Here's to 2025

 

December was definitely a difficult month for me with this wound vac malfunctioning constantly and just overall frustration.  One of the biggest frustrations was that the insurance company denied the wound vac.  Said it was not medical necessary.  As my sister said "how ridiculous that that isn’t automatically covered.  Like someone would choose to have a wound vac.”   

In the midst of arguing with the insurance company, I am now being provided with case management.  The two individuals I talked to at the insurance company were extremely helpful and sincere about things. 

We went to the wound clinic yesterday and turned the wound vac in.  They also submitted more information to BCBS to indicate that the wound vac was necessary.  I thought just sending them a photo of the open wound would have been sufficient enough. 

Anyway, the wound nurse said that it is looking great and healing nicely.  She laid some collagen in it and slapped a large bandaid over it.   We will change it every 3 days.  We will meet with the wound nurse again on January 8^th and hopefully we will done with her because it will be 100% healed.  I am still having mild reactions to adhesives.  UGH.

On January 9^th, we will meet with the surgeon.  Primarily, to check on the wound and hopefully give the OK that it is healed.  They will not put in a port until the wound is healed.  And I’m wondering if I will get a port at all considering how infections love my body. 

Someone asked me if I have any plans for 2025.  My response: wound healing, chemo, puking, mouth sores, hair loss, weight loss, radiation.  And in there will be fun, excitement, adventures, and growth.  I have always said that “goals are steppingstones to failure” so I don’t ever set them. 

January 14^th (Happy birthday Michelle and Michael) will be my first day of chemo.  For the most part, I know what to expect during the sessions, but I also know that each person is different in how they react.  Hopefully, all the drugs I must take before, during, and after will lessen the side effects, but who knows. The oncologist said that Day 5 will be the worse after the infusion.  But also said that no matter how terrible I feel I must force myself to get up and move around.  I must walk at least 10 minutes a day.  And water, water, water.  I have been doing pretty well with my intake but it is a struggle still.  Only time will tell about these sessions. 

I turn 52 this coming year.  Matter of fact, on January 4^th I turn 52.  Every year, I always ask for donations to Cal’s Angels.  This year is no different, but this year it means so much more to me.  I am 51 and am struggling through this battle.  I can’t imagine being a child having to battle this.  Please consider making a donation.  If you don’t want to go through facebook, you can go directly to Cal’s Angels page. 

Until next time….