Life's Journey

Today has been.  Yup, that's it...  it's just "been".  I was warned and had read that the effects of chemo don't really kick in for 2-3 days, but I didn't really understand that until today.  Today is the 2nd day since chemo and it definitely made itself known.  My stomach is apparently enjoying a rollercoaster ride that I have not been on.  Finding the balance for nausea, constipation, pain, and oh yeah "sanity" is going to be a tough one. 

I also had the pleasure today of once again dealing with the health insurance company.  Just to catch you up since my "Insurance Shenanegans" post on 4/10...  The insurance has found every excuse possible to cause delay after delay after delay.  I spoke to my dr's office and they showed me the fax confirmations from the THREE times they submitted the info that insurance had requested.  I called them yesterday to follow up on the status of the treatment request.  I was told it was still in review.  I explained my situation to the care coordinator on the other end of the line, I told her that while the treatment request was on hold or under review my cancer does not have a "hold button" and is continuing to cause damage.  She "escalated" my treatment request explaining that this would put it at the top of the line with her supervisor and in turn get a response within 24 hours.  I waited exactly 24 hours before calling them back - because, of course, I didn't get a call from them as promised.  I was told that my request for treatment was "declined", "terminated", "rejected"....  Once I picked myself up off the floor I asked why?  Apparently the medical review decided that they didn't think it was an appropriate treatment for my type of cancer.  Ok, ya'll know me, I've done my homework...  I can show you case after case that indicates that the IMRT treatment (what I need) is more effective in treating the specific area of cancer and cause less damage to surrounding organs and tissues than the 3D Radiation (what I'm getting now because the insurance company is wasting as much time as possible).  I was blown away.  She told me that my radiologist had already put in the request for a "peer to peer" review.  This means that he will have a one-on-one chicken fight with the medical administrator at the insurance company.  My only hope at this point is that he can convince them of the long term effects of this decision, etc.   I felt immediately helpless - this is my body, my life on the line, my medical treatment and I don't get a voice.  I was pissed off and smacked in the face at the same time. I knew that getting emotional about it (although that was next to impossible to avoid) was not going to help solve anything and I don't have time or energy to waste being sad for myself...  so I started thinking about my next plan of action.  For now, I still felt crummy and had to go in for radiation treatment.

Radiation was fairly easy today.  I actually almost fell asleep on the table because of the drugs I took for nausea, constipation, pain and sanity this morning.  When I walked in John (one of the techs) said "Hey Sarah how ya feelin...  (this is when he made eye contact) oh, your on the chemo hangover huh?"  Apparently they know the signs well.    Anyway, when I came out of treatment I met with the financial/insurance guru in the office, Jenny.  She had news!  The "peer to peer" review was successful and he agreed with my dr's treatment recommendation and will push for approval.  He said he can't explain why it wasn't approved the first time around...  How does that happen?  Either way, I should start getting the IMRT (better treatment) starting next Monday.  I'm just thankful for that at this point!  

So the afternoon got a little better after hearing that.  I ate part of a turkey sandwich, took some more meds, and have settled in for awhile.  Feet kicked up in "Big Red" (Roy's coveted yet terribly ugly recliner) and Ben resting at my legs.  The doors are open and there's a nice breeze of fresh air crossing my path.  There is more to be grateful for than to be pissed off about...  It's a nice day, I'm glad it has "been".