August 14, 2015

        Another strange day, In order to get insurance to pay for the treatments for my Cancer, I had to go to an independent doctor contracted by the Women's Health Network to say, yes, she has Cancer. Hmmm, They already had the diagnosis from my Oncologist and the test results, but ok, I'll go to their doctor if that's what it takes.
        So, they set me up an appointment at a clinic in Las Vegas, we googled it to make sure where it was and off we went with some good friends that are visiting. (I think they laughed all the way home after this experience.) Anyway, appointment was at 9:20 and we found the place by 9:10. It was behind a Radiator Shop and between a Mexican Market and a Nail Stylist. Really???
        When inside I felt like I had stepped back to the 1930's, (well, that's ok, it was one of their clinics, right?) filled out a bunch of other paperwork and then sat and waited until around 10:30. Finally got called back, answered some more questions and sat in a little room for another hour. When the doctor finally came in, if I had not been hurting so much I would have rolled of the table laughing. He looked like a small Pancho Villa!
          But now is the time to worry, he asked me if I was ready for my paps smear, my reply is not in this lifetime! I cannot lay down and the problem is not with my woohaa! Then he asked if I had ever had a (I don't know, that test where they put a scope up your backside!) Again, I said not going to happen, problem is not there either. So I started to explain to him what he was supposed to do and why I was there, I have my test results here if you would like to see them, I just need you to confirm that I have cancer that started in the breast and I am out of here.
          Now I had on a loose top with no bra (they are very uncomfortable right now.) when he said that he would have to send me to a breast specialist. I asked him isn't that what he was supposed to be? He said yes, but....... I lifted my top so he could see the dimpled leathery breast and said, "Well here they are! And here is the tests! Can we just get this done please?"
        After turning all shades of red he started to fill out the paperwork and looked at the tests and said he would concur with my Oncologist. Really??? I felt like I had just stepped into some kind of Twilight Zone.
       Who said their wasn't a funny side to this disease. I can't believe what I had to do for the State of Nevada to get treatments. So, glad I have my own Oncologist and not having to get assigned one from the State.
         The good news is I was told by the advocate after the confirmation that I should be able to start my treatments by mid next week. (Or at least do the interview and set up the first appointment.) Yikes! What a day. Glad to be home safe and sound (finally stopped laughing after the 100 miles headed for home.)