the houses = houses with basements! and into houses that have no basements.
Charlie was up on the roof (one roof over the screened in porch and where the pool table is) shoveling off the heavy snow. The rest of the roof is angled enough that it will eventually slide off. speaking of which = outside the upstairs deck is a chunk of snow that will be an avalanche!!!! when the door is open. Charlie said he will shovel it off tomorrow = unless all the snow falls on top of him when he begins shoveling!!! = I'll have my camera ready...now that's my weird sense of humor - watching it happen!
Poor dogs are having a hard time finding a place to 'do their thing'. Jersey went next door to go = under their trampoline! She and Marlee were outside and I called them to come in. Marlee came but Jersey didn't. I had to put my coat and boots on to find her. Here I thought she was trapped in snow! I saw her struggling to come back home. I figured if she got there = she could get back....all this happened while it was snowing yesterday and Charlie was at work. I was ready to call him to come home = if she was stuck someplace there would be no way that I could get her out...thank God she was okay.
the end....
This is my week OFF....two weeks on, one week off = the chemo pill.
Feeling great....no symptoms this round.
I still have some tingling in my feet and I think I now have plantar fasciitis...heel pain. I bought a pair of heel cushions and it seems much better. It's an inflamation of your heel mostly from standing a lot (which I do). I keep moisturizing my hands with lotion and under my finger nails (seems that is where the skin is the dryest). Other than that, I have my energy and appetite.
I have an appointment with Dr. May and blood work on Friday.
I WAS suppose to go for a PET scan this week but it seems that my insurance company DENIED it. The office called to say that I was now to schedule a Nuclear Imaging Bone Scan (at the hospital) and then have a CT Scan at Sparta. I called to make the appt. for the bone scan....it's for Wednesday at 10 am = I go for the radiation injection at 10 am - then I can leave or stay but need to be back 3 hours later for the 1 hour scan! Are you kidding me?!!! I made this appt. on Friday about 2 pm. I was home alone and completely lost it! So totally frustrated that I have to have 2 scans on two different days and see the doctor on Friday! Plus it's having all this crap injected!!!
After I calmed myself down, I decided to call the insurance company directly. They said it was denied due to the doctor not giving all the information needed. She can call again and re-apply for this PET scan. I was happy with that answer. I called the office and got the answering machine. Here it was about 2:30 and they leave at 4 == had no call back. Now dwelling over this the entire weekend, first thing tomorrow I will call the office to set this ONE scan up!!! Guess nothing will happen this week = so I'm sure it will be in 3 weeks = which is fine with me. As long as Dr. May agrees with this and doesn't pressure me to go for these two scans. Not that the PET scan is any better = but it's just ONE scan and being injected with radiation once! The PET scan gives bone density information.
What blows my mind = if the insurance company declines one scan for the cost....now with two scans it would cost more! Really?!! Is the doctor trying to make some kind of point with the insurance company??? Is this related to Obama Care???? = heck, it's all a conspiracy!!!! LOL Guess you have to find some humor in all of this.
I do a fair amount of 'channel surfing'....I've watched before but I don't know the actual schedule = Joel Osteen. He totally amazes me. He gets me so uplifted by what he speaks about. I've caught his show twice....his first one was 'telling' God, the Lord, to heal me! He said God wants good for all of us and we have to be persistant and stong to 'tell' Him what we want. Today Joel Osteen was talking about 'timing'...why is it when we ask for something it doesn't happen tomorrow....God has a plan. He knows what and when you will receive it. It may take a day, month, years...and in that time you will find what you were asking for...or someone that you meet that takes you to achieve your intention. I've always known, deep down, that God brings people into your life for a reason. If you ever get a chance to see or listen to Joel Osteen - do, I'm sure you'll be totally impressed and uplifted by his speeches.
Other than this beautiful weather we are experiencing - life is great! As I shake my head in disbelief....more snow expected Monday night into Tuesday. We have so much snow and no place to put what is being plowed! and when the warmer weather comes to melt it...and being cold at night = what melts turns into black ice! No winning here = at least for another month! We need several days of warm weather along with rain = to wash it all away....and most likely into the houses = houses with basements! and into houses that have no basements.
Charlie was up on the roof (one roof over the screened in porch and where the pool table is) shoveling off the heavy snow. The rest of the roof is angled enough that it will eventually slide off. speaking of which = outside the upstairs deck is a chunk of snow that will be an avalanche!!!! when the door is open. Charlie said he will shovel it off tomorrow = unless all the snow falls on top of him when he begins shoveling!!! = I'll have my camera ready...now that's my weird sense of humor - watching it happen!
Poor dogs are having a hard time finding a place to 'do their thing'. Jersey went next door to go = under their trampoline! She and Marlee were outside and I called them to come in. Marlee came but Jersey didn't. I had to put my coat and boots on to find her. Here I thought she was trapped in snow! I saw her struggling to come back home. I figured if she got there = she could get back....all this happened while it was snowing yesterday and Charlie was at work. I was ready to call him to come home = if she was stuck someplace there would be no way that I could get her out...thank God she was okay.
the end....
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Wow...I didn't realize it's almost a month since my last blog.
I've been on my chemo pill for a few months now...After my radiation treatments Dr. May increased my dosage to 2,300 mg of Xeloda. 3 pills in the morning and 3 at night - for two weeks then one week off. On my off week I go to the center to have my blood checked and speak with Dr. May.
Everything is going fine....blood work is good/excellent! I have a few symptoms: tingling in the hands and feet and my heels hurt a little. I do have the occasional bout of diarrhea...just comes on when it wants to...no rhyme or reason.
I actually feel very well. No hair loss, my skin is good, no mouth sores, no finger cuts, lots of energy too.
I will have a PET scan the week of the 17th of this month.
I truly believe I will conquer this disease...I know God can heal me, if it is His will.
The thing is miss is being able to shovel! Having this port (in my chest) means that I can't...it was enjoyable for me as I got my exercise and fresh air! and my driveway was clear, edge to edge!!! We do have our driveway plowed but there is still clean up that needs to be done.
I can't believe all the snow we are having this year!
I've been on my chemo pill for a few months now...After my radiation treatments Dr. May increased my dosage to 2,300 mg of Xeloda. 3 pills in the morning and 3 at night - for two weeks then one week off. On my off week I go to the center to have my blood checked and speak with Dr. May.
Everything is going fine....blood work is good/excellent! I have a few symptoms: tingling in the hands and feet and my heels hurt a little. I do have the occasional bout of diarrhea...just comes on when it wants to...no rhyme or reason.
I actually feel very well. No hair loss, my skin is good, no mouth sores, no finger cuts, lots of energy too.
I will have a PET scan the week of the 17th of this month.
I truly believe I will conquer this disease...I know God can heal me, if it is His will.
The thing is miss is being able to shovel! Having this port (in my chest) means that I can't...it was enjoyable for me as I got my exercise and fresh air! and my driveway was clear, edge to edge!!! We do have our driveway plowed but there is still clean up that needs to be done.
I can't believe all the snow we are having this year!
Friday, January 10, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Went for my first (and most likely last until six months) follow up with the radiation doctor. They do the same thing that the oncologist nurses do....ask if you have any pain, check your blood pressure and weigh you then the doctor comes in and checks you = so I asked 'why' I have to see both....doctor said - to have an extra opinion or to answer any questions.....for a person that 'hates' going to the doctor I don't see myself going there six months from now. Unless I don't have to go to the oncologist twice a month....we'll see about that.
I left the house a few minutes earlier than I needed and didn't realize it until I arrived at the office 1/2 hour early. The positive thing about that department is they actually take you on time - or earlier!!! They took me in right away.
My appt. (same unit) for oncology was scheduled for 11:30....and they didn't take me in until 12:30 (which I didn't expect to be taken in before waiting an hour). They did the same thing, ask if I had any pain, took my blood pressure and weight...imagine I weighted one pound MORE there!!! and my blood pressure was a little different (which is normal as that can change from one minute to the next = but my weight...so funny!)
Got the results of my blood work from two weeks ago and the one that was just taken. All my numbers are good.
I saw Dr. May, as she was passing by (I didn't have to see her) and told her that one day I had a really bad case of diarrhea and didn't eat anything that entire day so I skipped taking my chemo pills in the evening and the following morning. She said I should 'never' skip them...to keep on taking them.....I'm still not sure if it was a stomach virus or from the chemo. Guess I'll find out when I take them again. This was my week off so I will take them beginning Sunday - that entire week and one more week = then off and that week is another scheduled appointment to actually see Dr. May and do the blood work too.
I've been keeping myself busy. I was going to take down my decorations on Monday but Charlie was 'cleaning out' or as he said 'straightening out' the basement where all the boxes are = that 'he' packed away. I think he is going behind my back and throwing them away!!! I haven't looked in the other room that he said he put them in....hmmmm. A conspiracy!!! to throw away MY stuff!!! deep down I'm a little hoarder!!!!
Tuesday I went food shopping, Wednesday Samantha was going down to Wayne along with Charlie to put her platform bed frame together...so I went along. First time I saw her room there. Not a bad size = for free rent!!! She has her queen size bed, TV (with a floor stand), small refrigerator, clothes rack and she brought down a folding table so she could prepare food...she has room for her microwave (that she can't find but we think is put away in the shed unless Charlie got rid of it), her hot plate, crock pot, George Forman grill and I think she has a toaster oven. She's pretty much all set. I suggested her adding a shelf over her clothes but she wants it pretty much bare...not like here at home where (as she says) it is cluttered! Sam begins work on Monday the 13th. She'll be home once a week to do her laundry until she gets busy at work. She's really looking forward to beginning. So, I left my comfort zone to go down to Wayne!!! Yesterday I had the doctor appointment and I'm hoping today (Friday) that I can begin taking down the decorations. I did take down the Christmas stockings and the cards...but I sure do have a lot more to pack away.
One of my customers said she puts each room away...and here I've been putting everything together...all the lights, garland etc together and then when I take them out, I never remember which garland goes in where....So, after all these years, I have learned something else!!! Charlie is working today then he'll go bowling tonight. Giving me all this time = to myself......
I brought you up to date on what's been going on here and again, I thank you for your prayers! Happy New Year!
I left the house a few minutes earlier than I needed and didn't realize it until I arrived at the office 1/2 hour early. The positive thing about that department is they actually take you on time - or earlier!!! They took me in right away.
My appt. (same unit) for oncology was scheduled for 11:30....and they didn't take me in until 12:30 (which I didn't expect to be taken in before waiting an hour). They did the same thing, ask if I had any pain, took my blood pressure and weight...imagine I weighted one pound MORE there!!! and my blood pressure was a little different (which is normal as that can change from one minute to the next = but my weight...so funny!)
Got the results of my blood work from two weeks ago and the one that was just taken. All my numbers are good.
I saw Dr. May, as she was passing by (I didn't have to see her) and told her that one day I had a really bad case of diarrhea and didn't eat anything that entire day so I skipped taking my chemo pills in the evening and the following morning. She said I should 'never' skip them...to keep on taking them.....I'm still not sure if it was a stomach virus or from the chemo. Guess I'll find out when I take them again. This was my week off so I will take them beginning Sunday - that entire week and one more week = then off and that week is another scheduled appointment to actually see Dr. May and do the blood work too.
I've been keeping myself busy. I was going to take down my decorations on Monday but Charlie was 'cleaning out' or as he said 'straightening out' the basement where all the boxes are = that 'he' packed away. I think he is going behind my back and throwing them away!!! I haven't looked in the other room that he said he put them in....hmmmm. A conspiracy!!! to throw away MY stuff!!! deep down I'm a little hoarder!!!!
Tuesday I went food shopping, Wednesday Samantha was going down to Wayne along with Charlie to put her platform bed frame together...so I went along. First time I saw her room there. Not a bad size = for free rent!!! She has her queen size bed, TV (with a floor stand), small refrigerator, clothes rack and she brought down a folding table so she could prepare food...she has room for her microwave (that she can't find but we think is put away in the shed unless Charlie got rid of it), her hot plate, crock pot, George Forman grill and I think she has a toaster oven. She's pretty much all set. I suggested her adding a shelf over her clothes but she wants it pretty much bare...not like here at home where (as she says) it is cluttered! Sam begins work on Monday the 13th. She'll be home once a week to do her laundry until she gets busy at work. She's really looking forward to beginning. So, I left my comfort zone to go down to Wayne!!! Yesterday I had the doctor appointment and I'm hoping today (Friday) that I can begin taking down the decorations. I did take down the Christmas stockings and the cards...but I sure do have a lot more to pack away.
One of my customers said she puts each room away...and here I've been putting everything together...all the lights, garland etc together and then when I take them out, I never remember which garland goes in where....So, after all these years, I have learned something else!!! Charlie is working today then he'll go bowling tonight. Giving me all this time = to myself......
I brought you up to date on what's been going on here and again, I thank you for your prayers! Happy New Year!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
2014 - Happy New Year!
What a busy month of December!
Finishing radiation, going down for a few days to South Carolina for Samantha's college graduation, decorating, working and having so many parties!!! I loved every minute of it!!!
I'm taking my chemo pills every day! Dr. May will be proud of me for not skipping a day!!! Of course the timing of it always changes! but I'm taking them! Now praying that they will and are working. Right now I'm on the 'two weeks ON and one week OFF' and doing blood work on my 'off' week. If I remember correctly I will have a PET scan either the end of this month or in February to see if the pills are working.
I feel great....still have my energy and just a few minor symptoms....a day or two of running to the bathroom but not as bad as the past...my hands/fingers and soles of my feet are a little dry and peeling a little but not a problem. I noticed a mouth sore last night - but gone within an hour....
With all these get together's this past month did I realize how much life is meant to live! All the things/milestones I would have missed out on if I wasn't here....brings a tear to my eyes....Life is good.
Prays help you realize that miracles do happen! I thank each and everyone of you who is reading this! You are truly appreciated! Happy, healthy and a prosperous New Year to YOU and your families.
Finishing radiation, going down for a few days to South Carolina for Samantha's college graduation, decorating, working and having so many parties!!! I loved every minute of it!!!
I'm taking my chemo pills every day! Dr. May will be proud of me for not skipping a day!!! Of course the timing of it always changes! but I'm taking them! Now praying that they will and are working. Right now I'm on the 'two weeks ON and one week OFF' and doing blood work on my 'off' week. If I remember correctly I will have a PET scan either the end of this month or in February to see if the pills are working.
I feel great....still have my energy and just a few minor symptoms....a day or two of running to the bathroom but not as bad as the past...my hands/fingers and soles of my feet are a little dry and peeling a little but not a problem. I noticed a mouth sore last night - but gone within an hour....
With all these get together's this past month did I realize how much life is meant to live! All the things/milestones I would have missed out on if I wasn't here....brings a tear to my eyes....Life is good.
Prays help you realize that miracles do happen! I thank each and everyone of you who is reading this! You are truly appreciated! Happy, healthy and a prosperous New Year to YOU and your families.
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