Lumpectomy Lounge....let's talk!
Comments
-
Lorri, glad surgery went well. Praying for clean margins. Try not to worry as you wait for the results.
Poodles, praying that you get some relief from your worries and get good news soon!
Twins, I don't know what it is either. Praying it doesn't take long to get answers.
0 -
Well, ladies, I did some recalculating and it seems I only owe $118,914.85, not the original $175,000. DH is almost beside himself. I took the day off and we went to the mountains to get some relief. And apples, donuts, pizza, and beer. I'm thinking it might be time for a diet coke & rum. I'll have to see if I have any limes.
I'm supposed to have surgery on Wed, but now I'm rethinking it. What if Cigna doesn't want to pay that too? And what about my pre-op and post-op visit? What about my endocrinologist appt on Mon? What about my MO in Nov? my colonoscopy in Dec? my orthopedist in Dec?
And what about reconstruction? I just found out a minute ago that they denied over $1,000 worth of prosthetics (those suckers cost a LOT--about $100/lb)
Honestly? I feel like slitting my throat.
0 -
Poodles, I think you should slit Cigna's throat. That would be much more satisfying. They seem out to screw you. You aren't Medicare yet, right? Have you talked to someone who actually can help you? Can your MO? Get an attorney. He/She won't cost as much as Cigna thinks you owe (so nice that 's $60,000 less). Glad you got away for a bit.
HUGS!
0 -
Federal law mandates your insurer pay for at least one prosthesis per breast every couple of years and two mastectomy bras per year—but make sure you buy them at a shop or site that takes your insurance. I made the mistake of buying my first sleeve & gauntlet at a shop that didn’t take United Choice Plus PPO, only BCBS or Medicare (which I was not yet on at the time). Call all your doctors ahead of time to make sure that they are approved by Cigna AND will accept what Cigna is willing to pay. If not, try to negotiate a reduced fee in advance.
0 -
Poodles - so sorry about your insurance woes....seriously I like you plan of mountains, pizza and beer - sounds fabulous!
Lori - so glad to hear your surgery went well. Just try and relax as much as possible as you wait for your path results.
I'm relieved to say that I do not need to have a re-excision....was sooooo relieved on Thursday when I got the news from my surgeon. I had the questionable margin....Anyway, the surgeon did order the Onco test....so now waiting for approximately two weeks to see if that will shed some light on whether I'll need chemo before radiation.
TGIF everyone - I go back to work full-time on Monday.
0 -
Twins, when you say "markers" did not match, do you mean the pathology report on your tissue from the lumpectomy or the physical markers that they place in your breasts? It is possible to have two different types of cells within the same specimen. For instance, you could have DCIS in addition to the IDC. Do you have a copy of your pathology report yet?
0 -
According to an excellent UCLA webinar posted by Molly50, the new standard for “clear margins” is “no tumor on ink,” which means that there are no tumor cells touching the ink mark around the slice of the removed tumor. Even a .5mm clear area is now considered a clear margin. (Pathologists used to require as much as a 1cm margin between tumor and ink).
0 -
Nope, not on Medicare, just Cigna. They have always paid up, so i dont understand whats happening. My MOs office pre-certfied me before they ever laid the first hand on me. The shop where I got the prostheses is INSIDE the hospital. The fitter even commented that I had great insurance--they would pay 100%. If they had had any idea that Cigna wouldn't pick it all up, they would have demanded cash on the barrel head.
I wasn't able to call Cigna today, due to the aforementioned trip to the mountains, but they are in my sights Monday. I'm going to sic DH had on them. He used to be an auditor for Equifax-- he ate lawyers for lunch (sorry, Sandy!)
0 -
Believe it or not, I don't really have much to add today, other than today was #7 of the 16 whole breast radiation tx. So about half way done with that, plus an additional 4 boots at the end. That leaves 13 total left to go and I am feeling pretty good. I actually get a boost of energy after radiation and have blocked my 12 hour days from noon until midnight, with my treatment at 4:30ish. I am tacking on extra sleep in the morning and feel pretty rested for the entirety of the day.
0 -
I'm going to be volunteering tomorrow between home visits. I make warm no -sew blankets for foster and homeless kids. I think I'm going to be working like a BOSS!
I dunno. Maybe I should take up fencing or go to the gun range and take out my frustrations on some targets. (Don't worry, DH keeps the guns locked and the ammo hidden from me.)
0 -
To expand upon what Sandy stated about clear margins - that proved true with my surgeons actions from my path report. I had less than 1 mm on my posterior margin from the inked area. I thought I was going to have to have re -excision....but I am not based upon that standard.
Michelle - glad to hear your are almost half way through radiation and you're feeling pretty good!
0 -
ILsunrise, yay, you don't have to have a re-excision. Praying for a low onco score.
Michelle, glad you're doing so well with rads
0 -
aww, DH just brought me a "mojito"--diet coke, dark rum, tonic water, mint, lime, and simple syrup. I don't have the heart tell him that's not a mojito. It's very tasty, though.
I need to take my psych meds in about 15 min. I'll probably be hallucinating in about 45min, LOL
0 -
Sounds like a Cuba Semi-Libre.
0 -
Poodles, good that DH likes to dine on lawyers/insurance companies. Glad that your faux mojito was yummy. Hope you don't fly away too much
Lorri, clear margins are wonderful. Glad you're getting an Oncotype test done.
Michelle, yeah for being nearly halfway done!
Happy weekend!
HUGS!
0 -
Wow, now I know what you all mean when you've been absent for a few days! I had to go back at least 5 pages to catch up!
SEs from last chemo hit in earlier this time, bone and joint pain 24 hrs after Neulasta, dizziness, some nausea, mouth issues etc. knees are still so weak, I can't stand for more than a minute or so. I couldn't even hold up my cell phone the last couple of days. Today is finally better. and taste buds are coming back quicker which is good. My weight has held at dx weight but have gotten lax with what I'm eating. I had been so good about eating organic, no sugars, nothing processed, but afraid last night hit an all time low... Chinese food with rocky road ice cream for dessert! It was great!
Poodles, I'm so very sorry about all your problems. That financial issue is beyond comprehensible! I keep waiting for a bill from my tx. Even with all the extended genetics testing I did, I was told if my cost was over $100 the center would let me know so I could decline it. So far, I haven't paid anything, but also heard the center is behind in billing. Costs are just out of control though! I heard the Neulasta pod is around $35,000 per tx! It's just nuts! I started with Medicare Supplemental PPO literally days before I was dx and it's been great so far. Prescriptions not so great, but still... Sorry also about your son. Both my sister and I have scoliosis, her's is much worse than mine. I have about 15 degree curvature so appreciate how his line of work can cause pain. Hope he can find something to alleviate the discomfort.
KD, so sorry about your schooling, but I think it's smart to put things on hold and just focus on you. Between my MA and then Administrative credential, I took a couple of breaks, and it all worked out for the best. School was there, and I did get everything finished and it all paid off. You'll finish, and be all the stronger for it.
Michelle, I empathize with your changing room story but from the other side. Having lost every hair on my body (except for about 3 on one side of my head!) I look in the mirror and say, damn! I look like a man. Some women have great shaped heads and still look very feminine, but I don't see that. I love to wear soft chambray shirts and yoga pants around the house but won't go out without makeup etc. on. It's not for others but for me. I guess if nothing else, this disease and the incredible women on this site have taught us all a little humility, tolerance, and knowledge that we're stronger than we ever imagined. I loved Thereisnodespair's comment that I feel closer to many of the women on this site than many other friends. I don't do much on other social media sites as I just don't feel that they know what I'm experiencing right now. I know we all started with that common denominator of bc, but I think we definitely move beyond that to see all the human characteristics that make us all one.
Molly, hope the pain is getting less. I've had such bone pain from the Neulasta that I worry I'll experience it a bit more with AIs. I've had several joint replacements so wonder if they are a bit more susceptible to pain.
I know I missed lots of other discussions... I don't regret having a lx; I had several epidurals with no problems, but my DD had one with her last child and wound up paralyzed for almost a year! They sent her home with a new baby and a wheelchair!
I'll have my RO consult on Oct 26 so then can begin the next phase. I see my MO on Nov 7 and will start AI then. He's presenting at an international conference in Italy right after that so I need to get in before that (Must be nice to have a conference in Italy!) Take care all... onward and upward!
0 -
Dara, damn those SEs! At least you are starting to feel better. Very glad for that. I don't know that anyone has been able to correlate AI SEs with anything to say you'll have no problems and someone else will. But I could be wrong. So don't worry about it. If they come, you'll cope. That's what we do. Take it easy this weekend! And please don't feel bad about eating what tastes good. It's pretty amazing that you are at your pre-dx weight.
HUGS!
0 -
mustlovepoodles,
Please go to website www.needymeds.org. go to cancer, they have all sorts of organizations that may help. Also the American Cancer Society? Best of luck sweetie, financial problems are overwhelming. Ask God for wisdom and guidance,
IN his love,
Debbie
0 -
Dara, are you taking Claritin before, during and a few days after the Neulasta? It is supposed to help. I took it and never had any bone pains.
0 -
Thanks, Italy, I've taken double doses of Claritin for several days before and several days after the Neulasta. Unfortunately it hasn't stopped the bone pain. One infusion I also tried Allegra as someone said it was better, but not change. I have psoriatic arthritis so that may play a role in the pain, plus I've had 3 hip replacements and a knee replacement. Don't know if that has any bearing or not. My SEs have gotten stronger with each tx. My weakness and fatigue seem to last longer; my MO said my RBC continues to go down and is low so that accounts for a lot of fatigue. I find I can't even walk from my bedroom to kitchen without feeling out of breath and my knees begin to feel all wobbly. But at least today is the first day I haven't had to take a long nap! Progress. I know walking is supposed to help, but when I walk (even around the house) it feels like my heart will jump out of my chest and my pulse jumps to 130+.
I've been trying to read up on Zoloft and bc. Is there only a problem with Tamoxifen or AIs as well? I started taking it when stress from work was over the top, and just stayed on it. Thinking maybe I can just go off it, but I think I need to do that gradually. With all my DH is putting up with, he doesn't need the shower scene from Psycho with me!
Poodles, can your center help locate or direct you to foundations that help with finances? My sister and BIL used a couple for drugs not covered by insurance. I just got a bill from April from my dentist for remainder of a bill for crown/implant for another $1200. That darn implant has cost in excess of $7,000 out of pocket --- just for 1 tooth! I'm just thinking health care is getting out of control!!!
Peggy, any new "friendships" on the horizon? We need a little excitement in this thread!
0 -
thanks ladies! You all make me feel better always. I know it's the right thing to do...it just brought me down. Had chemo #3 on Thursday...and even with new MO orders of sodium IV drop after chemo, regular blood draws to check levels, & salt pills...I wound up in ER late that night & then admitted until sodium got back up. At least it wasn't AS low as the first 2 times, but a pain either way. Because the hospital doesn't have neulasta...I had to get it today, day3, instead...hope that doesn't present other SEs due to the day delay.
Poodles-there has GOT to be something Cigna or chemo center can do...I would threaten an all out publicity issue for both of them. All it takes is a few letters to the editor and some social media magic
0 -
Dara, glad you are a bit less fatigued today! No new beaus. I had one date with a new man last weekend but he was moving a whole lot faster than I was. Not ready for an intimate relationship after 2 hours thank you. I didn't do that as a teenager. Don't see any reason to do so now either. And frankly, I don't really want to live with anyone (with or without benefit of marriage). I love living alone, being responsible for only the cat, dog and me. It's a great feeling. And besides, then I'd have to clear out some closet space - not happening. So I'm seeing one other guy and have been for awhile. Definitely platonic but we enjoy doing things together. He's 79 and a widower, so we're both comfortable talking about our spouses, which is nice. It's all very interesting
HUGS!
0 -
I'm definitely appealing this! I'm very upset, obviously, but I'm not just going to sit down and let them roll over me. I know for a fact that the hospital has pre-approved my care through Cigna. Nobody has ever said that Cigna would refuse to pay. In fact, the type of insurance we have is an indemnity plan--neither in network, nor out of network. The hospitals and healthcare providers who agree to take that insurance also agree to take the negotiated reimbursement. And now, suddenly, Cigna is saying "Sorry. We changed the rules. You owe it all." Mind you, I have spoken with someone at Cigna at least twice a week since Aug 1 and EVERY.SINGLE. CUSTOMER. ASSISTANT. has assured me that, indeed, Cigna will see to it that we DON"T get balance-billed by these hospitals and care providers. And now, they've had a change of rules, with no warning. It's not an issue of deductible--our deductible is $300, with a total out of pocket of $1200. It has always been superb insurance and we have NEVER had to fight them in the 10 years that we've had it.
So, I'll appeal. I'll call my attorney if I don't get anywhere with that--even if it costs me a couple thousand dollars, it's better than having my credit ruined with a medical bankruptcy (plan C).
0 -
KD, that's rotten that you had to go to the ER again! And no Neulasta! Can they give you that one you put on your arm and automatically injects it at the right time?
Poodles, What a POS Cigna is being. Especially when you've been in such close, constant contact with them. Kill 'em!!!
HUGS!
0 -
Dara...so sorry you have had such pain...I took Claritan AND Alleve...and did not have the bone pain. Could you add Alleve?
Poodles- you have had so many things- know you are in my prayers.
All others...so sorry I just cannot keep up- have gone back to work- that and trying to build my stamina up and work out everyday...just can't keep up with "all y'all" as we say in the South. Thinking of you all and sending healing mercies and hugs to you all.
0 -
HH, glad you are doing good! Is it nice to be working on being "normal"?? We've missed you.
HUGS!
0 -
So, Peggy, thanks!
Have had a few quirky things come up....did find out while waiting for direction on latest bloodwork that thyroid was down...have been taking Synthroid for years but they upped the dose from 100 mcg's to 125 mcg's starting today and I already have more energy. Apparently, cholesterol is WAY up and doc wants to talk medicine Monday when I go for followup...it can only be due to Arimidex, right, as I haven't been having this issue before...ugh!
Also, am having a sleep study done Monday night due to continuing issues with a weird SE of the Taxotere... neuropathy of the tongue and throat that gave me trouble during chemo and then caused me "choking episodes" afterwards and are causing sleep apnea symptoms now.
I have not been on the site to post as I have been trying to get my life back to normal and it has been working even with the medical interruptions to figure out these "little" issues.
I firmly believe that every day is a day in our lives and we have to try to find our joy in every one of them.....and, my precious DH and I are doing just that. He is my rock...and, the comic relief...or fun and humor has gotten us so far and I just love him and his wit!
Peggy- please keep us posted on the dating scene...hoping you find a guy or guys you are compatible with who you can enjoy spending time with as you explore your new area! Sorry for the rant.
0 -
HH, you're entitled to rants! You sure do have a lot of puzzle pieces to put back in place. Hope they are all easily solved. I find the "choking" the most scary. Never would have know that Taxotere could do that. I won't do statins. Did them for about a year and had leg muscle issues that still linger though only annoying. I haven't been tested in a year or so. Usually my HDL is extremely high and my LDL just above desirable levels. Fingers crossed that all works out. Keep that hubby!!!
BTW, I'm not opposed to romance. Just not looking for it and want to go very slow in any new relationship. Sure is different dating at 71 than it was at 20!
HUGS!
0 -
Poodles, I had no idea that an insurance company could change the provisions of its policy before the policy year expired. (I wouldn’t be surprised if they can’t, but are hoping to wear you down so you won’t fight it).
Dara, AFAIK, SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft), SNRIs (like Pristiq) and SDRIs (Wellbutrin) are safe on AIs—things get dicey with them only as concerns tamoxifen (enzymatic pathway competition).
Mary, you might want to ask (assuming the dx of sleep apnea is confirmed) whether a CPAP or BIPAP is necessary or if you are a candidate for a “night guard” instead—it moves your jaw forward and opens up your crowded airway. The downside is that it costs more than a PAP machine and isn’t covered by insurance (you are fitted for it by a dentist); the advantage is that it is compact, packs easily, uses no power, and you can even wear it in-flight. Feels weird at first, but after a couple of days you get used to it. The sleep lab and perioperative physician at Northwestern (had to do a sleep study before my first TKR because she was concerned about my crowded airway) suggested I try it. Glad I did. Would love to have Bob get fitted for one too (he snores like a chainsaw plugged into a Marshall stack cranked up to 11), but he already has an underbite and probably would do better with a PAP machine—if he’d remember to use it. It was hard enough getting him to tape his eye shield in place for sleep during the week after his cataract surgery; and he’s grousing about the eye-drop routine.
Wild day today—took the CTA downtown to the S. Loop for my Bar Show rehearsal. Though the opener & closer are parodies of those from Hamilton (the show is called “(This Case is a S)Hamilton”), the number in which I get a solo (I’m the only alto among three sopranos) is a parody of “Food, Glorious Food” from Oliver. (This is the third number among my solos over the years which concerns food…are they trying to tell me something)? It was fun, we were able to transpose it from the original key so all of us could sing in our natural ranges, and I was able to write a harmony. Then got back on the train to go home, and Gordy & I caught an Uber to pH Comedy Theatre, where I sang and he & his troupe improvised sketches based on my songs (and the first act, a storyteller who did two monologues). This time I didn’t have to sing any of my serious song—the crowd was smaller and there to laugh.
Then got home, ordered out for Chinese food, and aged about nine years in nine innings. (If you watched the game, you’ll know what I mean). But the Cubs won!
0 -
Sandy, what a great day! And to end it on such a high note (pun intended). Obviously you have many more talents than I realized. Very impressed!
HUGs!
0
