The Concept of Waiting

Did it ever occur to you that you may be always waiting?   You are waiting to live...waiting to die ..,,waiting to fail and to succeed....waiting to have money and then to spend it.  Waiting for the right house... The right partner....you are always waiting!

What are you waiting for?  In cancer and all illness really life becomes magnified usually.   If you were happy you find a way to be happier....if you are sad, disappointed, etc...you will become more so.

Are you waiting in fear?   What are you afraid of?  Are in you in fear of achieving the things above?  Or  not?

Are you stuck in illness not knowing how to proceed?  Are you having problems moving forward and making plans?

We will talk about that.

Cancer Survivorship...Back To Living

Hi Folks...I admit it...me Ms Sunshine....I have been in a gray place...I can not say dark...because that is different...I just have not been able to stop thinking about dying ...which is so unlike me.

Next month is the 13 year anniversary of my very first surgery for my very first tumor ....on Sept 26th, 2001.  My world changed forever...however...I had no idea of about 18  major surgeries,  all over my body...chemo 5 times and everything else that this journey has brought me.  You would have to read the other 600 posts and that is barely the surface.

I am now taking pills called Temodar and doing some holistic stuff....we shall see.

Today I will no longer think about dying.  I will think about living only .....everyday.  Join me.  Join me in moving forward for another 13 years or more :). 

More writing to come...just had to re group and change the way that I have been thinking.  xoxoxo

Cancer Survivorship.....Update Amy

I am currently working on my own treatment plan for the near future.   It has been difficult to do this for myself :)...much easier to do for others.   I will be back in a few days to discuss the process and how I came to a particular decision.

It was a mix of the science of sarcoma, my emotions, and thinking about quality of life.   You might be surprised.

Come back on Wednesday.   Or read over 600 posts before then.  Thanks!

Cancer Survivorship...Mental Illness

The difference between a mentally ill person and a physically ill person is the ability to ask for and get help.

A physically ill  person knows how and when to ask for help.  A mentally ill person does not.  And yet this person may need it the most.

Learn the signs of mental illness and learn how you can help.  Maybe you can save a life today. 

Cancer Survivorship...How to Pick a Medical Insurance Plan...Medicare...etc

1.   The first general thought is to always pick a plan that you can afford ...not only the premium...Can you afford the plan should you become very ill and not able to work.  Is the coverage enough if you are ill?

I always tell people to look at the plan when you are well and then if you are ill...how...what does it cover you ...exactly????   Will you go broke if you become ill due to out of pocket bills???

2.  Even in Medicare Supplemental plans there is HMO and PPO.   HMO means that you need permission to go everywhere for anything.   PPO means that you can go where you want as long as you make sure that it is still in Network......that they accept your plan.....always make sure they accept your plan if you choose PPO supplements.

Make sure they all accept it...the doctor....pathology...radiology....everywhere...no surprise huge bills. 

The drug plan ....make sure the plan you pick covers all of your drugs.   Make sure you can get drugs in the pharmacy as well as by mail ....mail can be cheaper.


Know that with the Affordable Care Act ....it is not accepted everywhere..Before you do the Affordable care Act..know where the care is approved and given so you are not surprised.  

Many doctors no longer accept Medicare ....my surgeon does not...the list is growing everyday because of the tiny amount of money doctors are paid to care for you. 
 

If you are contemplating going on your employers group plan ...know the rules of what happens when you leave that job concerning your health insurance.   How long do you have it upon leaving...how much is cobra...would you be able to register with Affordable Care or afford a private plan upon leaving?

My advice is always to find a reputable agent that has been selling insurance for over 5 years.  They are a certified broker for many carriers.  They are knowledgeable and will take the time to spend with you...to explain things...how they work and earn your business.   The broker has an office and employs an assistant two.   They can give you references.

Do not buy over the phone....phone only people earn commission etc and that is what they are looking for...just the bottom line...they also are not knowledgeable enough to serve you properly.   Do not buy from a friend or relative just "because"...your life ....your health...advocate and take of yourself always.

Cancer Survivorship... Insurance Billing

My new case is all about insurance billing.  Nothing in this case was billed to the right place.

1.  Make sure every medical institution knows which medical insurance company should be billed first .....especially if you have more than one carrier.

2.  Medicare is first.   Your other insurance is second.  Make sure they know.  Do not let bills pile up.

3.  Make sure your medicine/drug bills are also going to the right place.

Do not assume that billing is going to the right place.  Follow up with phone calls.  If you get conflicting stories and misinformation get a supervisor.   Record dates, times, names of people that you spoke with and the basic content of the conversation.   It is your bills....your money...your health...maybe your credit score.  Be your best advocate and find help if you need it!!

The True Art of Living Day by Day

I think I am finally getting it...understanding it and doing it.  Like most people I discovered it way too late.  The value not only of time in general.

The value of how you spend it because of how you feel on the inside.  Those people that make your heart and soul just sizzle.  Doing a task by yourself or with others because it is so rewarding that you just can not stop doing it.  The art of being by yourself and loving it ...not needing another soul present to enjoy the moment.  Being so at peace with yourself that the thought of leaving this earth is unbearable.

I have discovered this all too late.  The thought of leaving this earth before I am ready.  It is unbearable.  I admit it.  And my friends know it...my other friends in the fight and they admit it as well.  They are just not telling you.   They are the unspoken words of fighting for your life in any sense or illness.

The true art of living day by day...I can do it.  Only if I get to stay here.  I really want to stay here.  The rest I can do myself...well ...and with others :). xo

More on How You Spend Your Time...

I am in the middle of  working, figuring out the best treatment plans for myself, and seeing people that I love before I start more medical stuff.  Sometimes it all seems so insane. 

The art of reminiscing without making it sad for someone in my position is ...an art.  I think that I am starting to understand it.    I will post more about this later today....I have to get ready for the day!!!!   xoxo  Are You?