Thursday, January 15, 2009

Happy New Year! 2009




I watched the movie "Benjamin Button" last night and wondered if I had been getting younger myself the past 2 years. My face is less wrinkled, I have a tan. I have new beautiful brown hair that I don't have to tame and there isn't one single grey hair. With the exception of circulation and nerve repair, I feel as great as ever. I guess the month long trip to Borrego Springs, CA, Fiji and Australia to visit with extended family suited me very well!

Back to snowy (well I missed most of it, but I hear the neighbors took photos of the white Christmas) Seattle and cold weather and rain...I still feel invigorated. I think I need to take my own advise and escape the doldrums of the dark Northwest (I read Twilight-filmed in Forks, WA on my sunny vacation) and replace it with vitamin B filled paradise (anywhere hot and sunny). I feel so fortunate to be the miracle symbol of hope that I have become. I have a job, my health, a sound house (even 3), some stock, and a world of family and friends who love me.

I did return to reality and an insurance notice of benefits (or lack thereof) stating that I had been denied coverage on the past 4 treatments that are working to keep me in remission. At $22,000 a treatment, I guess they figured they had to cut costs, so I am now working on what is wrong with this picture. Several friends have suggested I get a medical claims lawyer, and I may need to, but I prefer not to incur additional costs at the present. It upsets me to think of how many really sick people don't have the energy to fight the insurance battle and do not get treatment...and it is a full time battle. So, for now, I am praying that there has been a mistake and I can get my next treatment soon and stay away from chemo and the hospital for awhile.

Keep your heads above water and know that there is a God watching out for us all.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kerry Kat!

Happy new year and glad to know you are back from a fantastic vacation. Here's to a great 2009. i am hopeful with the inauguration tomorrow. Your trip must have been great.

In terms of your insurance, i don't know how much you have done already, but sometimes you just have to file the letter disputing the claim that gets reviewed by the board and maybe have your doctor write a letter too. it seems too outrageous that you would be be denied. we are not talking about a boob job after all!!!!

Anyhow, let's talk in real time soon. Lots of love,

Linda (Boop)

SusanM said...

Hi Kerry,

Boy, did your entry put a smile on my face! So happy to hear you had such a great time...AND a great amount of time to spend with your family in the sun. It IS the simple, fundamental things, after all, that are important; our health, our family and freinds. The silver lining...

I am no longer in private practice, but your friend is correct...you normally can ask for your case to be reviewed...check your policy and Washington State insurance law online...and do have your doctors to write letters to submit on your behalf. If the appeal directly to the insurance company doesn't get you the results you want...you can usually appeal through the state as well.

Good news...good news indeed!

Susan Mraz Mungavin
Staples H.S. Class of '73