Another day … another dollar … spent on medical treatment. 🤑My out-of-pocket expenses are typically met within the month of January, then I can just let things happen. It’s about $10,000 per year just for my portion. I don’t bother to keep track of what the insurance company pays. But it is a LOT.
This week alone I had multiple scans on Wednesday (CT of chest, abdomen, and pelvis, and whole body bone scan), blood work, and today I had a mammogram, more blood work, and now I’m waiting for chemo to drip. It is very much like a full-time job managing all of my doctor’s appointments and such. I’m not complaining, especially now that I am “semi-retired.” haha. The doc called yesterday to let me know my bone scan and CT were normal! Yay! My body is still stable. Thank you Jesus. Keep plugging away as it is working!
The mammogram was earlier this morning. This is the first time I’ve had one at this center, and the first mammogram in two years. They only do the left one, since the right one is basically belly tissue. Combination lockers conveniently store my valuables. They gave me this freshly pressed, monogrammed robe that has been stored in a warmer. So cozy! I felt like I was in a spa, until the s m a s h i n g began 😂. Ladies, if you have never heard Barbara Johnson’s “How to Prepare for Mammogram,” it’s worth the read.
After that torture chamber I had some time between appointments to eat breakfast, shop, and get some lunch. Oatmeal breakfast was inside Panera Bread, as they are open and allow people to sit at socially distanced tables. That was much better than what I did (am doing) for lunch. After shopping for some fun stuff to keep the grandkids busy (more on that later), I was running out of time to eat out. So, I thought I would pick something up at the clinic. The coffee shop here is less than desirable. Even the nurses talk about how they miss the cafeteria in St. Luke’s. They were out of salads and Diet Coke, so I got a Coke Zero and the last “gourmet” peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
As far as I can tell, the only thing gourmet about the PB&J was the price! They did include granola to the center for a bit of added crunch. I went to the cash register but the clerk was out to lunch, said the technician sitting by the cafe. He asked what I had and offered to pay for it when the clerk came back, since I had to get to chemo. 😃 Aww! That was sweet, but I told him I would pay when I get finished. Who knows whether I’ll have a bill when I get back down there. 🤷♀️
Nurse👩⚕️just came in and we commiserated about the new patient chairs after I pinched my finger 🤨. They are better than the ones at St. Luke’s, but they have some quirks when you try to lift the footrest. At least I can put up my feet while I’m writing this blog.
Rats! I forgot to apply the Lidocaine cream 😩😩. That’s what numbs the port so when the needle goes in I don’t feel it. Rats. Rats. 🙀🙀 Double Rats! Oh well, too late now. I have to apply it at least 30-90 minutes prior or it doesn’t work. I got so busy shopping I totally forgot. This nurse is pretty good. Nice and quick. She did fine. It only feels like a brief pinch.
Still forced to wear masks every time we come. They give me a new one each time, so I’m starting a whole collection 😂. No one can come in except the patients. I’ll be so glad when this pandemic is over!
On a fun note…
When I’m finished with chemo, we will be picking up Elizabeth and Anthony’s kids (Paige and Gabriel) 🤩🥳 to keep them for the weekend so mom and dad can celebrate their anniversary. They have been married FOUR years. So hard to believe! I went shopping to buy some fun stuff for them to play with. Stuff ALL the grandkids will enjoy 🥰🥰. I’m so excited to have them for two whole sleeps. Hopefully they will sleep and let us sleep as well.
Á la prochaine...until next time!
