I couldn't figure out why I was so exhausted on Monday. And Tuesday. And then I remembered an important reminder I received from Northshore Survivorship nurse Carol Martz: Even though the drugs have left my system, the lasting effects of chemo can potentially wreak havoc on my energy level from time to time.
So far, I do pretty well with daily activity: yoga, rehearsal, a 20th anniversary concert. I notice the fatigue at times when my days are spent staring at the computer.
And with that, I'm off to celebrate the good health with a trip to Phoenix and San Diego. Snorkeling, swimming, pool lounging and, regretfully, no computer. So long until next Wednesday....
Welcome to the sordid chronicle of my medical adventures, mishaps and triumphs with a side of assorted helpful links. Although I recently achieved that coveted clean bill of health, The Cancer Dancer will oh-so-gracefully trudge on as a means to share the personal and practical findings I continue to discover. Join me from the beginning (as the wide-eyed new patient) or join me now (as the seasoned survivor).
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Strength Training
A question for Customer Service everywhere:
How can it be deemed unusually high call volume if it's constantly the case? When is the off-season?
This is a valid question coming from a patient who has spent countless hours on hold with billing offices and call centers. After receiving my diagnosis and learning that I could not teach dance, I immediately looked into options for financial assistance. Six months of repeatedly providing my account numbers, I've managed to navigate my way through the system, but there are a few things I've learned:
1. Many hospitals supply patients with personnel to assist with complicated bills and financial aid. Though part of the hospital, my treatment facility employed a separate advocate designated to their patients. If you have access to this resource, use it.
2. Keep a record of phone conversations. Include the date, person you spoke to, the nature of the call and answer you received.
3. While waiting for financial decisions to go through review panels, be persistent. Procuring financial assistance was a constant waiting game. Though my account was on hold (no bills due) during this period, I still received statements in error every month. Calling frequently was a necessary measure to ensure that my account was not placed in collections. Additionally, after receiving a grant award from the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, I acted as a go-between for the hospital billing and the organization.
What I've REALLY learned:
If I had followed my advice in step #1 I probably wouldn't have advanced to steps #2 and #3. Not that they weren't good habits to build. Oh, the valuable lessons I've acquired...
How can it be deemed unusually high call volume if it's constantly the case? When is the off-season?
This is a valid question coming from a patient who has spent countless hours on hold with billing offices and call centers. After receiving my diagnosis and learning that I could not teach dance, I immediately looked into options for financial assistance. Six months of repeatedly providing my account numbers, I've managed to navigate my way through the system, but there are a few things I've learned:
1. Many hospitals supply patients with personnel to assist with complicated bills and financial aid. Though part of the hospital, my treatment facility employed a separate advocate designated to their patients. If you have access to this resource, use it.
2. Keep a record of phone conversations. Include the date, person you spoke to, the nature of the call and answer you received.
3. While waiting for financial decisions to go through review panels, be persistent. Procuring financial assistance was a constant waiting game. Though my account was on hold (no bills due) during this period, I still received statements in error every month. Calling frequently was a necessary measure to ensure that my account was not placed in collections. Additionally, after receiving a grant award from the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, I acted as a go-between for the hospital billing and the organization.
What I've REALLY learned:
If I had followed my advice in step #1 I probably wouldn't have advanced to steps #2 and #3. Not that they weren't good habits to build. Oh, the valuable lessons I've acquired...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Cleaning Cancer Out Of My Apartment: An Initiative
In continuing to make this remission thing more official, I recently un-medicalized my apartment. No government leaflets about "Cancer and Me." No excess pill bottles. No patient binder. What we've affectionately dubbed the Apothecary Table has been eradicated.
Part symbolic measure, part need to clean my dusty apartment, the moment I cleared this table I knew it meant something. In fact, I deemed it so meaningful I decided to put everything back on the table to take a picture so I could share the "before" and "after" with you all.
And since I am a self-proclaimed pack rat, I didn't feel like I could just throw all this stuff away. It's been banished to a box simply labeled "DO NOT OPEN." Enough said.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
New Updates to Health Care Reform!
The Leukemia Lymphoma Society has begun hosting weekly webcasts dedicated to addressing concerns facing young adult cancer patients and survivors. I listened in for the first time last night, and panel members provided some creative tips regarding how to deal with the impact of diagnosis on health insurance and employment:
Benefits During Medical Leave:
Through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), companies that employ more that 50 workers on a regional scale are required to grant employees 12 weeks per year of unpaid medical leave while taking care of loved ones or undergoing treatment. During this time employees are assured job protection and the preservation of health benefits.
Plus, read about new ground-breaking details on health care reform and preexisting conditions:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/07/20100701a.html
Several states are operating their own plans while others will be run by the Department of Health and Human Services. Premiums will NOT be determined based on disease category or salary.
Find out how to apply here.
Benefits During Medical Leave:
Through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), companies that employ more that 50 workers on a regional scale are required to grant employees 12 weeks per year of unpaid medical leave while taking care of loved ones or undergoing treatment. During this time employees are assured job protection and the preservation of health benefits.
Plus, read about new ground-breaking details on health care reform and preexisting conditions:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/07/20100701a.html
Several states are operating their own plans while others will be run by the Department of Health and Human Services. Premiums will NOT be determined based on disease category or salary.
Find out how to apply here.
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