I live in Johannesburg, South Africa, where I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Thursday January 15 2009. This is my journey with cancer and other musings as surveyed - initially temporarily hairless - from under my hats.
Showing posts with label herceptin authorisation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herceptin authorisation. Show all posts
Monday, February 8, 2010
still waiting for the auth
Damn. Still waiting for the auth, as they call authorisation at the oncology centre. Getting anxious. They had better authorise it. If not, the total cost is R220000 which is astronomical. No way I could access that kind of money. And I am halfway through my Herceptin treatment. Want it. Oh I know I bitch and moan about the side effects but I desperately want it. Want to have to help prevent the cancer returning. Tomorrow morning is my cut off. If it's not authorised then gonna borrow the money needed to have it hopefully on wednesday. Then will have three weeks to deal with the medical aid to get the auth.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
a visit to the oncology centre
Well, well, well. People can tell you things but sometimes it just doesn't sink in.
The Tango Man told me at my last visit about a month or so ago that my skin is still changing from the radiation. Then on Monday The Lymph Lady said radiation can affect the skin for up to seven years.
But still, when I felt pain and my skin below my left armpit became darker again, I still did not 'click'.
Now the head nurse at the oncology centre has confirmed it, after I first phoned her and then went in for her to examine me: the pain and discolouration I am experiencing is from the radiation, a combination of the radiation effects and the scar tissue the radiation causes.
I nearly cried when I went there on Friday cos I also handed over Christmas presents to Corrie who dealt with my herceptin authorisation - and what a drama that was, taking over a month - to the nurses and the ever-smiling receptionist. I realised how grateful I feel towards them, how when I said that my gift was but a token, a gesture, of my appreciation, I really really meant it.
The Yoga Man says being kind and sweet and caring is part of their job, kinda like a hotel receptionist's/concierge's and that it is more cost effective to have caring support staff than a caring (in attitude) doctor - The Tango Man is quite cold in some ways. But bravo to Sandton Oncology Centre - you are the best!
The Tango Man told me at my last visit about a month or so ago that my skin is still changing from the radiation. Then on Monday The Lymph Lady said radiation can affect the skin for up to seven years.
But still, when I felt pain and my skin below my left armpit became darker again, I still did not 'click'.
Now the head nurse at the oncology centre has confirmed it, after I first phoned her and then went in for her to examine me: the pain and discolouration I am experiencing is from the radiation, a combination of the radiation effects and the scar tissue the radiation causes.
I nearly cried when I went there on Friday cos I also handed over Christmas presents to Corrie who dealt with my herceptin authorisation - and what a drama that was, taking over a month - to the nurses and the ever-smiling receptionist. I realised how grateful I feel towards them, how when I said that my gift was but a token, a gesture, of my appreciation, I really really meant it.
The Yoga Man says being kind and sweet and caring is part of their job, kinda like a hotel receptionist's/concierge's and that it is more cost effective to have caring support staff than a caring (in attitude) doctor - The Tango Man is quite cold in some ways. But bravo to Sandton Oncology Centre - you are the best!
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