Last week was a flurry of phone calls in order to try to get a grasp of what was ahead. I first called the radiation oncologist to see if my appointment could be moved up. Early in the week, I realized that I would not finish all 33 of my treatments before the end of this year and with insurance still so up in the air I wanted to at least attempt to get most, if not all, in by December 31st.
After I explained our situation, both with my husband's employment and my insurance coverage, they were able to work me in a bit earlier. Although, I was told that moving forward would depend on the degree I had healed from surgery. There was nothing I could do about that but pray and pray I did - that I would be sufficiently healed to move forward if that was God's plan for me.
I also verified with our state insurance division what I had suspected. Due to the nature of my policy, each time it is renewed it goes through underwriting. This means they have every legal right to call my treatment for breast cancer a pre-existing condition even though it was covered by them in the previous six months. I will be doing some additional calling and research in the coming weeks as I explore what every option for insurance may be. This will be yet another prayer concern...for patience as I wade through the details, phone calls, automated voice operators, etc. Lord help me!!
As I said, my appointment with the radiation oncologist was moved up and I met with her last Thursday. She did think I was healed enough to proceed (thank you, God), but also told me they normally like to wait four weeks after surgery to begin radiation. I was then taken to another room where they mold a special pillow to your arms as they are raised above your head, measure everything to get the precise angles for treatment, and mark you to ensure each treatment is given in the same location each time. Everyone was very kind and thoughtful. I was also thrilled to learn that I was going to begin treatment the following Monday rather than Tuesday or Wednesday as I thought it would be. Yet another day or two I'd get in before December 31st! Finally, the doctor returned to go over basic instructions prior to treatment on Monday. She also told me that she was trying to be very sensitive to our insurance/financial situation and that, while she couldn't promise me anything, occasionally they come in on Saturdays and if that happened she would make every effort to have me come in so that I could get all treatments completed before the end of the year. Wow! God is so good!!
In addition to praying that two Saturday treatments will be possible, my prayer will be that I continue to stay healthy and able to do each treatment. As I pray though, I also recognize that my Father is in complete control and I can trust Him no matter how it all comes together.
I began radiation treatment this past Monday and have now completed five of the 33 treatments. Thus far, I haven't noticed any side affects. I'm a little sore perhaps, but my body has been through a biopsy, two surgeries and now a week of radiation in a little less than two months. I'm a little tired maybe, but truth-be-told I haven't managed to get into my intended routine of going to bed earlier each night, slowing down and taking care of myself. I'll get there...
The outpouring of concern and care has been amazing. We are doing so well, I am certain, because of the prayers of many. Meals have begun to come a couple times each week. I have a team of wonderful people who are either on my rotation of child care or are on a back up list should the need arise. I am blessed to have both my parents and my husbands parents living nearby, willing and able to help out. One friend informed me that she would be paying to have her cleaning service come in every other week so I don't have to worry about keeping up with everything. I have a husband that is happy to help with whatever task I may need help with. It is truly overwhelming at times. And I am so incredibly grateful that the Lord provides just what I/we need, just when we need it.
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