Frustrated in limbo

Teach76
Teach76 Member Posts: 354 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

I finished Neoadjuvant chemo the first week in November.  I saw the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon the first week in December (extended lumpectomy and reduction to non-affected breast to be scheduled).  At that time I asked the Office to fill out my long term disability papers since I would not be returning to my job in January as expected. After the surgery I will also need radiation.

The surgeon sent me to an onco cardiologist to be cleared for surgery as i was experiencing swelling in my legs and shortness of breath.  Cardio cleared me Dec 31st.  I stopped by the surgeon's office last week to drop off new insurance cards and to see if I should set an appointment to finalize surgery. I was told to wait for them to call me - they had not yet received the letter from the cardio.  I don't have any follow up appointments right now - not the surgeon or the oncologist.  I almost feel $100,000 later - ok, we got what we could from insurance, now you're on your own.

i checked with my district's office about the status of my LTD claim which I started in November - the doctor's office did not send papers yet - over a month later!

if I did not send a payment in over a month I am sure that would not be acceptable.  Why can we be put on the back burner?

is it the usual practice to wait over 2 months for surgery?  I would think it better to move forward than to wait.  I almost feel that I should return to work and have the surgery over the summer - just very frustrated today.  When I began the whole process in June I thought I would be finished by December and back to work in January.  I feel like my life is on hold, and out of my control.

thanks for listening.

Kathy

Comments

  • Desmonds1
    Desmonds1 Member Posts: 54 Member
    #2
    Sorry for your delays- very

    Sorry for your delays- very frustrating especially during a time where you are battling cancer- 

    hugs- Susan

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #3
    hugs

    hugs

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #4
    checking back to see how you

    checking back to see how you are doing?!

     

    Denise

  • Teach76
    Teach76 Member Posts: 354 Member
    #5
    Finally, a surgical date!

    Hello, friends

     

         I guess my ranting got some action after all.  I returned from a wonderful family mini-vacation to messages from my nurse navigator.  I have a lumpectomy and reconstruction date of Feb. 4th.  I saw the PS today; will sign my life away at breast surgeon's office and have Pre-ops on Thursday.  Glad to know treatments are moving forward!    Hopeful for outpatient procedure, it will depend on how much of the pectoral muscle she needs to take.  MRI showed cancer may be gone, but there is still a lump (possible scar tissue), and unclear about how far "tentacles" invaded muscle.

         My LTD paperwork is completed but waiting for a signature to be filed.  This is my only frustration left at this point.  If I knew that I would be covered until June, I could relax through treatment.  new year = new deductibles

         Wow, I never thought 6 Months ago that I could put all of this together.  Grateful for all of the previous posts over the years that helped me get this far.  I know I will still have questions after surgery and through rads, but I also know the experts I can count on here for advice and the encouragement to keep fighting through my frustrations.

    Peace and prayers,

    Kathy

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #6
    Teach76 said:

    Finally, a surgical date!

    Hello, friends

     

         I guess my ranting got some action after all.  I returned from a wonderful family mini-vacation to messages from my nurse navigator.  I have a lumpectomy and reconstruction date of Feb. 4th.  I saw the PS today; will sign my life away at breast surgeon's office and have Pre-ops on Thursday.  Glad to know treatments are moving forward!    Hopeful for outpatient procedure, it will depend on how much of the pectoral muscle she needs to take.  MRI showed cancer may be gone, but there is still a lump (possible scar tissue), and unclear about how far "tentacles" invaded muscle.

         My LTD paperwork is completed but waiting for a signature to be filed.  This is my only frustration left at this point.  If I knew that I would be covered until June, I could relax through treatment.  new year = new deductibles

         Wow, I never thought 6 Months ago that I could put all of this together.  Grateful for all of the previous posts over the years that helped me get this far.  I know I will still have questions after surgery and through rads, but I also know the experts I can count on here for advice and the encouragement to keep fighting through my frustrations.

    Peace and prayers,

    Kathy

    Kathy

    Congratulations on getting results and scheduled surgerical date..  waiting is one of three most frustrating part of our journey, no doubt or questions about this.

    I am a take charge type of person - so often during,my journey i became angry and crazy as of medical staff, insurance agencies,  family and friends reactions - responses times drove me crazy!! LOL it does get better, and manageable.

    Positive thoughts for your upcoming surgical procedures.

    Vicki Sam 

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