CHEMO STINKS

It's been a trying and busy month since I last wrote. Just dealing with chemo, a cold, throwing up (I think I overdid it on some vicodin), but also visits from my sisters, a Phase IV fauxhawk (I will post pictures soon) and a lovely change in the weather. Spring is here and I am happy for it, though it makes me want next year to be here soon so I can enjoy weekends outside, a cold beer, a Spring Training game, a trip abroad...things I just can't do right now.

Last weekend I completed my FIFTH chemo treatment. How do I put this? Oh, I know...I HATE CHEMO! It is not a fun experience. What makes it so bad is the smell. It's hard to explain, but when you have chemicals coursing through your system, you SMELL them. You smell them and they make you nauseous. You smell them in your mouth, on your breath, through your skin and in your pee. The smell is like you have your head stuck in a bucket of markers with their caps off. Chemicals.

CHE-MO-MONEY

GREAT NEWS! But first, let me build the story...as I like to do :)

Yesterday morning was Chemo III. I got ready and my friends, Priscilla and Jennie, and my mom showed up to my house. While they waited downstairs I called my doctor's office. The Office Manager had tried to get a hold of me the day before at 3:30pm. I had gotten out of a client meeting at 4:30 and just missed them - their offices were closed.

So I called yesterday morning to see what the message was about. The financial assistance lady relayed a message from the Office Manager who had Friday off. The financial assitance lady gave me the message. I needed to pay them $5,000 to continue my treatment. I was stunned - my appointment was in 30 minutes! I knew there was a question about whether or not my insurance would or would not cover the $4,200 Neulasta shot I got on February 1st, but this was just 11 days after that shot was administered. Doesn't it usually take longer than 11 days for a claim to be reviewed, let alone denied?

So, I grabbed my checkbook, prepared to drain my savings to pay so I could get the treatment I was scheduled to recieve in half an hour. I went downstairs and explained, not so calmly, the situation to my mom and friends. I was livid. I wanted right then and there to buy that plane ticket to Brazil, spend my savings having fun and die on the beach. My mom didn't think that was the right decison.

ADDED SOME PICS

I figured out how to put some pics on this thing. I have been undergoing a series of Phases for my hair in anticipation of losing it. It was once longish, which for me was a long-time feat - my hair takes FOREVER to grow - and it was blondish, a feat that took a lot shorter time to accomplish thanks to my friend (and hair guru) Priscilla and some chemicals :)

So, the pics show Phases I, II and III. There were only plans for three phases, but if it hangs on long enough, a fourth phase may be in the works.

SINCE THE LAST UPDATE...