So I just found out I have cancer..

[Rogan]

Thanks, guys.

It came back malignant. I go in the 18th for FNB on the larynx, and 19th for bloodwork, then 20th for results/plan of attack.. Yay.

Good luck, Robert :)

[RobertK]

Treatment #4 (40% Completed)

Treatment #4 was by far the hardest. I fought for 7 hours trying not to vomit. The smell, the lighting, the atmosphere... it sets of a chain reaction in my brain that makes me want to vomit. The doctor finally prescribed me some Ativan (Lorezapan) so next treatment I can calm my nerves before I come in.

Today was even worse when I went back for the Nuelasta shot. My senses were so hightened all I could smell was the infusion room. Smelt like strong chemicals. I had to sit in the far lobby and get my shot there or else hold my nose the whole time while I sat in the infusion room. After we left Tara and I stopped at Blockbuster to pick up some movies to watch over the weekend. When we came out to her car the ignition was busted so we had to have it hauled to a shop across town and we were quoted $490 to repair it. Sucks because it's one of the few things I cannot fix at home on my own.

When we finally got home I received my first chemo bill for 1 month of treatment.. roughly $21,000 but that is before health insurance pays their part so I'm guessing roughly $5k a month is what we will end up paying out of pocket.

Thanks, guys.

It came back malignant. I go in the 18th for FNB on the larynx, and 19th for bloodwork, then 20th for results/plan of attack.. Yay.

Good luck, Robert :)

That sucks, I really hate to hear that, did they determine the type?

[george graves]

When we finally got home I received my first chemo bill for 1 month of treatment.. roughly $21,000 but that is before health insurance pays their part so I'm guessing roughly $5k a month is what we will end up paying out of pocket.

WOW - that's f'ed up. Hang in there man.

[Rogan]

That sucks, I really hate to hear that, did they determine the type?

Papillary Cancer in the Thyroid. They are having a little struggle with the diagnosis/determination, as it also has cells that show signs of follicular, as well.
yay.


The Larynx, I won't know until later in the month, as to whats going on with that..

[RobertK]

Papillary Cancer in the Thyroid. They are having a little struggle with the diagnosis/determination, as it also has cells that show signs of follicular, as well.
yay.


The Larynx, I won't know until later in the month, as to whats going on with that..

I will continue to keep you in my prayers BUT mixed Papillary/Follicular thyroid cancer is the most common type and either way I think you will be 100% ok. You might even get away without needing chemo and just get some follow up radiation.

[Rogan]

Oh, no doubt I'n nowhere near your level.. but never the less, its still a scary thing.

[george graves]

Robert - can I ask? As you rack up medical bills will they continue to treat you? Or is it pay as you go? I don't have insurance - and If I was in your shoes, I'd be extra screwed. I honestly don't know what I would do. What would a person do?

My prayers are with you. Hang in there man.

[kid325e]

I made a comment in another thread about cancer.. I really didn't have my head in the right place at the time so i'm sorry if i offended anyone. I know george graves didn't appreciate it.

Robert, I'm sorry to hear the news and you will be in my prayers for sure. I can't even imagine.

sorry, i was wrong.

[Scotaku]

I wasn't offended, but I do appreciate the apology. I know I've been flippant before too and I've regretted it from time to time.

That being said, I've got cancer and there are some people in this world who deserve it more than me. ;)

Top of my list is our ol' friend Osama bin Laden. 'Nuff said.

Next up is that jackhole my sister brought home when she was in college. He had the gall to raise his hand to her in an argument over the damned tv remote... when visiting my parents house for the first time... on Christmas Day. Oh yes, he can die slowly.

[kamotors]

your an inspiration to all.

[Julien]

I really hope you stay strong robert!!


Julien

[RobertK]

Thanks to everyone for the uplifting replies.

Sorry for the late reply guys, I've actually been feeling very normal and been out of town in Chattanooga for a real estate training class. It was great getting to meet up with a couple of the Chattanooga boys for wings Saturday night. (Atomic - Wes, Stevie30 - Steve L., tn325i - Steve R., rs4pro3 - Ely)

I really bounced back from chemo this past round even though those 3 days were the WORST I have ever felt. I was in such a fog until this pasy Monday after lunch. I made myself go outside, move around, and sweat out my fatigue. I think it really helps. Plus those Sunrider products are freakin' awesome.

Robert - can I ask? As you rack up medical bills will they continue to treat you? Or is it pay as you go? I don't have insurance - and If I was in your shoes, I'd be extra screwed. I honestly don't know what I would do. What would a person do?

My prayers are with you. Hang in there man.

Yes but I do have insurance (80/20 PPO) and an HMO through my wife's work that covers some of it too. Both have deductables though of $5k. I've not acutally received a single bill yet. Just statements saying here is how much you were charged for these services on this date, then the insurance companies send me a letter saying "here is how much we are covering" if I've calculated everything correctly I should skate by with about $30k in total this is my responsibility.

In the case that someone does not have insurance my understanding is that you can work out a very lenient payment plan with the hospital BUT I would highly recommend getting health insurance ASAP. Trust me, you want to have it BEFORE something like this happens to you. Then you get blacklisted and no one will want to touch you with a 12ft pole.

Even if its a high deductable health insurance plan. Having a plan with a 10-20k deductable that covers 80%-100% after deductable would save you thousands after treatment is completed. I would rather owe $30k than owe $100k+ that my treatment bills really add up. 4 months of chemo = 80k+ alone. Each PET scan = $5-6k (I will have gooten 3 by the time this has all ended) PFT and MUGA scans = $2k (I will have 2 of those before it's all over with).

So to ANYONE reading this, if you don't have health insurance GET SOME no matter what age you are or what your situation is there is always a high deductable / emergency medical plan available that does not cost that much.

[chucko]

Wow, I can't believe I'm just now seeing this thread. I don't have anything profound to say, just to stay positive and keep fighting just like what you're already doing.
Best wishes.

[RobertK]

Treatment #5 - Cycle 3 Begins

What can I say... I'm really getting sick of chemo treatments.

I took 2 Lorazepams and was still struggling with the anxeity driven nausea though time did go by much faster.

I woke up this morning and my stomach is still a mess after taking some Zofran before bed time. I basically spent my last hour before sleep mentally fighting off vomitting. I'm going to atleast try to get 2 Sunrider nutritional shakes in me before the day ends since they seem to help me bounce back so much faster.

Only problem is if this treatment is anything like the last treatment then Sat. & Sun. are going to be the worst and hopefully I'll be ok by Monday. The only new side effect that concerns me is my right eye is randomly seeing light chasers which I was told could be a sign of temporary poor circulation caused by the chemo.

Only 3 more treatments to go! Last one is Oct. 2 (6 weeks) which I hope will be here in no time.

V-Check out my new baldness! (yay)

[SamE30e]

Glad to hear you're doing well and that you're almost done. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through, but from what i've read you seem to being handling it pretty well which is the best thing.

My offer for you to move to Canada and take my identity for free health care still stands. ;)

Cheers.