Have You Had Your Mammogram Yet?

If someone had told me the full extent of what could happen when you don't get a mammogram, I would have been more compliant with my doctor.  My last mammogram was in 2010.  Like many of us it becomes a scary scenario when the radiologist wants to take another picture.  For me, they took over 8 images of my right breast, putting more skin in the x-ray field.  They didn't see anything and that was the problem.  My previous mammogram had little grains they said to keep watch on. 

Now this mammogram was clear.  Go figure.  The Doctor of radiology came in and said they wanted to take more.  During the conversation it was revealed the center had changed to a digital format.  Since those grains didn't show after the 8th image, I said no more.  The Doctor protested and I asked for an alternative.  Was there an alternative?  Surely the must be something else that doesn't smush your breast like a pancake.

I know many are like me.  Agreeing with those who didn't have a yearly mammogram too.  Yet, I didn't go for the alternatives also.  I am seeing social media more and more offering breast exams and testing, many of them free.  Money should not be an excuse.

Since then I have learned there are several other alternatives to a mammogram, like thermography and sonograms.  They used a sonogram while in the hospital and I saw my lymph node during the pathology testing.  My mother had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer Stage 0 over six years ago.  She had surgery, radiation treatments and placed on Tamoxifen for 5 years.  On stage 0 cancer!  I thought they were covering their a***s on that one. 

But, But, But!!!  There is always a BUT.  It wasn't because I felt invincible or that doesn't happen til my senior years.  I was in denial that would be me, labeled as a Breast Cancer Surviror.  But I am a survivor!  If we could go back in time everyone would change the one thing that would prevent us from change what we know know. 

Unfortunately, I know now why you should not postpone a breast exam.  I have metatastic breast cancer (stage IV) and it is in my bones.  At this point it did not effect any of my major organs.  For someone else this may not be true.  I truly believe the healthy coffee I drink with Ganoderma Lucidum, a reishi mushroom, saved my organs from being touched by these rogue breast cancer cells.

Get a checkup, especially if you have prolonged back pain.  It could be nothing or it could be something.  You don't want the something that takes away your ability to live your life like you want to.  You still have so much to offer, right!  Be Brave, Strong and Fearless!

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

My Weight Loss Came With A Price

By this point you know my mother passed away in 2013.  It was an emotional struggle losing her and someone I long to speak to since.  When I hurt my back in January 2014 I was down 34 pounds and feeling good about it.  It seemed to be easier.  But, as it turned out weeks later I was diagnosed with hormonal Breast Cancer Stage IV.  That is why my back was hurting, it was in my bones.  To be specific, it was in my lower and upper spine, left shoulder, hips and right knee.  I have had radiation treatments in my spine and right knee, with possibility of more in the future.



Me / February 2012

Having been overweight to severely obese in my adult life, I needed to really buckle down and stop overeating for any reason at all.  Such as, celebrating the good and bad, because I wanted to, happy, sad, the list is long.  Eating for me was the only control I had in my life.  I was like anyone else, single living alone and really didn't like to cook.  I liked to bake and good at it.  Eating fast foods, processed foods along with my favorites of pasta and pizza, rarely eating fruits and vegetables.  Wrong carbohydrate cravings galore.  I could eat them everyday. 

Before I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and at home, I had smaller portions and managed to lose a about 10 more pounds.  Once in the hospital, my diet change helped with my weight loss.  I was put on a schedule with portioned meals, fruit, vegetables and desert.  I thought I was overeating but it jumpstarted the carbohydrate cravings normally felt when starting a diet.  Having failed diet attempts, I gave up long ago from the carb cravings.  I wasn't able to walk while in the hospital, especially on my right leg for fear of breaking it and I was hurting on my left side.  I did all my physical therapy in my bed with leg raises, etc. to maintain some semblance of strength.  When I was released the first time to the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, down 56 pounds.

The same occurred through my second hospital stay and hip surgery.  When I entered the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Largo, FL I lost nearly 60 pounds.  My clothes were hanging on me.  Since I had started physical therapy, it added to my weight loss and when released to go home, I was down another 22 pounds.  Since being home, I have a main healthy portion meal and then fruits, nuts or vegetables throughout the day.  I haven't felt a carbohydrate craving they way I used too.  Actually when I have a high concentration of carbohydrates (breads or pasta) in a daily diet I feel cranky and tired.  Go figure!

Me and Adele Brown / February 2015

I am happy to say that I'm now a size 16 pants / 14 top.  I have lost a total of 131 pounds since my mother died and can't believe what I see in the mirror at times.  I have donated half my wardrobe with more remaining in my closet that I can no longer wear.  Cannot believe how much money had been spent throughout the years on clothing that weren't worn or barely used.  Now I shop sparingly for the necessities as I continue on my diet.  I already have my size 14 pants and shorts for the end March.  Hoping my one year anniversary with breast cancer goes on without a hitch.  Keep me in your prayers :)
 
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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

My Experience With An HMO

Once in the hospital I needed to sign up for ObamaCare and based on the information provided I was eligible for a bronze level HMO.  It would not be active until 4 weeks later.  I was released from the hospital again after my hip replacement surgery into a rehabilitation facility.  The HMO required that I pay the deductible up front.  The deductible was $6,300 and placed on a credit card.  Oh boy!!!

I knew I was in a good facility.  After being evaluated by the Occupational & Physical Therapist, I stood for the first time before entering the hospital.  What a great feeling, I had lost hope that I would be able to walk again.  I began my physical therapy and gained some strength.  The HMO required weekly updates and by my second week they were ready to release me.  They felt I wasn't progressing fast enough.  I was weak and so disappointed with the HMO.  How can you release someone who isn't able to take care of themselves.  The HMO did not have my whole story, only that I had a hip replacement. 

During this timeframe my facility doctor had weekly blood draws and it became a concern that my hemoglobin was too low.  I was lightheaded at times while in therapy sessions lately and it was decided I needed to go back to the hospital for another blood transfusion.  I had lost a lot of blood during the hip surgery, along with my immune system being compromised from breast cancer.  After the transfusion, I returned to the rehabilitation facility 2 days later.

After spending a total of 54 days in rehab, I was walking with a walker and able to get to the toilet on my own.  This is where HMO's have some deficiencies.  Once released, I was brought home by a friend who luckily had a walker and commode that sat above the toilet.  My HMO doctor had received my documentation along with the home equipment list needed.  My equipment listed a wheelchair, commode, home healthcare and physical therapy.

It took three weeks to get a wheelchair and I was only eligible for physical therapy.  The commode was considered portable and the HMO would only provide one transport equipment.  Thank goodness for my friends equipment.  I had been in contact with the HMO, the doctors office and the referral department daily, weekly.  It seemed the doctors office kept losing my orders.  The constant waiting for everything, such as equipment, radiation treatments became more frustrating with each request.

In my lifetime working for different companies, I had been exposed to different health insurance policies including HMO's and PPO's.  I never experienced this with a PPO.  There are a lot of individuals who praise the HMO system, but I would not want to be sick while on their health insurance plan.  I changed my plan to a PPO during open enrollment with ObamaCare and qualified for a gold PPO plan costing less than the HMO.  Go figure!!!

Share your experience with your health insurance plan, good or bad.  It may help another make a better decision in their healthcare.

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I have a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)