Strong. Fighting. Surviving.

I have received some really wonderful birthday presents before, but the one my health insurance unknowingly gave me tops them all. It’s time for me to switch treatments and my doctor recommended a trio of oral and IV meds. The side effects of the new combination would have been very similar to my last treatment and I would have probably spent the summer on the couch. But, before starting, we contacted Guardian insurance to confirm that the new treatment would be covered and, after a week of waiting, they informed us that they considered it experimental and it wouldn’t be covered. The news came on last Tuesday, my birthday, and I was devastated. I basically let it ruin my birthday. No birthday cake or dinner out for me. I went straight home, changed into my pjs, and pouted for the rest of the night. Happy birthday!

Now, a few days later, I’m looking at their decision in a different light. I had a follow up appointment with my doctor and he put me Sutent, an oral chemo. Compared to my last treatment, this daily pill will be a breeze. Of course there will be side effects, but, not nearly as severe as my last treatment or the other one Guardian wouldn’t cover. It’s almost as if Guardian gave me the summer off by denying our request. All of a sudden, I’m on summer vacation from chemo. I don’t have to schlep down to the juicing room for treatment. No bloodwork, platelet or blood transfusions, premeds, or flushes.

However, just because I have July off doesn’t mean that I get to slack off. I still need to be vigilant about my diet and exercise regimen. In fact, I hope that my energy level will rebound on the new treatment and I’ll be able to exercise more. I’ve been a couch slug for way too long…time for me to hit the gym again.

And, speaking of exercise, I’d like to give a great big thank you to my friend Matt. He’s training for the LA Marathon and raising money for the Lorenzen Cancer Foundation. Check out Matt’s blog as he trains for his first marathon since having major ankle surgery. Thanks Matt…you’re awesome!