Woah, Didn’t See That Coming!

This whole cancer thing has been a series of obstacles and God providing solutions. I have felt so blessed by all the good that has been happening. My peace and trust have been so secure...until today. I fell off the peace wagon and got a bit bruised up.

The day started with me going to see my breast surgeon. I was feeling good, not concerned about the surgery, looking forward to getting things going. As I checked in at the office, I heard the nurse talking to another patient about a problem with insurance. Apparently the medical group I am with, and my insurance provider are not liking each other very much right now. Someone had told me about this issue, but couldn’t find any confirmation anywhere, so I didn’t worry about it too much.

I hadn’t heard anything from the doctor's office prior to this because they thought my insurance was exempt from this problem. After checking into a few things, it became clear that it was not. My surgeon was very upset about this and kept apologizing. She was so determined that I would get care one way or another. She’s prepared to refer me to a doctor in Sedona who works with the plastic surgeon I’ve already been approved for.

After leaving the office, I called my insurance provider and tried to get some clarification. After a couple of transfers, I finally got to somebody who looked at my record and said that my surgery was pre-authorized, and that since it was authorized prior to the insurance lapsing, it would be covered. However, postoperative care may not be covered.

Unless my medical group and insurance provider make nice and resolve their differences, I may end up with a breast surgeon in Sedona, a plastic surgeon in Flagstaff, and oncologist in Prescott. And if it’s correct that my surgery is pre-authorized and will be covered, I will have surgery in Prescott Valley on February 13. If it’s not going to be covered, I will be having surgery in Sedona…who knows when.

All of this, on top of a couple other negative/weird things that happened today, have upset my peace cart. It tipped over, spilled me out on the road, and banged me up a bit. My first impulse was to go out and buy 10 pounds of chocolate and 5 gallons of ice cream. But I decided that would just make me more miserable, so I settled for going out to Chipotle for lunch. (oh, and I did buy some gluten-free cinnamon rolls afterwards) Yup, today is definitely a challenge. 

I’m praying things get resolved before the midnight deadline. But negotiations have been going on since September and I hear they’re not talking to each other anymore. There are so many people that are going to be hurt by this. This insurance company is a major provider in our area. And my medical group is the largest and practically the only one in the area. Still, God is bigger and more powerful than the medical bureaucrats and insurance demagogues. In spite of my shaky peace right now, I am still working on, trusting that God will work things out and move forward. Not just for me, for all those who are affected by this.

Snow Showers of Blessing

Last week I took a trip to Flagstaff to meet with my plastic surgeon. The whole trip was evidence of God's grace, protection, and provision. My husband and I had decided to make a mini vacation of it and stay two nights to unplug and relax. However, we had no idea that the timing of my appointment would have us travelling to Flagstaff at the height of one of the biggest snowstorms they had experienced in a few decades! 

Several days before my appointment, I changed to one later in the afternoon instead of in the morning in hopes of roads clearing before we left. Then, the morning of my appointment, it appeared several inches of more snow was expected right at our drive time. I was on my computer all morning, checking several weather sites, evaluating the two possible routes we could take, praying every couple of minutes for a way to get to my doctor's appointment. Missing my appointment could mean a month or more in delaying the start of treatment.

Finally, it appeared God was opening a weather window for us. If we left 5 and 3/4 hours before my rescheduled appointment, it looked like we would hit a lull in the storm. After a few more prayers, we loaded up the car and headed out on the road.

On the way, we hit an unexpected hailstorm. Small hail, but still making it a bit hard to see. Other than that, the first half of the drive was pretty much tame. But, as we entered the second half of the drive, it was like someone hit the blizzard switch. There was lots of snow everywhere. Snow on the road made it impossible to see the lines. It was hard to see if we were anywhere near our lane. We passed at least six cars that had slid off the road and one that had flipped over completely. We found ourselves behind a semi, and for the first time ever, we were grateful and happy to be behind a semi! Its big tires plowed tracks for us to follow up the grade as we made our way into Flagstaff. A semi sent from God.

Minutes after arriving safely into town, the road was closed behind us. We found a Chipotle (my favorite fast food, don't judge me) right off the main road and had lunch and a much-needed bathroom break. Another blessing.

During our lunch break, I called the doctor's office and was able to get an earlier appointment (more blessing). This meant we did not have to worry about what to do while waiting for our check-in time at the hotel. In the same parking lot, there was a grocery store, so we were able to get supplies to take with us to our hotel. We were blessed to find a hotel on the outskirts of town that had great prices on a mini-suite with free hot breakfast and a full kitchen and fireplace in the room. A couple more blessings!

At the doctor (finally), I was concerned because my breast surgeon had indicated the plastic surgeon would not likely agree to do my reconstruction due to my higher BMI. I had an article from the NIH ready to show him and argue my case. God blessed again. He said it was not a problem as I was strong and healthy. My surgery could now be scheduled. 

There were many other little blessings over the next two days. But you get the idea. God is good! I now have a surgery date. My daughter calls it my "cancer eviction day" and I like that. On February 13 my left breast will be removed and I will have phase one of reconstruction started by placement of an expander and some antibiotic pellets. 

I am grateful to be moving forward on the treatment. I am still at peace about the cancer, the loss and rebuilding of one breast, and whatever is to come. I am constantly amazed and grateful for all the peace, provision, and support God keeps sending my way.  

New Year, New ?

2022 brought the unexpected news of cancer. 2023 will bring the treatment of that cancer.

My mind is running in so many directions that it is hard to slow down and write up my thoughts. So, this will be brief.

I have the results from my additional tests. The genetic testing of over 40 cancer genes all came back 100% negative, a very good thing. The oncotype score was low, so most likely no chemo. I do have a second spot of cancer in my left breast which is a small DCIS (non-invasive). And the MRI did not show anything new anywhere else in either breast or in the lymph nodes.

There will be lots of new things coming my way in 2023. New surgery, new medication and therapies, new shape to a body part, new body image, new challenges, new feelings…so much new is coming and so much more I don’t even see yet.

Another new thing is a friend of mine was tested the same day as my second biopsy and she got her results the same day I did. She has large cancer masses in both breasts. We have doctor appointments one day apart with the same breast surgeon. Not the best, “Oh, look what we have in common!” moment, but we are both grateful to have each other to share love and support together. Even more, she shares my prayer that God will receive glory through all we are about to go through.