This Question is Possibly Answered
Well hell Honey, you and I fell off the same cart, different sides when it comes to a loved one with drug and/or alcohol abuse. The abuser in my life is my daughters husband,
whom I care for not at all. Very long story short, he is an alcoholic with a drug problem and if I could jettison him from my life I would in a heartbeat. I have a four year
old granddaughter which complicates the situation. Nuff said on that topic. Hmmmm, four years vs. two months, rather unbalanced scale, but it will balance out in time
and like you so aptly put it, you need to take care of you first. I've been through all the usual, diagnosis, bloodwork, bone marrow biopsy, PET and CT scans, Port placement
and six sessions of R-chop chemotherapy Prednisone Therapy and Nulasta. My last chemo session was June 30th of this year, and since then I have continued to improve and
pray that this continues. Cancer is a virtual roller coaster, and you willfind your emotions all over the place. All you can do is the best you can do and if/when yu feel a blue
period coming on, do something, anything, to get your mind in another gear. Joe had a great idea of getting outside, even if it's for a short period of time. Get out in the
sunshine, feel the warmth on your face, smile at a stranger even if you don't feel like it. Try really hard not to be a hermit, because left alone to our own private hell is
another type of hell all unto itself. From what I understand, most Lymphomas progress slowly (I'm not a doctor, just my understanding). Ask your doctor at the clinic you
attend if he knows of anyone who can help given your circumstances. Have you checked into Medicaid (not sure if that is the right agency or spelling, just know that there
is medical help available for those who find themselves "inbetween" as you now unfortunately do. I'm trying to read between the lines here, no judgement whatsoever,
but are you saying the surgeon who did the biopsy is not your doctor and your doctor at the clinic doesn't know you are uninsured? Bit confused here, sorry.
You did have prior health insurance through your previous employer?? Don't mean to be nosy, but if you have been unemployed for a short period of time, would your
previous employer consider trying to help you get COBRA?? It would have to be a continuation, so maybe I'm really reaching here. At this point, maybe when you see
your doctor on Wednesday you could have a frank and open converastion with him/her about your situation and see what transpires. As for questions, you bet, ask
as many as needed to arm yourself with as much information as possible.
This text is once again refusing to wrap, so excuse the uneven breaks. Humor is great!!! Use it liberally. 
Your friend,
Kgirl
Good morning Honey...it's a beautiful day here in Northern California also, perfect autumn weather. Listen darlin' I've had my share of pity parties, as a matter of fact you're in
wonderful company when it comes to those particular parties. We, sometimes, ask "would you like some cheese with your whine??" It's perfectly normal to feel blue, sad,
frumpy, etc. You've had a major shock to your system and still know you're facing more "unknowns". Try not to fret about wearing sweats and flip flops, no makeup, etc. This
too shall pass and might get a bit worse before it does. If you feel self absorbed it's probably because you are. It's my opinion that anyone who gets a diagnosis of cancer
withdraws into themselves for a period of time, a self protection mechanism, not unlike shock. I think I was in shock for awhile because of the diagnosis and the speed in which
I had to prepare for chemotherapy, and this involves a bit of preparation. PET Scan, BMB, multiple blood panels, Port Installation, medication preparation, etc. My bone marrow
biopsy was done in the doctor's office, and in reading through the boards, I see that some are done in the office and some in the hospital. I'm assuming bilateral means both sides
and mine was just one sided, so maybe that figures in to where the BMB is done. Don't know for sure. I'm fairly confident that your doctor wants the results of the BMB and will then
be more able to answer all of your questions, just a guess. I don't think your lack of insurance plays any part in where this procedure takes place. As far as treating you
aggressively, I'm all for it. I also was treated aggressively, went from diagnosis to four days in hospital to the following Monday the PET, Port placement, etc with Chemo following
on Tuesday. You can see why I think I was a little shocky. BUT we get through it and move forward. Honey, once you get your treatment lined up and share with your friends
here on the board, we can, most likely, walk you through what to expect as each and every one of us has been in your shoes. I just don't want to put the cart in front of the
horse or offer information you may not want or need. Like Sharon says, keep your arms and legs inside the ride, lock your seat and put your tray in the upright position.
You're about to fly, and crash landing is not permitted!!!!
Peanut Butter Cheesecake brownies???? I knew they were yummy, thought I got a hint of one of my very favorite
foods!!!! Dang, someday's I wish we could turn a knob and hand goodies through the computer!! Cookie (Jane) is our resident baker and she always has someting wonderful
cookin' in her kitchen.
Please let us know how you did with your PET and when your next appointment with the doc is. We're rootin", thinkin" and praying for you. Have a good patio cleaning
kind of a day!!!!
By the By, if your meds are not working, discuss with your doctor. There are different types, etc., and while one may work for me, it may not work for
you.
Kgirl