Last spring, almost exactly a year ago, as any regular readers might recall, I had to undergo a lumpectomy for early stage breast cancer. There are relevant archived posts to which I can provide links, should anyone wish to read them. I've had three-monthly checks of various kinds since then. During the most recent check - at around the one year point - it was discovered, after mammogram, breast MRI and ultra-sound, that another cancer has arisen - still small, and not a recurrence of the old one. I'm now needing a left breast mastectomy, which might be done during the coming week - or maybe not.
There's a second issue. It is not related to cancer, thankfully, but needs to be dealt with. So - chapter two of tales of woe.
Since end of February I've experienced persistent diarrhea. After about a week I saw my GP who checked my blood and declared the cause to be not infectious. After a few more days with no improvement, I sent a stool sample to the hospital. All possible issues came back negative. My surgeon then suggested a colonoscopy, which he did on Tuesday this week. Surgeon took several biopsies of colon tissue. The colonoscopy itself was good - no cancer, no issues to be seen. However a pathologist told surgeon that he had detected evidence of lymphocytic colitis from one of the biopsy samples. Surgeon prescibed meds to manage this problem. There's no actual cure, or so it says online, but how management proceeds will differ for each individual. I guess much depends on the cause, which can range from bacteria, virus, allergic reaction, or taking too many NSAIDs (Ibuprofen and suchlike).
Tales of woe chapter three. After mucho paperwork my Medicare supplementary insurance denied me any help to pay for the 6 week course of meds prescribed - these are very expensive. For 6 weeks' worth of tablets I have paid around $1,400. This cannot turn into a regular thing! In the intervening time, after my surgery, I must find a way around this ridiculous price. The drug's name is budesonide 9mg. But that's a story for another day. I have in mind buying from Canada if and when needed in future (if my GP will provide a written prescription) - still expensive there, but much cheaper than in the USA.
All is at present unresolved. I'm pencilled in for mastectomy on Tuesday, but that won't be confirmed until Monday. If the new meds have not taken effect I suspect I'll be dosed with Immodium for the duration of the surgery and overnight stay.
The next chapter will appear in due course.
10 comments:
Oh how worrisome for you but I am glad you are writing about it here so we know what's up with you. I don't know whether you read another blogfriend of mine who's had a mastectomy also (and she was newly married to boot when it all went down - talk of baptism by fire).
http://biredux.blogspot.com
Adding bowel issues to your woes, and your age, I am in awe of your bravery in writing such turmoil down and getting some kind of handle on it. I just hate the American system of healthcare. It is outrageous.
I'm rooting for you m'dear as it all must be such a burden on both you and Himself.
Healing light is sent your way.
Keep us in the loop.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman ~ Thank you WWW! I will not read the link at present, but will read it when my own adventure is over. I'm trying to keep comparisons and suchlike out of the way for now, in order to retain my ....well, what passes for sanity! Afterwards it'll be different. :)
Twilight, I am so sorry to read your tales of woe. This must be a horrible time for you and AnyJazz. I know I never again want to go through the agony of first learning from the doctor my wife had ovarian cancer, and then having to drive home from the hospital and break the dreadful news to her. She had stayed at home because she was unwell.
Hopefully, your cancer will be cured after mastectomy and your colitis contained, though Americans should be heartily ashamed of their diabolical, capitalist-driven health system.The cost of those pills is outrageous, and why won't Medicare cough up?
Here in France my wife has had numerous scans, many appointments with various specialists, chemotherapy treatments, a major operation, four days in intensive care, and now more chemo. To date it's cost us in total about $1,000 - but only because we opted for private rooms during a total of more than three weeks stay in the hospital. Other wise, it would all have been free. Her medications, of which there have been many, and special foods available from the pharmacy to build up her strength after chemo - all free. In France, if you suffer from a long-term condition, you don't pay for any medications.
America sickened me when I lived there, and still sickens me today. I just hope you can return to robust health in due course. We'll be thinking of you. Do let us know how you're doing and all the best for Tuesday. And please give my best wishes to AnyJazz. I know only too well what he's going through.
RJ Adams ~ Thank you, RJ - and I shall pass on your best wishes to Anyjazz. Although my issues are not pleasant, and the bowel thing is troublesome and limiting, they are as nothing compared with what Mrs RJ has been through during past months. "I cried because I had no shoes, then I saw a man with no feet" - my Dad used to say that often, and I have kept it in mind all through the past year. I hope and trust that Mrs RJ will begin to flourish again, once the next chemo treatments are done. Please pass on my best to her too.
I was shocked at the price of these drugs - which really are no big deal, it's just that Medicare don't have then in their formulary and my supplementary insurance will not assist. I haven't had to pay anything so far - since original diagnosis last February - at all, so I bear that in mind. I'd rather my dosh were going to the hospital and not the drug company! Medicare has also deleted one of my BP meds from their formulary, and that would be almost as expensive - but I suspect my GP must have appealed on my behalf, because my last refill was just the normal $10 per month. It's a racket!
Sorry, Twilight. Also sorry you're having to worry about money when your focus ought to be on how best to take care of your body.
I'm sharing the following excerpt and link with you only because it may not be something you're aware of:
"MAMMOGRAPHY, THE BOOB-SMOOSHING imaging technique used to detect breast cancer, has an overdiagnosis problem. Doctors have long known that some portion of the tumors revealed by the scans might never become life-threatening—but they haven’t been able to discern harmless growths from those that grow and spread. Finally, though, researchers have learned which cancers account for the majority of problematic diagnoses—and their work suggests mammograms are better at catching innocuous tumors than deadly ones."
https://www.wired.com/story/with-breast-cancer-the-best-treatment-may-be-no-treatment/
You've probably already discussed and explored more natural remedies for your other ailment in terms of best/worst things to consume; you mentioned certain drugs as a possible cause but I'm also thinking of diet, what we eat and drink, hidden triggers we might not immediately think of.
It's interesting your body started reacting to something during retrograde Mercury in Pisces, which, for me, has been one of the most confusing Mercury in retrograde cycles I can remember! Whatever happens, I hope the likely cause and/or best (most affordable, least invasive) treatment options become clearer when Mercury turns direct next week. Wouldn't it be great not to need those drugs after all and spare yourself the added headaches and expense? Whatever you decide (or find out), I wish you all the best.:)
LB ~ Hi there! Thank you for your good wishes and your observations. Once I get the surgery done, I'll feel more able to experiment with diet, to discover if there's something my system has suddenly taken against. Doc is blaming NSAIDs mainly, but though I took them during the past few months - to deal with joint and muscle issues caused by another med - one supposed to help my osteoporosis (no no longer taking that one!) I never did go anywhere near max. dose, and hardly ever more than once a day - still, I guess these things build up in the system. My system seems ultra sensitive to certain drugs these days.
Astrology-wise, I have transiting Pluto and Saturn conjunct my natal Mercury, and close to descendant angle. This transit has entered its 2nd year now, it'll linger all year, hopefully decreasing in bringin on problematic issues - of which 2018 was filled, both in relation to myself and Himself, and others.
I'll update here - as and when. Thanks again, LB, and best wishes to you too! :)
You will need to excuse me for not being overly woeful! Wonderful you have the health care to be monitored and treated, for as you know, early detection is the game. I am very sympathetic to your potential pain and set-backs from the procedure, but time flies and you'll be good to go before you know it. Road trip! Your lymphocytic colitis can have many causes and in many cases resolves on its own within 6 weeks, often caused by meds, and can be eased or eliminated through wise diet choices. Have you been eating something new in your diet? LC is often an induced allergic response. All will be fine and I'm sure you're in good hands both at home and Dr. Re your astro - Saturn-Pluto in the 6th? Mineral deficiency could be indicated -
"Pluto stands for things underground and Saturn for rocks, minerals. Saturn also rules watches and time." Noel Tyl!
For what it's worth, drugs.com offers a free coupon for purchases, but it's through participating pharmacies (note that there is a Medicare disclaimer, but you are paying cash with no insurance) -
https://www.drugs.com/discount-card/
Your pleasant days will return soon. Here's to your speedy recovery - clink, clink!
Anonymous ~ Hi there - and thank you for reading and commenting! Yes, I do agree that, in many respects I am very fortunate in spite of my woeful feelings at times. My own "woe" derives mainly from this being the most recent of ongoing surprise issues which have been arising for just over a year already. I'm beginning to feel a tad punch-drunk, I guess. If I hadn't had any belief in the validity of (some) astrological lore, I would have changed my mind by now and become a believer! The fact that I had Pluto conjunct Mercury and opposite my ascendant during most of last year, then just as Saturn came in to join Pluto this intestinal problem arises in addition to the new breast cancer - almost right on time!
My diet hadn't changed - though I had been eating blueberries (new to my diet) with my yoghurt at breakfast for many months - in the hope that anti-toxins in them would assist in staving off breast cancer recurrence. And I'd been taking DIM capsules (OTC) for the same reason. Haven't touched either since end of Feb.
Thank you for the link regarding a coupon. This has been suggested by a relative, too, and is something I shall look into in due course, if I find that the LC is going to be a recurring problem.
Thanks again for your positive approach and optimism - I do usually have some of the same myself, but at times it can become buried under various other concerns.
"Road trip!" Yes please!
I like your hopeful spirit, Ann. And, Ann, as long as you remain hopeful, your life belongs to you and your friends will remain inspired because we all love you.
Charley Settles ~ Awww - that is very sweet, Charley - thank you! (Catching up with a glut of e-mail which must've been stuck somewhere in the system.)
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