The Insurance God Speaks

We just want to let you all know how helpless one feels when it is up to an insurance company to determine what is the best care for you. Federal Blue Cross and Shield has determined that Brian does not need another P.E.T. scan or esophageal ultra sound to determine if the cancer has spread and if surgery would be the best option. They would rather have Brian go through this very complicated surgery and therefore take a chance that it would be for nothing if the cancer has already spread. WE DON'T GET IT! They would rather NOT pay for a few thousand dollar test, but pay for a several thousand dollar surgery that might not be needed, not to mention the physical and emotion toll it would put Brian through.

So our doctors are recommending that Brian have another CAT scan instead Tuesday. Then we will take the results to Denver to our oncologist there and he will consult with the surgeons in Denver to try and decide the best course of action: surgery or more chemo or radiation. Let me tell you the only cure will be surgery, so hopefully Brian will be a candidate for surgery. The first CAT scan hardly showed the tumor so don't know what will be seen this time. This is all very frustrating to say the least!

The good news is that Brian got on his horse Doc; it is the first time since Memorial Day weekend. That certainly made his day and I am glad he is feeling well enough to ride.


Mary

Bumps In The Road

Here its another week and we still have not heard if our insurance company will pay for the P.E.T. scan. Brian has developed a severe rash to the adhesive from the tape we were using to protect his IV site and feeding tube. I have been greasing him and swaddling him like a mummy to his dismay. He also has bumps from the Fentanyl the doc thinks, so waiting to hear if there will be a change in the pain medicine.

Brian sleeps alot, but that is good to rejuvenate and heal. I been working and trying to keep up with home and hearth. Brian is helping more when he feels good.

Saw the grand kids last weekend and took them on a short trip to Laramie Peak to visit our friend Paul's place. Brain has been wanting to go to the mountains all summer, but hasn't felt up to it before. Paqui came with us with baby Zeyda. Taylen and Jarret hiked with Paul and swam in Horseshoe Creek swimming hole. It was fun! It did wear Brian out, though.

Thank you all for the comments and good wishes. We love you all!

Mary

Coasting

Greetings to all!

Brian's pain issues are finally under control. He is on a stronger pain patch and quit taking the Vicodin. He is more himself, but still gets tired easily. He was suppose to have another P.E.T. scan yesterday but our insurance rejected payment for it. They felt it was not medically necessary to have another one done. We are letting the docs battle it out. Hopefully we will get to have another test to insure the cancer hasn't spread and facilitate the road to surgery.

Brian and I are walking to help get his strength back. He is eating better, however slow, but unable to gain much weight. At least he is maintaining and not loosing any more. He is wearing the size jeans he wore in high school.

We will keep in touch, had some trouble with our Internet service but is working now.

Mary

Howdy to all!

Brian is now three weeks out from last radiation treatment and is suffering from esophageal spasms and pain. The oral pain medication Vicodin wasn't working well. His radiologist ordered Fentanyl transdermal patches to use. He was started on a low dose. The doctor stated I could increase it to two if necessary and I did this morning. Brian had a rough day yesterday, could hardly eat or to anything but sleep. Today he is much better and joking with me, he is like his old self. It brings tears of relief to me...

I hope he will have less pain soon. I imagine his nerve endings are waking up after being radiated twenty eight days. Thanks again for every one's prayers and support!

Mary