A few notes on healthcare

Another week down, only about 7 to go until this journey is over.  Well, at least this part of the journey is almost over.  I'll be honest, it's been a lot harder than I ever could have imagined.  But the support I've gotten has been beyond what I could have ever expected too.  From the cards, the messages, the meals and gift cards.  Opening the door on a completely craptastic day last week and finding these beautiful flowers from ladies that I've known (and loved!) online for the last 4 years:

I even had a friend INSIST on going grocery shopping for me earlier this week, even though I told her I didn't need her to (thank you so much Briana, we are so going to miss you!). If ya'll know me, you know that it's really hard for me to ask for help.  But I haven't even had to.  It seriously brings me to tears to think of all the people who've helped me in some way.  I just hope that someday I can pay all of this love and support forward!  

I met with my oncologist yesterday- they've worked it out so I see her about every two weeks. She's such a nice person and I'm glad she didn't act weird when I cried a little about all of this LOL  She promised me that chemo is the absolute worst part of this journey and reminded me that I'm over halfway there.  It definitely takes a special person to make this a career and to help people.  I've been fortunate to have really great doctors and nurses tend to me so far.

I was asked AGAIN yesterday if I had a referral.  This happened early March and I had a meltdown because it was on a chemo day and I was so scared that they wouldn't let me do chemo and it'd screw up my schedule.  They told me to call my doc's office, but luckily this time I didn't stress because I knew that I had a referral but just didn't have it with me (I keep it with my chemo bag that I only bring on chemo days).  I knew my doc's office didn't open until 11am on Tuesdays so I told her I'd call later.  Then I was told to stop by the financial office before I left.  My question is, if they have a financial office, why can't THEY call and ask for a referral?  Why put that on the back of someone who is fighting cancer?  Seriously, it makes absolutely no sense to me.  I wanted to tell the receptionist CALL THEM YOURSELVES.  ugh.  I also got back my claim for the wig, err, prosthetic device, saying that my claim wasn't complete.  I had a referral from my doctor but apparently saying I had breast cancer and am going through chemo isn't enough of a reason for them to cover the cost of my wig :/  what the heck?  argh.  I know I shouldn't complain too much because we have great insurance, but little stuff like this has put me over the edge just too many times.  Of course I forgot to ask my oncologist about writing a new prescription for the wig, so hopefully I'll remember to bring it up next week at chemo.

I just realized that I forgot to sing the praises of my most awesome supporter- Ray.  Today we've been married for 14 years and there's a lot of things that I wouldn't have been able to get through without him, but especially this.  He's been my rock, supporting me on my bad days and encouraging me to continue to do the things I enjoy on my good days.  He takes care of the kids, makes dinners (kind of- hot dogs and chips is a dinner, right? :P ), does laundry, cleans up when he can & pretends not to notice the weight I've gained.  So, to you, my dear Ray, I say thank you so much for being the best husband and father I could have ever imagined.  You are my everything and I love you to the moon and back!  Happy Anniversary!!