My story actually starts back in 2001 when I was diagnosed
with a spinal cord disorder. Since 2001,
I have had 7 spinal surgeries, more CT scans, myelograms, and tests you can
imagine. I was “unofficially” diagnosed
with Spinal Multiple Sclerosis after a CT scan in 2006 showed several lesions
on my cervical spinal cord. In 2010, I
underwent 2 surgeries – one was to remove my gallbladder that failed and was
becoming gangrene; the second was to place a SCS (spinal cord stimulator) to
help with the pain in my lumbar spine.
With the SCS placement, I am not allowed to have MRIs; otherwise, due to
the magnetic nature of the SCS, I can explode in the MRI process.
Fast forward to October 2014 when I was diagnosed with 2
types of breast cancer. My official
diagnosis is IDC Stage IIA, Grade 3+, ER+/PR+, HER2,- BRCA1-/BRCA2,- Ki-67
(95%), Oncotype 18, 0/5 LN and DCIS aggressive Grade 3+. On November 14, I had surgery with 5 lymph
nodes biopsied. On January 2015, I
started 30 rounds, 6 weeks of radiation.
During week 4, I began to have complications with my rib cage and left
lung. Since then, I have had pneumonia
which later resulted in the need for a lung biopsy. The biopsy determined I had a pneumonia and
radiation related condition known as BOOP (bronchiolitis obliterans organizing
pneumonia). I will always be prone to
lung disease, pneumonia, pleurisy, broken ribs, heart problems, and LOTS of
pain and fatigue due to the treatment. I
currently continue my active treatment with oral chemo-preventative medications. I am scheduled to remain on the medication
for at least ten years, maybe the rest of my life.
I am employed full time; however, I take time off when I am
in too much pain or too tired. I rarely
take time off because 1) I don’t like missing work and staying home; and 2) I
cannot afford to stay home. I am out of paid time off and sick leave which
means when I need to take time off, I am unpaid. If I am unpaid, I have to pay a portion of my
medical benefits premium back to my agency.
It is difficult enough to have a life-threatening illness, but to have
to pay your employer back for the health insurance provided by your employer,
just causes so much stress and anxiety.
I also was told to reduce my stress by removing myself from a graduate
program I was ¾ of the way through. I
may never finish it, it was a goal of mine years ago, but my health needs to be
my priority.
My insurance was covering a good portion of my cancer care,
but things have changed since insurance changed in July. Many tests that my cancer clinic recommends
are not covered by insurance, even with the cancer diagnosis. I must come up with the extra to have the
much needed tests that are recommended by my cancer clinic for the on-going
care. I also continue medical care with
gastroenterology oncology, pulmonology, medical (hematology) oncology, integrated
oncology which includes dietician, counseling, and medication management. I have had to give up acupuncture to treat
the pain, neuropathy and other cancer symptoms because of the cost.
My cancer team and neurology/neurosurgeon team advises MRIs
be completed in order to monitor not only the cancer, but the spinal cord
lesions/MS. One thing, I currently have
several CT scans a year, these come with a high risk of radiation exposure which
is not recommended in place of a MRI. In
order to have MRIs, the neurosurgeon must surgically remove the SCS, a major
surgery with a six week recovery. Once
that has been removed, my cancer and spinal condition can be monitored more
closely and safely.
I am a single parent trying to make ends meet, but having
difficulty meeting medical expense obligations.
My medical bills are piling up and I am worried about eventually being
declined medical care if I have too many outstanding medical balances. I cannot have contusing care to monitor the
cancer for recurrence or the spinal cord lesions if I do not have the surgery
to remove the SCS. I, then, cannot have
the MRIs that are recommended by all medical teams involved in my care and
treatment. Thank you for taking the time
to read this and helping any way possible.
Diagnoses:
Invasive Ductal
Carcinoma (IDC) and Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS), Stage IIA, Grade
3+, ER+, PR+, HER2-, 0/5 nodes, BRCA1-/BRCA2-.
Vickie, our prayers will continue throughout the coming months, that our Lord will present a way for you to meet the costs of the tests necessary for your on-going care and monitoring. May 2016 bring you MANY, MANY unexpected blessings.
