In the last year I have been diagnosed with cancer twice. Last year in August I had surgery to remove tumors growing in my bladder. This was the 2nd time I had been diagnosed with Bladder cancer. The time before was about 12 years ago and I had been declared cancer free over 5 years ago. Then out of the blue they found the tumors during an ER CT scan. I was in the ER for what I figured was my chronic kidney stones. Turns out I had both. So surgery in mid July for the stones and 3 weeks later for the tumors. Not a fun time ! I figured heck I beat it once I will beat it again. I kept having pain in my back over my kidney on the left side. It did not go away but I figured with 2 surgeries in 3 weeks it was related to my surgeries. September went and so did October but the pain stuck around. By November I called my urologist and scheduled an appointment. 2 CT scans later ( 1st without dye and 2nd with ) He told me it was most likely Kidney cancer. This wonderful news was right before Thanksgiving. He also told me I had 2 new kidney stones. So off we go for more surgery. December 21st, right before Christmas I had the stones removed and then near the end of January I had part of my kidney sliced off. Let’s just say that was a great way to completely kill the fun of the Holiday season for me ! Now I get yet another kick below the belt, the Bladder cancer is back ! UGH, had been really hoping it was going to be like last time. A couple of years of uncomfortable cystoscopy exams every 3 months and then 4 and then 6 and finally every year. Instead I get yet another surgery to remove the 3 new 1 cm tumors and 6 weeks of chemotherapy. This is on top of my chronic pain and back issues !
So my brain has been going nuts lately. I turned 50 back in February, right after the 1st two cancer scares and that was pretty mind boggling by itself. Add in the double cancer whammy and now making it a triple, I am having a very hard time dealing with it all. I have been trying my usual mechanisms for coping, ie. being my usual wiseass self and joking about it. That works for a bit then it hits me again. I am thankful we caught it quick and very thankful I have an awesome doctor who I truly trust to get me through this. ( Hey you have to trust the guy who has stuck a scope up Mr. Happy so many times he knows the inside better than I know the outside :P Besides with all the surgery he has been doing on me this last year I probably finished off his kids college funds ! ) He is 2 months older than I am and a great guy as well as having a nice touch with the scope. Something that really comes in handy when he is pushing a tube larger than the opening into you ! Still with all of that I am scared ! I have read up on Bladder cancer a lot online and joined a support group on FB as well. I have heard the horror stories of some who did not find it quick enough and have lost their bladders, not something I want to happen to me. I have also heard the stories of people who did find it quick yet it kept coming back. I’m worried mine will come back even after the chemo. I’m worried how the chemo will effect me. All this is enough to drive a guy NUTS !
Been taking to my new friends on the Bladder Cancer support group board on FB. Very nice bunch of people ! Great advice on what to expect with my very soon upcoming chemotherapy. Sure hope this works and the cancer does not make yet another comeback ! Very worried about that since if it keeps coming back I can lose my bladder. Yikes ! That is something I don’t want to lose ! Been trying to keep my spirits up with music. I have been working on a Huge list of my favorite 80’s songs. So far the list is at 173 songs and growing ! Now just need to put it into a decent order for a playlist ! If you want to suggest any songs feel free to in the comments, Will try and share the list once I get it in order.
I saved the best part of my news for last ! My wonderful employer has decided to go to a calendar year medical plan. Until this year we always went July 1 to June 30th. So we will go from July 1st to December 31st with no reduction in deductible, max out of pocket etc and then in January start all over. Chemo is not exactly cheap so I know I will easily hit Max out of pocket quickly. But then I get to start back at zero come January ! GRRRRRRRRRRR ! Makes a guy want to SCREAM! for yet another raise in rate ! I’m Gonna SCREAM ! FRustrating as all HECK but I can handle that if I can just get the car fixed decently and nothing else goes wrong. I've had $210.00 in combined donations so far and only need $1990.00 more. There isn't really a good public transportation alternative around here if the car gives up on me.
If you wish to help out with my car issues you can check out my GoFundMe Page or if you prefer PayPal it is free if you choose friends or family and I get all of it. Zelle Pay Also works well and you can find me on both sites as Louisvillebuschs@gmail.com Any help is really appreciated.
Thanks All !