Time for my Prayer Warriors Again!

 So, I have had a whirlwind of a few days. If you remember way back in December, I had a clear CT. Also, at that time I was having some pain. After the clear scans the doctor said it was likely muscular. This was not a crazy idea since I was working my core pretty hard in November and had just started running again to prepare for the half marathon. The pain wasn't constant, it was just annoying. Well the annoying got worse. I would carry my heating pad from room to room. It never really made a difference though. It was pretty steady in relation to pain and coming and going. I had taken time off from core and strength training while working up to the half marathon. I added some pretty intense core work back the last few weeks when we were frozen. Well, that amped up my pain. It hurts pretty bad and all of the time. I just had a feeling...and that feeling is that it wasn't muscular. 

Last week I scheduled an appointment with my PCP. She did labs, but was leaning more toward diverticulitis. I was not sold on that idea. She initially wanted a STAT CT, but given my clear scan 2 months ago, agreed to an ultrasound. Fast forward to Monday morning. When the tech pushed on one area, I flinched. She asked me to describe and point. Then decided she couldn't see what she needed to see (or she saw something that needed a better look) with the ordered test. She left to get the orders changed. She was talkative and then...not. So, I knew something was there. The results popped up in MyChart Tuesday afternoon. 

This is what I saw:

Well, that will ruin a day real quick. I did not handle it well! I feel like I handed the original diagnosis better. I mean, I knew something was there. I was just holding out hope for something benign.

So, let the limbo and waiting begin. This morning my oncologist scheduled a virtual visit. I also got a CT scheduled and bloodwork all for this afternoon. Well...HELLO new year, new insurance, and new deductible. I got a call that the insurance has a 7 day wait/review of CT scans. That was not acceptable to me. She said I could self pay, but would have to send it to finance and have them call me. Long story short...or a little shorter. I called hospital, doctor, finance...self pay doesn't allow payment plan, insurance company. Then did it all again. I needed to arrive at 2:30 so I could drink the drink before the scan. I still had no financial answers when I left work, but I was going in faith that it would be ok. I called a few prayer warriors to pray for a miracle - approval or prolific money tree. Then I got back on the phone with the insurance company. Come to find out as of Dec something someone else handles the radiology approvals. I was put on hold so she could figure out info. My phone rang and as was trying to find the anxiety inducing  hold or end call button that seems to have disappeared with the newest update, I accidentally declined the call. About 5 minutes later they called back and I just accepted the call. The other one somehow went to auto hold. Who knew that was a thing??? 

The insurance approved! I knew I still had to make a payment...new year, new insurance, and new deductible, but didn't know how much. Anything is better than $4,000 (self pay price with no payment options). I also knew that I could pay half and payment plan the rest. So, I made it there...about 10 minutes late. Got checked in, paid, and got my "lemonade." Then headed over to the other office to do my labs. Thankfully I got a good poker for my IV this time. I told her I was glad she was one and done because last time was a nightmare. She looked at me and said, "With those veins?" She was dumbfounded. When I told her the nurse tried to tell me I had rolling veins. She laughed and said, "You most certainly do not. You have beautiful veins." As I was getting wheeled upstairs...well not really up the stairs, but you know what I mean, I realized I did not have my phone. My watch couldn't find my phone. There is no signal in the area and my watch couldn't call my phone. Oops. Test done...quick and painless as usual. Nothing like extra doses of radiation. I checked 2 places in the 'back' for my phone. Still wouldn't connect. Finally, I hear a ping from the lobby area. Someone turned it in. Phew! 

Now I am home! I did some work because I left some things pretty open ended and I want to solve and fix problems, not leave them hanging. 

The wait is on....

What does all of this info mean? I will tell you what I know. My oncologist said if the mass is localized (no cancer present anywhere else), the next step would be biopsy and surgery to remove it and the organs that quit working thanks to chemo. Aside from a miracle, which I do believe in, this is the best outcome. I know it is there and want it out NOW. If the cancer is in other areas, then the next step is chemo to control it. That does not sound pleasant or curative. She didn't want to discuss that more in depth until we know what we are dealing with. 

Prayer warriors! This is where you come in. I want that miracle. If that is not in the cards for me, please pray for there to be no other cancer present on the CT. Pray it is localized in this one spot and we can move forward and get it out quickly. Please pray for my family as we deal with all of this. My prayer the last year has been for God to use my story AND for me to be alive to be the one to tell it. That is still my prayer.