Prefrontal Madness

Or perhaps the evils of an idle mind....

Speculation makes us human, but is a slippery slope when it comes to happiness. So because I have had some minor aches and discomfort on my right side - yes, where my tumors are located - and I have had time to ponder the possible reasons, I have struggled the last several weeks with angst and uncertainty. Sleep has been dark and unsettling, my perception melancholic and heavy. Christine quips, "Bitch at me, wait and see," while I add "Bitch at you, talk to Dr. Zu." And so I retreated into this funk until today when I saw Dr. Zu which helped to allay some of my fears.

Here's the scoop on my health - (it's good!):

Generalized aches are difficult to pin down and could easily be side effects from my medication. Dr. Zu is pleased that I am eating well (ain't no doubt about that!) and am physically active.

It is time for my regular CT scan (every three months), so Dr. Zu will schedule one before I see him on July 27, 2015.

My WBC is good.

My platelets are a bit low, which may explain some of my fatigue.

I had my monthly Sandostatin shot.

I made a commitment to Christine not to let my angst get the better of me so I will no longer "bitch at her" and " let my anxieties defer." It is tough enough to live with me never mind when I am sullen! It isn't easy living with cancer. But as Christine says, "No one gave us a handbook on how to deal. We're wingin' it."

I start my summer job tomorrow. I will tutor four hours a week at the SDSU Community Reading Clinic.

And I will continue to stay active - running and walking regularly.

Please send positive thoughts our way.

With love,

Andrew

An update and a box of soap

Dearest Friends and Family!

Good news:
Received my Sandostatin injection yesterday. My vitals are good. I am maintaining my weight, staying active, and eating well. Hard to believe, but the school year is coming to a close. It has been a good year!

Box of Soap:
Or a soap box....
When I arrived yesterday for my monthly appointment with Dr. Zu, the nurse informed me that, due to changes in insurance protocol, I could no longer see Dr. Zu on the same day I received my treatment. I now have to get my blood work on one day, see Dr. Zu on another day, and then get my shot on another day. I mean, really? Can you say money! As if the shot I get isn't enough of a pain in my ______________! The insurance company has dictated this change in protocol. Rather than benefit from the relationship I have with Dr. Zu - going on four years -, I will be unceremoniously ushered from one appointment to the next. The bureaucracy of the health care industry keeps rolling people over with little regard for what is best for people.

Okay, I feel better now.

More good news (just got this):

I called Dr. Zu's assistant this morning to seek clarification and to express my dissatisfaction with the change in protocol. Dr. Zu agreed that is was unnecessary for me to make an additional visit. He made an exception. While this is good news, it bothers me that the insurance companies steamroll people who don't ask questions and don't make a stink, and that, even if they do, it won't make a difference.