Thursday, February 20th - Val took me back to the clinic this morning for the routine shot that jumpstarts the blood cells after chemo. I chose to have it in my left arm this time since I had it in the right arm last time. It doesn't hurt except for a quick prick into the skin. The nurses there are very experienced (this one has been working with chemo patients for 15 years). I hadn't realized while we were there, the impact it was having on Valerie. She related later, how seeing me sitting in that big ole chair, and being stuck with a needle, suddenly made my cancer become so real.
On our way home, I got a phone message from someone named Elizabeth, who would help me get the Medicaid Application expedited. Sounded like good news to me! So, after getting settled in for the afternoon, I decided to get in touch with her. Uhmmm! Not impressed so far. Tiffany and I were under the impression from the Hospital Admin that "Breast" cancer was a "shoe-in" for Medicaid coverage. Now Elizabeth is telling me I may not qualify financially because I've moved in with family and Rick earns too much money. I told her that I am still paying for my apartment and my own expenses. She had to keep "talking to" someone else before giving me answers. FInally, she said that, based on the fact that I still pay my own expenses, I "will probably qualify". I then told her that I was under the impression that I would qualify based on the diagnosis of Breast Cancer alone. I then told her I had Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. Her response was nearly hysterical when she repeated the diagnosis, followed by, "we've got to get this through as soon as possible!" Tiffany and I didn't get the feeling that she wanted to help me, as much as she wanted to make sure the paperwork gets done for payment before I "kick the bucket". I was shocked at her response. Tiffany was angry, called Melanie, and Melanie started gasping angrily. When Valerie heard, she was appalled!
Determined to get the paperwork completed, I called Elizabeth with a couple of questions to make sure I understood the application process, since it didn't seem to have anything to do with Medicaid. She explained again that she was part of the expediting process, (a sort of "clearing house") for breast cancer patients. Satisfied the my part of the app was done, I asked Rick to FAX it off for me tomorrow.
In the meantime, Val was getting paperwork done to rent a trombone for Austin. Everything went through quickly and we were able to go pick it up in Lehi. Austin was so happy to have one again. It made my day to see how happy he was to have it for the next day's music class.
Kathy called to say the Stephen's interview with the Mental Health Job in SLC, didn't happen. Apparently they forgot that he was a "phone interview" and when he didn't show up, they considered him a "No Show"! Really??? We're furious at the lack of courtesy and professionalism. They rescheduled for next week but Stephen isn't sure he wants to work with them now. So, disappointed!
Kathy called to say the Stephen's interview with the Mental Health Job in SLC, didn't happen. Apparently they forgot that he was a "phone interview" and when he didn't show up, they considered him a "No Show"! Really??? We're furious at the lack of courtesy and professionalism. They rescheduled for next week but Stephen isn't sure he wants to work with them now. So, disappointed!
With the house quiet, Rick & Tiff watched a movie downstairs as is their usual routine. Valerie and I finished watching the movie, North and South, upstairs.
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