Infiltrating ductal carcinoma, grade 3

Hi HappyAnyway,

Good luck with the meeting and next steps!

HappyAnyway, what a great doctor to call and check on you! And you're right, you have found a great community that understands the road you didn't choose but have found yourself journeying on. I have not been one to comment much but wow, during my early diagnosis, I literally clung to the stories where women with Grade 3 tumors that were huge just disappeared while on chemo! It gave me such hope and I pray you find the same hope here!

Hello happyanyway, My gosh, wish I could have experienced such optimism after my diagnosis. I was a walking zombie all of February. You are a strong woman, and with your positive attitude I just know you will do great. I also have a meeting with my surgeon tomorrow. I had a lumpectomy on march 20th. Unfortunately, my margins came back positive, so had a reexcision surgery last week. I should get additional pathology reports as well. Original biopsy said I had IDC grade 2, but after surgery it changed to a grade 3. Not sure why that was. Also pathology had to retest my er/pr and her2 status. Wish me luck. I will pray for you as well. You just have to take things one step at a time. I know it is easier said.....

Hi Happyanyway. I am breathing prayers for you, sweetie. As far as not sleeping, I went through the same. My primary doctor prescribed Xanax and it really helped me regarding getting a good night's sleep. I never had to rely on any kind of drugs, but this was truly a God- send. I hope your husband with you in waiting room. As far as paying for treatment, the doctor/facility should work with you. I know that if you financially qualify (with one income and 3 kids you might), you may even be forgiven of copays and out of pocket expenses that are hospital affiliated. I have been treated since February, and have only received one bill so far. We in a high deductible plan, so we are facing quite a lot, however I know deductible has been met now, so everything will be covered in full going forward this calendar year. Keep the faith. Feel free to personally message me as well if you need to talk or vent. Prayers and many ((((hugs))) Pat and remember... What you are feeling now is completely NORMAL. We are all human, and it is natural to have our good and bad days.

HappyAnyway - I had to use a specialist for my blood clot in NYC. He did not accept any insurance. I received a huge bill. I wrote a nice letter, asking if they did receive insurance coverage, what amount would be acceptable to them and if they could lower my bill... I received a very nice letter instead of paying $6,000. I only had to pay $600...stating this amount will be a payment in full...

Maybe you can do the same... Doctors receive a much lower amount agreed upon through the ins co. Hopefully your Dr will be kind to work with you.... Good Luck.

I'm sorry that you are going through this. I hope that the MRI will given you good news and no surprises. My right shoulder had really been hurting, too,but it was not an issue for the Oncologist -- just from lifting and gardening.

I don't know when your insurance policy could be changed, everyone is in a different sItuation. I had the surgery under one policy, and then the year ended. I had to research and research! I bought the most expensive policy I could afford and did the rest of it. Family is still helping out. Chemotherapy is expensive.

Happy - we have a large deductible too like $5k. We have BC/BS. We met the deductible in 3 months. Thankfully by the time I had to have radiation we were at 100%. I can’t imagine how we could have paid for those treatments given we had already exhausted our flex plan.

We did make payments on one bill. I agree ask because all they can say is no. I had a friend who has worked for doctors for years tell me the best way to get a bill lowered, etc is to be persistent. Another friend’s husband appealed a bill that was denied by their insurance company 3 times before they got it approved. The bill was $5k. Not chump change.

It’s a shame we have to deal with financial worries on top of everything else but it is what it is unfortunately.

Good luck!

Diane

HappyAnyway, I'm sorry that you find yourself here, but am sure that you'll find the forum a great resource for information and emotional support. As your doctor said, being high grade in this case can surprisingly be advantageous because the rapidly growing cells are generally more responsive to chemo. You may want to look for a group with a subject line, "Starting Chemo in April 2019" or something similar. It can be helpful to interact with others going through the experience.

Lyn

happyanyway- within a week after receiving my diagnosis I took the advice of women here and ask for a prescription for Valium. I took half the amount ordered for 8 days. I just needed a little help over the hump.