Good news.

fauxgypsy · 07-26-2008, 07:49 PM

Hi y'all. I have been sort of offline lately. And really busy as well. In the garden and at the easel. I am through with Herceptin as far as I know. I finished three weeks ago, come Monday. I have scans coming up in August. It is kind of scary. I know that in the back of mind there is this little person screaming that the only thing standing between me and the big bad was Herceptin. I still don't know what stage I was or am. My first oncologist really screwed up. One theory is that he looked at the wrong PET scan.

I was reading the posts on getting ports out. I guess if the scans are clear I will get mine out soon. It is not bothering me but I am on Medicaid through the Breast and Cervical cancer screening program and it ends in January for me. I need to get it out while they will pay for it. I don't know what I am going to do about insurance. I don't seem to be eligible for anything. I can't afford insurance through the state's high risk pool. I have been job hunting but even if I found a job in my field ( biology) it would be a year before the insurance would cover pre-existing conditions. I think our government's lack of concern for the healthcare crisis in our country is just as scary as cancer. I was wondering if any of you have dealt with this particular issue?

On a happier note, I have hair. Lots of it. And curls, well waves, really. I updated my avatar.

Mary Anne in TX · 07-27-2008, 01:33 AM

You look fantastic! Wow! Hair.....lots of hair and so pretty! The crisis is real and effects so many of us! Wish I had an answer. Someone will have a suggestion about insurance or something. There are so many great problem solvers here!
I'm so glad that you have a good onc now. Here's to perfect scans and many more to come!
Cheers! You've done it!

Mary Jo · 07-27-2008, 06:17 AM

Good Morning,

I was so happy to see your post...it's been awhile. You look beautiful and I'm so happy you shared with us a picture of the "new you!"

I wish I had answers to your insurance questions but I don't. You are right in saying that our "healthcare crisis in this country is as scary as cancer!" It is most definitely. My heart goes out to all those who have to live without healthcare.

May you be finding the joy in life each day Leslie.

Love to you....

Mary Jo

PinkGirl · 07-27-2008, 06:31 AM

Hi Faux
Welcome back. You look great!!!

fauxgypsy · 07-27-2008, 07:50 AM

Thanks. My little web cam is handy. I just keep taking pictures until I get one I like. I have had one haircut to get rid of the weird hair. I like the waves and hope they stay. It is so hot here that I was thinking of geeting it cut short but I thnik I am going to let it grow and enjoy the wave while it lasts.

I am thankful that I qualified for the Breast and Cervical Cancer screening Medicaid program. I don't know what I would have done without it. It is a good program but many women don't know about it and if you aren't diagnosed through them you don't get it. I have read some horror stories. If it hadn't been for a nurse telling me about it in time I wouldn't have had anything.

I have been self employed for many years and could not find any insurance that I could afford due to previous health problems. Considering how much small business contributes to the economy it is terrible how many self employed people are in the same boat I am.

WomanofSteel · 07-27-2008, 11:09 AM

Welcome back and good luck with your scans.

TriciaK · 07-27-2008, 11:25 AM

It's great to hear your good news! And your hair looks great! It is natural to feel some fear after the end of herceptin---I think we all have felt like someone took away our life ring. But the little screaming voice will gradually fade away as you get good scans. Let us know how the August scan goes. Think positive thoughts about the scan---I have a mantra: No Evidence of Disease!" repeated in my mind like a chant. I was scared to death when I got my first scan after finishing navelbine and herceptin, so I kept repeating that mantra all through the PET scan. Something worked because all my scans have been NED since. It gives your mind something to focus on instead of the fears. And remember, the herceptin keeps on working for quite some time after the last injection. Hugs, Tricia

juanita · 07-27-2008, 04:59 PM

I love the picture! You look really good.

StephN · 07-27-2008, 09:46 PM

Dar Faux -
Glad to see you and how well you do look! I am sure the scans will confirm the same.

I, too, have been self employed for many years. I bit the bullet and shelled out for a high end health coverage, and have been SO glad I did. It was at the sacrifice of other things, but a little voice inside said it was important! Love the cute hair.

Actually, I had a premonition when under hypnosis in the late '70's and it proved to come true! No exact t ime frame, but in my vision I was not as young as at the time, but I was not "old" either.

Women's intuition can be quite powerful and I hope this is what led you to become part of that screening program. About the one year wait for pre-exisiting conditions, I thought that was now against the law?????

MJo · 07-28-2008, 07:27 AM

Mississippi may have its good points, but it doesn't have the reputation as a generous state. Have you looked beyond state and fed benefits? Have you contacted Susan Komen Foundation? Does Mississippi have a Wellness Community?

Vi Schorpp · 07-28-2008, 07:52 AM

is how you look! I've been wondering what was up since you weren't online. I don't know about your particular insurance situation except that you might qualify on a sliding fee scale with your local hospitals. Would it be beneficial to look into Social Security disability? Sorry I can't be of more help.

As far as the Herceptin, I never had it, so I think you're very lucky you had it this long -- if that helps.

Take care and good to see you back looking so good.

dhealey · 07-28-2008, 04:55 PM

You look fabulous darling. Love your hair. Best of luck with your scans.

tricia keegan · 07-28-2008, 05:01 PM

Sorry I can't help with the insurance problem but hey..you have hair!!!!

Joan M · 07-28-2008, 07:28 PM

Welcome back! It's good to hear from you. Your hair grew in very nicely.

Good luck with your scans. I'm praying you'll be NED forever and never need the health coverage for cancer again. But you'll need follow-up visits, blood work and perhaps scans too. Is there a social worker where you had your chemo? Did you have chemo in a medical center/hospital? One of their functions would be to give you information about medical coverage once you finish chemo but are still under the onc's care. Joan

fauxgypsy · 07-28-2008, 07:39 PM

I will check with UT Memphis about the social worker. I obsess about it fairly often. I have considered disability but my oncologist keeps telling me that I am fine. He just completely ignores the problems I am having with my right arm. And with fatigue. I cannot do faux finishes anymore. My arm starts swelling when I think about it.
I am lucky in that I can still do artwork and I have a couple of degrees to fall back on, with any luck. It will be okay.

It is good to have hair.

fauxgypsy