Helloooo out there... are you still around? Anyone? I'm hanging my head, as I've been a sucky bloggy-friend... gone, gone, gone from Bloggyland... and missing this place and you all. As I do.
Life has taken a few interesting turns of late. It's been busy, as usual... a new job (which I might have told you about)... then another new job (which I just started, and I'm finally not under-employed!)... swim season (this was my 6th summer with my little sinkers, who are growing up to be pretty big sinkers!)... a trip to NYC with my daughter (who is about to enter -- get ready for it -- high school!!! Can you believe it?!)... a trip to the hospital (and a near-aneurysm when I got the bill)... and a cancer diagnosis.
Yeah. That last bit sucked. Sucked big. It's not as terrible as it could be, though. It appears to be ("appears" being the operative word) a "slow-moving" cancer -- a lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin's Follicular Lymphoma, to be specific). I had a PET scan today, so they could get a baseline, identify any "hot spots," and determine when treatment might be necessary (hopefully not for a while!).
It threw me for a loop, let me tell you. I was in the hospital for an infection that resulted from an antibiotic I got for a kidney infection (please note that I'm starting a petition to make hospitals pay your bills if they give you medicine that makes you sick! Because, damn, that's just not fair, that's why!). While I was there, a few tests made them want to poke around some more (quite literally)... and a biopsy later, VOILA! Cancer.
Cancer is stupid, by the way.
Oh, and getting cancer when you don't have health insurance? Makes it even stupider. Er... more stupid. Er.
Note that my new job has great benefits. Between the health insurance (which should kick in before Christmas) and the whole 'Oh-no-you-don't-say-you-won't-cover-preexisting-conditions' clause in the ACA (which should kick in after the New Year), I should be OK for the future. I just have to sit down before I open the hospital bills 'til then. Oh, hell, who am I kidding? I'll have to sit down after, too. Our healthcare system? Nothing short of criminal. And one of my doctors actually said that out loud.
Anyhoo, as I say, the whole diagnosis thing threw me for a loop. Made me look at where I am... where I want to be... how I'm going to get there.
Yeah. I got nothin'.
Heh.
That's not true. I've got a list. And on that list is WRITE MORE! Right at the top. And this is where I write. Right here. In Bloggy-land (which tells you how much I've been writing lately).
So... I'm gonna try. I really am. I know you've heard that before. I know, I lie. I don't mean to. They're accidental lies. There is too such a thing. Shut up. Just read, 'k? If you read, I'll write. I will. Honest.
Pinky swear...
7 comments:
You'll beat the big C, girl. If there is anyone I know who has the balls to stand up and fight, it's you.
And I'm sorry you have to deal with the US health system. Criminal isn't saying enough. I really hope your health benefits kick in soon because I know so well how expensive it can be but I'm confident that one day those numbnuts in the government will, one day, allow citizens to enjoy the same benefits they have. It probably won't happen until the crazies are voted out, but I think it will happen.
Thinking of you and hoping for the best outcome which I know will happen!
Tom
It is so lovely to see you posting again dear Diane, your bubbly personality has been missed. Gosh, one new job, a second new job, and your little sinkers must now be teenagers. Wow, Ryan is starting high school! She must be a very beautiful young teenager now.
So sorry to hear about the cancer, that is just not fair ... but as Tom has already said if anyone can beat it you will, I have always loved you for your positive attitude.
Good luck with your treatment, I hope it all goes well for you.
I could sure tell you some funny stories about doctors and their outrageous fees but there would not be enough room here. They sure know how to charge, some are just plain greedy, especially the ones who charge three times the scheduled fee.
Thinking of you dear friend and hope you will soon be well.
Big Hugs
Dianne xoxoxo ♡
I was SO excited to see you had written again. Welcome back! I am sorry about the diagnosis but as the other said, if anyone can beat it, it is you.
Take care of yourself and keep writing!
Mwah to you all!!! XOXO
Your post threw me for a loop. I've recently started writing again and have been hoping you would pop up with your funny stories and antidotes. I wasn't expecting the big C. Your a tough cookie and if anyone can kick cancer in the throat it's you. Keep blogging because plenty of us miss you!
After my dad passed away, I said that I wanted to start a foundation called "Cancer Sucks." Because it does. But you are healthy and strong and tough and you'll be fine and we'll be here for you! :-)
Welcome back, Diane. I don't know what state you're in, but here in California the health care exchanges created by Obamacare kick in in October and the companies cannot refuse you insurance due to pre-existing conditions. Yes, cancer does suck. Sorry you're having to deal with it, but as you say, at least it's not an aggressive form. Sending you love and good wishes.
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