A Special Thanks to Kellyless!

My oncologist and his team let me go over 90 days after diagnosis without getting me in the chair for my first chemo.  They were again trying to push me past July 4th.  As you know from Donna123's post on this board, your chances of survival decrease considerably if you go past the 60 day mark.  

I was having extreme difficulty with the financial office.  They were holding my Chemo hostage until I made more and more payments, knowing my Commercial Insurance was going to pay over $200,000 at a 100% after the first round of A/C, not to mention the surgery and radiation ahead of me.  

Kellyless drove all the way from Dallas to meet me in Arlington.  She got on every conference call with the business office on my behalf.  She stepped in and spoke with a very placating pharmacist, to get me the best possible combo of drugs, and made sure my voice and concerns were heard.  Until she stepped in, they never took me seriously.

When we are new to this journey, we are like cattle being herded into a pen.  We trust the doctors and nurses to have our best interest in mind.  They don't always have our best interests in mind.  This is a business at the end of the day, and the majority of business goals are to make the most ROI (money) as possible.

So, Kellyless, thank you so much for all your guidance and direction through this very uncertain time in a newbie's life.  You are the best!

Monarch

I have had amazing health insurance both times, allowing me to work with the best doctors and hospitals - again, life saving. Most people these days have dreadful, restrictive insurance forcing them to receive substandard care. If I can help, I'm so there. 

My husband.....the best dang cancer companion in the world. From the moment I'm diagnosed til they say I'm done he's at EVERY appointment. 20 chemos, overnight road trips to MD Anderson - he's a busy man with a stressful job, but I always come first. This time when I got so sick he pleaded with me to quit my stressful job. Best decision! Instead of going back to work we bought our dream house.... A neglected, ramshackle pile built in 1895, I've been working on it two years and loved it tremendously. I was able to just stop and get spinal surgery last February that I desperately needed. And I've been able to take the time to be a cancer companion for folks along the way, because I can take the time. I'm lucky, I feel I have to pay that forward. 

We're moving in two weeks! She's not done, but she's livable so it's time. I'm so exhausted right now.... @Monarch can attest that I'm spinning like a chicken with its head cut off. But I'm grateful for this place and all of you, especially those that have allowed me to be a part of their journey. You strong, fearsome warriors still on the front lines battling this beast. Without good insurance or my husband, y'all are the heroes