phrannie update....

Let's see....the neck dissection is now just little line on my neck....plus a lot of wrinkles...When I knew I was going to have this surgery, I was nervous I'd look like I'd had half a neck lift....I don't know how they managed to pull it so tight and yet leave wrinkles??  I feel like a baby bulldog...like I have to clean them separately from the rest of my bod....ha!

I had my mask made last Friday....that brought back memories....and the new material is thicker, more solid than the old stuff.  I'm going to try to do it without Ativan.  I was getting Amifostine last time, so I'd get Ativan with that every day.  I just want to be able to drive myself to and from, since I'm not getting chemo and I won't be full of anti-nausea meds.  The rads may be as short as 4 weeks.  I'm HOPING they call me next week to start, as I'm holding on to my dream of heading to Arizona Feb. 1. 

Saw my Oncologist yesterday.  He checked me all out and then asked if there was anything I had concerns about.  Yes, said I.  The last time I had treatment, ALL of my needs were taken care of my Oncology....be it chemo issues or radiation issues.  I told I was very nevous that I wouldn't get any support at radiation, an since I wasn't getting chemo....that I didn't know what to do.  He agreed, that they aren't much into "helping"...more into filing us through like cattle.  He said to come to Oncology with anything I need.  If I need hydration, come in....if I need MM, come in...no matter what I need, I'm welcome there.  Gawd, I love that guy!!

So....hopefully the radiation mapping will happen on Monday, and I'll get a couple days in before the new year starts. 

Oh....oh....ya know, I decided that with this recurrence, and the fact that I was still within 90 days of my birthday, I could maybe change my Medicare Plan to a no deductable one.  So I went into an insurance company and asked.  They said "Well, lets try it....you'll be an experiment....you have a pre-existing condition, and they might deny you".  I GOT IT!!...No exclusions!  I called the insurance company and told the girl there....and she was like "what??!!!"  So now, I can just waltz in and out of Dr.'s offices and not worry and wait for a bill.  What a relief!

p