u/1999-vglogquibby

I recently was diagnosed at the end of July and I have met with the oncologist, been denied a PET scan, had two CAT scans been to the ENT. I have a surgery next week and I’m having my chemo port placed next week.

I’m experiencing a lot of frustration with my “cancer team “because they are not very helpful. The fact that the matter is, they are adding so much stress to my life because they are probably the worst set of professional communicator I have ever encountered. I was contacted 10 times by three different offices and 10 different people to tell me that my pet scan was denied by the insurance. This started on a Thursday and ended on a Wednesday. They do not tell me things I a decision was made about my chemo that would make me have to drive three hours a day and no one bothered to tell me that there was another option. I’m just so unbelievably frustrated about that.

Another thing that throws a big wrench in the years is that I started a new job next week and I haven’t been employed for almost a year. I wanna do this job because I think I’ll be good at it, I think it’ll be pretty easy, and I get new insurance however I live in a state where this insurance isn’t common and when I have to switch it I don’t no if it will even be taken here. I don’t know how to find out until I get the card and then on top of all that I’m trying to move closer to where I’m gonna get treatment and I’m trying to do a short-term lease and I can’t afford it. I’ve asked my caseworker to send the referrals, but she will not confirm that she’s done it. I ask her about it and she will not answer me directly, so I’m looking for it on my own and that’s also frustrating.

My family is willing to help in the way that they’re willing to help, it’s just not what I need help with right now. I feel some kind of way about this, but I don’t know how to express it appropriately or with any coherence.

I just don’t know if trying to find a different team is worth it, or whether I should just accept what I have because it might not be better.

I am just so tired already,

Does anyone know of anyone who might offer a short-term lease for cancer patients? I currently live in Livingston, and I am starting a new remote job in 2 weeks. I just got diagnosed, and the treatment plan is coming together, but I need to live near the Woodlands Hospital on 242. I have been searching online and trying different places, and I am waiting for some responses from Open Arms Foundation.

I really just need this for a few months, and I just need internet to be able to work and be within 10 or so minutes of the hospital (because I have to do this treatment on my lunch hour). I don't qualify for FMLA or short-term disability yet, and it is not logistically possible to drive from Livingston to The Woodlands every day, do treatment, and work.

Any insight, direction, or anything would be very helpful.

I was diagnosed with cancer two weeks ago. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. A day later, I got offered a job after not having worked since last September. Is this one of those ironies that Alanis would have put in her song?

I guess I am feeling okay about it. I mean, I have an oncology appointment in 10 days; they still don't know where it started or where the main tumor is; I had a swollen lymph node after I had some dental work done.

Well, since then, my family has been very upset. In fact, they have told me every story about every person in their life who died from cancer. I'll be honest, that is not at the top of my list to listen to right now. This is also true about every single alternative therapy. I've been told to seek ivermectin (evidently, cancer is like having worms, I guess). One extended family member told me to "get the doctor to inject the tumor with polio" and then proceeded to tell me how his sister died of polio when he was six.

Honestly, I have just shut up and quit talking to anyone in my family about it. I am not talking to them about end-of-life planning either. A cousin of mine went and told everyone in our small Texas town about it, and now people I do not know, do not like, or had no idea existed are being nosy. Meanwhile, my cousin who spread the info tells me how annoyed she is that these people keep calling her - because she doesn't like being social (unless it is to gossip... until she gets bored with it, of course).

I don't WANT to die or anything; I am not really scared of it. I think I just always liked the idea of not knowing. Perhaps that was too much of a fantasy to have. I don't think I am going to die, but maybe I am just arrogant and foolish. I am more worried about what it will be like starting treatment and a new job at the same time. My first day is on the 25th of next month.

So, I am keeping everything to myself. When I get asked about it, I pretend that I don't know what the other person is talking about. I regret telling anyone in my family because they are treating it like the hot goss. That hurts my feelings, but I suppose my feelings are my own responsibility. All I can do, that I can think of, is just not share about it.

Is there anyone who could tell me about how to navigate this when starting a new job? I feel like I shouldn't tell anyone there about it, but also, I will need to go to appointments and may need a procedure; I just don't want them to fire me or look for a reason to get rid of me because they suspect I am sick. Maybe I am just being paranoid.

I should have had more sex, not been so worried about being accepted. Anyway. HOMO out (figuratively - for now).