These last couple of weeks have felt like a standstill in regards to healthcare. A few weeks ago I had a consult with a radiologist, and after the appointment I felt the lowest I have been in a while (even if it was just for the rest of the night). I laid in my bed for 3 hours straight staring at a wall because this doctor really shed some light (dark light that is) on the fact that I am at such a high risk of developing second cancer and that I will have to be really careful for the rest of my life, blah blah blah.. It's like going through one cancer isn't enough to worry about..

Anyway, this radiologist, who does traditional photon therapy, informed me and my parents that I am a good candidate for Proton Therapy to avoid the increased risk of secondary cancer (especially breast cancer because of where my cancer is located) that traditional radiation therapy has a higher risk of. He referred me to a different doctor and I FINALLY saw him for a consult on Monday.

--->I would like to interject here and say that we can celebrate the fact that my body reacted wonderfully to the chemotherapy and my recovery is so close!!!

Right now though, we're about to fight the healthcare system. The insurance I am under will not likely pay for the next treatment despite its numerous, positive outcomes. Next week I will have a CT scan done to 1. map out where the radiation needs to go and 2. so my doctor can send in a comparative to convince the insurance to pay for it. Proton Therapy is cheaper and more precise in its aim and can reduce damage to the other parts of my body, but it will still cost $20k-$30k out of pocket. I can't say it has been a breeze, but up until now having cancer didn't feel so bad. Having cancer shouldn't be a punishment if you can't afford the treatment. Period.

I really hope that everything works in our favor because if not, my Christmas/birthday/graduation present will be paying for treatment.