*I have cancer but cancer doesn't have me!*

I haven't had much time to write lately. Lots of reasons mainly because life is very hectic around here so no time for dwelling on things. In a way that's a positive thing.

Lately I have been addressing a lot of family things going on . But also things going on with me.

When I had my first surgery Sept 29, 1997 the preliminary thought pattern was that I had a form of Parotid Cancer. Just which type was not decided. Then I made a call to my surgeon about some issues with the surgery. He then stated that it was either Hodgkin's or Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was waiting for the pathology reports to come back, but stated it was rare in that area. In passing he made a remark about my white blood count being to low from the pre op blood work.

One thing I realized back then was with a head and neck issue like mine was to see my dentist. Which I did.

Over the past years I have kept up with dental. Till recently when we lost our dental insurance when my husband retired. We maintained our medical which came out of our small retirement.

In March I realized I was in trouble and my teeth are becoming a major problem so I saw my dentist who I have had for twenty years. He treated me like garbage when he fount out no insurance. He dance around the fact that this was caused by treatment stating good luck on getting to be covered by medical. And so on and so on. He was down right rude in fact.

He gave me a referral to see the Oral Maxillo-facial Surgeon as well. I did see him and he to was very critical stating it was lack of care not treatment of cancer or radiation. I was slightly miffed. Plus he wanted to not talk about much else other then removal and only a few teeth at time to make sure I could afford it.

I had to laugh two teeth 720.00 with twilight sedation. Now if you need 10 teeth removed you can figure out the cost. Due to radiation he would not remove them all at once.

Needless to say I am miffed. Miffed that some one was extremely rude. As well as made the remark that I could not sustain the use of dentures or other reconstruction plans like implants, no options. None.

The other issue is I saw the dentist was treated for an infection. Then went on to the oral surgeon and was treated for a different infection. Four days later low and behold a female infection and urinary tract infection. So I wonder how they figure oral health of a cancer patient doesn't affect your general health when you have had cancer.

The other issues are of the nature of dry mouth ,swallowing issues, chewing issues, and speech problems since now my partial doesn't fit right now that all my teeth are just breaking and crumbling.

Plus do they really think its been easy to not only have all these head neck and oral problems due to the NHL. Which is very rare.

No they don't want info other then very basic info.

So I pulled out the big guns and talked to the Oncology Social Worker. Not an easy thing to do. I found myself getting depressed about things. Not a good thing. But its an overwhelming thought all of it. Then what about if the lymphoma comes back there goes the window of opportunity on getting it all done at once. So after a really long discussion with her and my husband we got a plan to work on getting the Medical Insurance. As well as all my Doctors sending letters to the Medical Insurance stating its Medically Needed and Related to my NHL. I even went so far as letting the Social Worker take a look see. She agreed we are dealing with radiation
and treatment hitting me full force orally. Ironically with it all going on no pain. Thank Goodness. But that can happen any day.

So as of now we have decided to head to the University of Detroit Dental School. All my Doctors want their opinion. Also they have stated that that is a good place to get it medically covered. Plus they will look at income and financial assistance due to my medical situation.

Also there was some sort of Conference on Dental Care/Oncology & Cancer Patients in Michigan this week. I said * If you need and example count me in.* Due to my case being rare. She agreed people just do not understand how treatment affects the teeth and the damage that can be done.

So lots is going on and we wait to see what happens. Its a lot though but I fought cancer head on so as we go this will be fought and done to. The dam thing of it all. Is not everyone in this country had Dental Insurance. The minute both of these guys found out. It was totally different treatment. Unfortunately that's how it is. IF you have had cancer or dealt with it for a long time the cost of medical care is astronomical. I won't even go into what we have paid outta pocket over the years. Then to have them look down there noses at us its sad. It made me feel horrid Hubby to.

So as of now we are in the Market for a new Dentist and Oral Maxillo Facial Guy. I can work with people that don't have compassion. I don't want fluff but a straight shooter who will take me from start to finish with a plan. One thing I have learned as a cancer patient is you need a plan with hope to move on and forward. That said. I will be moving forward this week after a few more calls. As well as my yearly check up with my Oncologist Sept 5th.

So once that appointment is over and tests. My Port is history as well.

So a lot on my mind lately but it will work out and I have hope it will!!