It's back and I'm bummed, pissed with a bit of whining thrown in

traci43
traci43 Member Posts: 773 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I was first diagnosed in June 2007 with stage IV colon cancer with mets to ovaries, omentum. Surgery removed everything and had 12 rounds of FOLFOX. Everything was fine until December 2008 when a rise in CEA (highest was 15) and PET Scan convfirmed recurrance (bit of leftover omentum with 3 mets). Had 8 round of FOLFOX then HIPEC in June 2009 followed by 6 rounds of FOLFOX. CEA started rising in April 2010, now at 8 and PET Scan shows three spots (2 are lymph nodes and one is in the intraperitoneum) near rectum.

I'm so bummed, I had hoped the HIPEC would take care of the cancer, but no, the **** came back. To make matters worse, I get the news via email (per my request) on Friday afternoon so I've had all weekend to stew about it without being able to even make a Dr. appt. I had to fight big time with my HMO to get anything other than chemo last time, as it's not curative so the HMO didn't want to put out for it. Now the surgeon (not the one who did the HIPEC surgery) is suggesting chemo, I want surgery. So now the fight starts anew. Since the surgeon suggesting chemo is chief of surgery, I'm wondering how I can even get a second opinion from my HMO.

At least talking to my Mother-in-law, she suggested emailing the HIPEC doc for her opinion, which I will do today. Been up since 4 am thinking about this and just can't get back to sleep. Sorry to dump on you all, but had to get it out. Believe me the fight isn't over yet, I'm just hating having to fight yet again. Traci

Comments

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    So sorry for your news
    It is bad enough having to fight cancer without having to fight insurance too.

    I am hoping that you and your doc can come to agreement on best treatment for you. Let's pray that even though they didn't want to do surgery before, they will do it now if that is what should be done.

    Is there some board which allows you to challenge the decision of the surgeon if need be?

    While it would be out of pocket, perhaps it would be worth seeing an independent surgeon for a second opinion. If that doc could define why surgery is best option, perhaps it would help your case with HMO.

    Best wishes and prayers for you Traci as you continue your fight.

    Marie who loves kitties
  • traci43
    traci43 Member Posts: 773 Member

    So sorry for your news
    It is bad enough having to fight cancer without having to fight insurance too.

    I am hoping that you and your doc can come to agreement on best treatment for you. Let's pray that even though they didn't want to do surgery before, they will do it now if that is what should be done.

    Is there some board which allows you to challenge the decision of the surgeon if need be?

    While it would be out of pocket, perhaps it would be worth seeing an independent surgeon for a second opinion. If that doc could define why surgery is best option, perhaps it would help your case with HMO.

    Best wishes and prayers for you Traci as you continue your fight.

    Marie who loves kitties

    thanks!
    Thanks for your thoughts and I love kitties too. In fact, I have one on my lap as I'm typing. he's purring away.
  • Luv2lunch
    Luv2lunch Member Posts: 270
    Traci,
    So sorry for what you

    Traci,
    So sorry for what you are having to go through. I think insurance companies stink almost as much as cancer does. Not quite, but you know what I mean.
    We will be praying that things work out for you.
    Sincerely,
    Linda and Ellie
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    Traci
    I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope you get good outcome, + please keep us update.
  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    AnneCan said:

    Traci
    I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope you get good outcome, + please keep us update.

    Traci
    well that just stinks the big time!!! so sorry Traci you have to do it again....but here you go girl Know what you mean about surgery....I feel that way too....like to get the surgery and then do some chemo....

    best of thoughts with you Traci.....


    maggie
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    Traci:
    I'm sorry you have to deal with this all over again. Thats the nature of this disease, it tends to recur in many patients.

    Come on the board and vent all you want. The patients and caregivers on the board understand that you are sick and tired of fighting but Traci, you have done it before and you can and will do it again.

    Take care and let us know what the docs are saying.

    Tina