Had a good office visit with my oncologist Friday. My port incision is healed though the steri-strips are still on. The site gets less painful and tender as days pass. My liver is functioning well. He does not think my cancer is 'aggressive' but without a few months worth of CT scans (which I do not have as part of my medical record) it is impossible to know for sure. The best thing to do is to begin chemo immediately. I don't get a second chance with this.
My Medicaid application is still pending, it could be 3 weeks or 4 weeks or longer or I may not be approved at all. Nobody knows. Which led to the question of when and how I will begin chemo and how it will get paid for.
A round of chemo costs roughly $12,000. Holy Baby Jeebus in a chicken basket! That is a bit out of reach for an out of pocket expense. The oncologist suggested that he admit me back to St. Peter's Hospital for my first round of chemo. 12K is also a bit steep for his office to absorb while I await approval from Medicaid. The hospital has to treat me, especially if Dr. Dudek has me admitted.
I told him "I really don't like the hospital." He replied 'That is a healthy attitude."
I've been thinking about it all day: I can't delay treatment any longer, it is only a 2 or 3 day hospital stay, they won't be cutting me open like last time I was there. I'm still anxious and afraid though.
On Monday, I am calling the doctor to begin the admission process. It is the way forward, just do the next thing. That's all I have to focus on.
