Mentally and Physically Exhausted...

On the 17th I was supposed to get a mammogram. It was told to me that the radiologist had determined it was "not medically necessary" and they said they could still do it, but that insurance may not cover it.

I went straight to Dr. Palladino's office in tears and got a bit snippy with the staff. I admit it. I was angry. And scared. Eventually a woman came out (Office Manager maybe??) who said that 6 month mammograms required until the patient has been cancer free for 5 years after diagnosis. I left. I was a mess.

Somone from Exeter Hospital has been calling my cell phone but I have not returned her call yet. I needed time to regroup first. I'll call her back tomorrow.

In other news.....I am getting physical therapy for my TMJ. This is a result of a recommendation by my dentist. I am looking at 3 treatments a week for at least 8 weeks. There are days I feel a huge difference. There are days my jaw is in a lot of pain.

In addition, I attended my second session with a licensed dietician/nutritionist to work on my binge/compulsive eating disorder.

As most of you know I work at a high school. Teachers and students return this week. It has been a stressful summer of learning more about myself and those around me and how I allow things to affect me. I need to relearn my instincts and trust them again.

Please say a prayer for the McDonald family. John J. McDonald passed away at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Also, please say a prayer for my dear friend NOra and the Kelly Family. Nora's mom has been in the hospital and rehab facility and is very frail.

Thank you.

Wow!

I went to bed with no headache. I woke up with no headache. I have no face, head, or jaw pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Physical Therapy is working! I feel the winds of change! Wahooooooooo!!!!!!

Update!

Great news - I will now be getting mammograms and check ups on a regular, annual basis. That's right...I said it!!!! No more every 6 month visits!!! AHHH!!!! I screamed in the exam room after my check up!!! Of course, some how I missed my July 20th mammogram, so I'm going in next week (on the 17th). But the exam went perfectly and Dr. Palladino is confident that next weeks mammogram will be fine.

Ok...so...I know I have said that some experiences over the past couple of years have been "life changing" - for example, seeing a hypnotist to uncover childhood abuse. Watching "Losing it with Jillian Michaels" and seeing my own situation reflected back at me on national television..... Well, this week has been no exception! I have started physical therapy for TMJ. And while it's early in the treatments, I am already feeling better!!!

And this afternoon, I met with Maria Larkin. She is a Licensed/Registered Dietician who specializes in eating disorders. I am a binge eater, or "compulsive eater." For some reason my insurance only covers 3 visits with her, so we are going to work hard and fast on making changes. She is also going to refer me to a therapist who she works with who will help me with my issues.

I'm 43....I finally feel like I'm moving in the right direction. Better late than never right??

Thanks for checking in!!
Doris

Year #2!!!!!

Today I am a 2-year survivor!! Wahoo!!!

Friday I have my six month follow up with Dr. Palladino. I will write with an update after the appointment.

I have started seeing a physical therapist for TMJ. Thanks to my dentist, Dr. Pasternack. The TMJ is the cause of my face, neck and head pain. I will be doing 3 treatments a week for 8 weeks.

Also.....I have crawled out from under the rock of denial and am facing my binge eating problem. I am seeing a specialist on Friday for this as well. Hmmm...Friday is looking busier by the minute......thank God for health insurance.

Thanks to everyone for their love and support :-)

It's been awhile.

August 11th I will be a 2-year Survivor. While there hasn't been much to blog about, I guess that is a good thing.

I will continue to update my blog whenever I have an appointment, mammogram, etc.

I have been asked by a company in Los Angeles to link with them.

Their website is: http://www.infectionwatch.info/


Infection

Please check it out and let me know what you think.

I want to thank all of you for your love, friendship, guidance, strength and support during my diagnosis and treatment. I couldn't have done it without you.

Love,
Doris