Saw my doctor yesterday

and everything is good.  He gave me a new sleeping aid and I did use it last night and it seemed to help.  He feels I am just NOT sleeping well enough....so we will see how that goes.

This was round 2, I have to go to 4 to see if it is working.  I pray it is, and I can adjust and start to see some major improvements in my CA number and tumor counts.

He is a fabulous doctor and I know he is doing all that he can.  I get tired and frustrated.....but, he keeps me going.

Thanks for all your encouragement.  Means the world to me.

I am getting on my Soap Box!

You know, I don't like to get political on my blogs....but, I am making an exception today.

I got a call from my Oncologist's office today.  I need a referral from my HMO doctor.  They tried to get one, but unknown HMO doctor doesn't know me.  See, I have never seen him....why????  cuz everything I need done, is done with my oncologist.  Who I have been seeing for 5 years.  So, I called the main number.  Ugh...sorry, but yes, you must have a referral.

I say (not so sweetly, sorry) so, what is this unknown hmo doctor going to do for me?  I have cancer.  The last time I saw one in 2009, they wanted me to sign a Living will. ( Which I didn't do)  So, what, I pay him the office call so he can give me a piece of paper.

Yes maam.

I said, I have a chemo treatment tomorrow.  Will this be covered, because I can't get in to see the unknown hmo doctor today. 

Thank God, he said, yes.....but in the next few weeks I have to take care of this.

Ok, so I ask, can I make my oncologist my HMO doctor.

No, but, you can take out the PPO insurance and he can be your listed doctor.

Me:  That costs more right.

Yes maam.

Thrilling.

Here is my final opinion.   Don't get sick.  Don't get a chronic illness.  If you do, make sure you have Xanex available....because if the disease doesn't kill you....the insurance stress will!!

1st round of chemo down

I see my doctor on Thursday.  I wish I could say that I feel great, but I don't.  Not sick, just not myself.  Hoping I will get some answers at my visit.  Maybe my blood count is down. 

My hair is growing....not as fast as I would like it, but growing.  I think I may keep it a little shorter than I normally do.  It sure is easier to take care of.  But we will see.  I have always liked longer hair than shorter.

Thank you for caring about me....and for all the prayers.  I appreciate it so much.

Will let you know how the doctor goes on Thursday.

New chemo today

All my tests finally got finished and I was approved for the new chemo treatment.  I received my first dose today.  I can be on this regimen up to a year if it works for me and I get it every three weeks.  No in between dr. visits!!  Woo Hoo!!

We are so hopeful for this med.  I saw my oncologist co worker today...He is another fabulous doctor and he was so encouraging to me.  It came just when I needed it.

I will keep you all posted on how I feel.  I must admit the last week has been a bit stressful.....all the tests and all....but I am feeling good now.

Before I leave...

I wanted to bring you up to date.  I will start my new chemo, a trial, when I get back from my trip.  Everything is looking good and we want to keep it that way!
So I will post again after the first treatment and let you know how that goes..
As always...thank you for your concern and prayers.

What's UP!

I have been enjoying no treatment....but unfortunately, that is coming to an end.  I have been accepted into a new clinical trial and will be undergoing all the pre-tests next week, CT, MRI, EKG, and labs.  I am grateful though that there still is treatment available.  I will start my new treatment on May 8th.  I should be able to keep my new baby hair!  Just praying that all will go well, and I won't get so sick as last November.

Thank you for your prayers and encouraging comments.  They mean the world to me.

Have you Missed Me?

I have been enjoying the benefits of no treatments....my family and I went to Disneyland, and California Adventure.  It was a wonderful time.  I posted about it at Thinkinofhome. 

But all fun eventually comes to an end, and I guess my reprieve from treatment will be ending soon.  My CA125 has reared it's ugly head.  I went for a CT scan today, it went well, although, it was trauma getting appointments set up.  Our insurance is really changing will all the new plans.  But, not to be political, lets go on....

I will be seeing my doctor in the next week or so.  I am concerned that I will be going back on Taxol.  But, I trust the doctor and will do what he thinks best.

Thanks for all the prayers....
I will keep you posted.