Tuesday, June 27, 2006

mammogram update...

I went in early this morning for the follow up mammogram. I was very nervous and scared because of the pain and what it could be. I was talking to the woman who does the mammos about how surprised I was with how much pain they were and then she said she was sad to tell me that this one would be even more painful. SHE WAS RIGHT! It was so horrible! They took 4 different shots of my right breast. When she left the room to have the doctor look at the pictures I sat there in my gown crying. After about 10 minutes she came back and said they need to do an ultrasound as well because of what they were seeing. She gave me tissues and tried to comfort me while I waited for that procedure. Then another woman brought me back. She didn't talk to me at all through the whole ultrasound, which was a bit un-nerving. Then she said "you're done. We'll sent the results to your doctor in a day or two". So I got dressed and me and my very sore breast went to Sam's Club to get some groceries. By the time I got to the check out line my cell phone rang and it was doctor's office saying that they were called my the mammo place and that they are recommending that I get a biopsy. So there I was...all alone, putting my groceries up on the conveyer belt with tears uncontrollably streaming down my face. I managed to check out, load up my car and get home. My boys took care of the groceries for me so I could try to make some phone calls. Right now I'm waiting for a call from my doctor's office. Oh wait! The phone is ringing...doctor calling now...okay, it looks like I have to have an incisional biopsy done. I have a consultation appointment with a surgeon on July 10th. We have NO insurance. I've paid $178 so far and that appointment will cost me $185. The biopsy will have to be done in a hospital and I have no idea how much that will cost, but it can't be cheap. How on earth am I going to be able to afford all this? I'm so tired! I got less than 5 hours sleep and I've cried the better part of the day away. I'm too upset to eat. I think I'm going to go take a nap. I'm completely exhausted!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your crisis-I know I am just a stranger to you but a friend indeed. You need to contact your physicians, hospital, etc. ahead and let them know your situation-they should have financial counselors that can help you make a plan for your medical expenses. This is something you will have to pull yourself up from the "boot straps" and go with it. You never know what kind of financial assistance is out there if you don't ask!!! Google the internet, contact(as I said before) your medical "team" in this process and ask as many questions as possible-good luck!!

Pam said...

Don't worry about how to pay for it! Think positive and think good thoughts. Never worry about the unimportant stuff until you really have to and the money isn't important right now, you are! Sending you huge cyber hugs and lots and lots of prayers!

Grandma September said...

I haven't stopped praying and sending good thoughts your way, Jolene. Love, Tember

Chris G said...

I wished I was there to sop up your tears. I am here in faith and love for you thou!! You have many friends....use them......

Anonymous said...

PRAY! i POSTED THIS TODAY, AND THE QUOTE WILL HELP YOU TOO!

as, as you all know, the Rhonna 21 day challenge has come to a screching halt....all because of the corrupt, evil, no good, good for nothing...I will stop there....it does no good to rant, we need to keep encouraging Rhonna to continue on..... We MUST NOT leet the bad & ugly get the best of us...God allows hardships to teach us about ourselves and our strengths..FIND THE BLESSING IN THE BATTLE!

here is a quote to help her and help us continue on.

...Love the moment. Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed. - Corita Kent

Chickenbells said...

Oh honey...I wish I could be there to give you a big hug...and a shoulder to cry on! You are in my thoughts...and, may I say...how amazing are you, to still want to do the challenge in the midst of all of the things that are happening in your life?!!

You are a strong and beautiful woman...and have more help than you'll ever know.

These life crisis seem to help you see exactly who you are...Hugs and love to you!

Anonymous said...

Jolene,
I am so sorry about your news, but be strong. It could still turn out to be no big deal. As for the money, don't fret...they'll wait for the money and take payments, whatever....treating patients comes first. I'm sending you lots of good thoughts and wishes. I know it will be hard waiting for the biopsy...but try to take each day one at a time and enjoy the little moments. They'll help you stay strong.

Shawnna Samples said...

I am going to be praying for you --- God Bless

Anonymous said...

Jolene - I have been thinking about you all day and am so glad you posted (didn't get a chance to read til now). I have been down this same road, just two years ago and it's a very scary and questioning time. I would be glad to talk to you about my experience and answer any questions you might have (always good to find someone who can truly "relate"), if you'd like. Feel free to contact me through my blog (email addy link is there). The best way to combat any fears you have right now is to be informed and gather as much information about this as you can - that certainly helped me. I'll be more than glad to help you - and I'm praying for you, as I believe that helps to soothe the uncertainty and calm the fears.
Denise

Anonymous said...

you are in our thoughts and prayers.
the chatterbox team

Anonymous said...

Jolene, I am so sorry to hear about your news. I've never had to deal with this myself so I can't say I know what you're going through but maybe it will help to know that there are people out there that care and are sending you love, positive thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself - that's the most important thing right now. I'll be checking back for updates.

Anonymous said...

Sis, please let me know when the next appointment is so I can be there with you. These kind of things are not meant to be gone through alone.

Anonymous said...

i am sorry to hear this news. it reminds me exactly of what my mom went through a few years ago. i hope that all turns out well for you. keep us updated!
hugs
maggie

Anonymous said...

I was looking thru your blog and read this post. I know just how you felt. It brought up so many memories. It brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry you are having to go thru this. It is easy for me to say but try not to worry about the money part. You need to have the tests to see what you are dealing with. Try to do something nice for your self every day. Take someone with you to all your doctor's appointments do not try to do this alone. It really helps to have someone with you. Take care of yourself.

Kathy