There’s a Huey Lewis song – The Power of Love. Something else can have power if you give it some – FEAR.
In 2009, I was diagnosed with lymphoma and given six months of chemotherapy. I lost my hair, my cancer, and my job. And it took me some time to get disability benefits, including Medicare. And on my meager disability, I couldn’t afford COBRA.
So I went for two years without any medical care, save affording some meds for my diabetes. The other conditions I have had to wait. Including follow-up with my oncologist.
When I was finally awarded Medicare last July, I thought great, now I can go see my oncologist. In the previous two years he had scheduled a number of tests for me, but as I couldn’t afford them, I didn’t go. And I worried about losing benefits if still in remission, and about not having gone soon enough if not. The classic double-edged sword.
But, I finally found some courage and went yesterday. My doctor completely understood why I’d not been in to see him, and I shared my trials of the past couple years with him: few meds, losing my home, fears about benefits, ability to pay the 20% Medicare requires. He was very understanding and accommodating.
He said as his exam showed no recurrence, and it had been over three years, there was no need for an MRI or other expensive tests! I’m to return in six months, and probably one more time after that. Then, only if I have symptoms. He didn’t think being in remission would affect my benefits. And, I’m still cancer free!
And isn’t knowledge and action better than ignorance and FEAR? Perhaps I’ll remember this next time.
Guffaw in AZ 
I’m extremely happy to hear the doctor’s report. Congratulations, my friend!
Posted by Rev. Paul | November 1, 2012, 8:25 amThat is GREAT news!!! 🙂
Posted by Old NFO | November 1, 2012, 10:05 amThanks!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 10:24 amYay!
Posted by ProudHillbilly | November 1, 2012, 10:14 amThanks PH!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 10:24 amGlad to hear the news. Hopefully the remission will last.
Posted by BobG | November 1, 2012, 10:27 amThank You!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 1:29 pmYay!
Posted by Borepatch | November 1, 2012, 10:40 amIndeed, BP!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 1:29 pmI absolutely cannot say YAY loud enough! Bravo Zulu!
Posted by LeeAnn | November 1, 2012, 1:35 pmThanks so much LeeAnn!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 1:37 pm+1 on all the positive comments.
Posted by WellSeasonedFool | November 1, 2012, 3:29 pmThanks!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 4:17 pmQuite the feeling, isn’t it? 🙂
Q
Posted by Quizikle | November 1, 2012, 4:00 pmIndeed!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 4:17 pmThat is great to hear. Glad things are falling in place for you!
Posted by CoolChange | November 1, 2012, 4:10 pmThanks (c)(c). Good to hear from you!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 4:18 pmWONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!!!!
Posted by A Girl And Her Gun (@agirlandhergun) | November 1, 2012, 5:06 pmThanks AG!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 5:17 pmFantastic! I hope Tam gets news this good as well.
I hate this (expletive) disease.
Posted by lpcard | November 1, 2012, 10:19 pmMe. too!
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 1, 2012, 10:37 pmGreat news! (And about time you got some!)
Posted by Tam | November 2, 2012, 6:53 amThanks so much!
I hope your results will be equally as good!
gfa
Posted by guffaw1952 | November 2, 2012, 7:21 am