It’s day 12 after The News. Amazingly I didn’t get a 7 am phone call from PAMF this morning. Sadly my body seems to be adapting to waking up early. I hope its treatable. Root Canal Part Deux Just because you have cancer life doesn’t grind to a halt. And ever looking for that silver… Continue reading Root Canal Part Deux; MRI Scheduling Madness
Category: diagnostics & staging
Posts covering the period from initial diagnosis up until the start of treatment. This includes the (numerous) scans, test, and consultations that lead to staging and determination of the treatment protocol.
Mystery Appointment With The Surgeon
It’s Monday, 11 days after The News. I had to wake at 7 am today for the drive to Burlingame. The disturbing thing is I wasn’t all that groggy. I’m definitely coming down with a severe case of non-vampirism. I’ll need to seek help soon. Mystery Appointment With The Surgeon JT and I met with… Continue reading Mystery Appointment With The Surgeon
Planning for The Journey
It’s Sunday, 10 days after The News It’s started off as an exciting day, and for once one not filled with medical, dental, or car service appointments. JT would be coming over for a “project kickoff” meeting. There are a lot of logistics, and that’s one area JT is particularly good at. What’s the best… Continue reading Planning for The Journey
No Trouble Found; Telling Family
It’s Saturday, nine days after The News. No Trouble Found Today I took my car in to see it’s doctor for the low tire pressure warning and to get its whatever-thousand-mile service. I’d originally planned to wait at the service center but apparently ever since the state reopened on June 15 the service center has… Continue reading No Trouble Found; Telling Family
EUS Day; The Mystery of the Surgeon’s Appointment
It’s Friday, 8 days after The News. EUS Day Thankfully I don’t have to do the bowel prep that was necessary for the colonoscopy. For the EUS (technically a “endoscopic ultrasound with flexible sigmoidoscopy”) it’s suppositories. This is my first experience with them, and to spare you the details all I’ll say is that it… Continue reading EUS Day; The Mystery of the Surgeon’s Appointment
Your Insurance: No Longer Accepted Here
It’s Wednesday, 6 days after The News. Your Insurance: No Longer Accepted Here I have a grandfathered PPO plan which I originally got in 2009 – pre-ACA. Being in the tech industry with its associated generous income I figured I could handle medical expenses up to the deductible (currently $5,900 – for perspective this is… Continue reading Your Insurance: No Longer Accepted Here
CT Scan Day; The Car Wants In
It’s Tuesday, five days after The News. CT Scan Day The CT scan with contrast of my chest, abdomen and pelvis was done at PAMF Mountain View. PAMF, part of the Sutter Health network, has several locations throughout the Bay Area, with the Mountain View and Palo Alto locations being convenient for me. I’ve never… Continue reading CT Scan Day; The Car Wants In
Enter the Social Worker from Stage Left; What’s My Insurance?
It’s Monday, four days after The News. Enter the Social Worker I was awoken bright and early by a call from a social worker. The nurse navigator had mentioned that a social worker was part of the team at PAMF who would help me along but I wasn’t expecting a call so soon! From what… Continue reading Enter the Social Worker from Stage Left; What’s My Insurance?
Cleaning the House; Avoiding the Web; Asking For Help
It’s Sunday, four days after The News. It’s amazing how the universe can conspire to be supportive in times of need. On Friday CG “just happened” to be at Stanford Hospital (though the circumstances of why she was there weren’t necessarily the best). Today while out for a quick walk around the block a former… Continue reading Cleaning the House; Avoiding the Web; Asking For Help
The Day After: The Journey Begins; Cancer – It’s The “In” Thing
It’s the day after I received The News. I still don’t “feel” very much. I’m still ever so grateful for all that JT had done – even just in listening to the doctor. I’m not alone. The Journey Begins The day started off with a call from the Nurse Navigator, bright and early at 8:30… Continue reading The Day After: The Journey Begins; Cancer – It’s The “In” Thing