Help Wanted: Secretary (cancer update)

I'm not one who likes to talk on the phone unless it's to chat with a friend or relative. I don't like calling businesses or people I don't know. In all my years as a teacher I hated calling parents - for anything! I'm not even a fan of drive-thru ordering. I'd rather go in and order to go.

Sometimes situations just call for telephone conversations. Over the years I've had to deal with utility companies, insurance providers, medical sites, and other businesses. After Maddy died I had to speak to so many different people I got them confused! This is just one of those necessary evils in life.

In the last few weeks I have had to field calls from no less than seven medical facilities. I've spoken to three different people from one office alone. I've gotten appointment times and instructions for the visits, verified medical information, and, of course, given my payment information. I have my notebook with separate sections for each place and notes galore. My Google calendar is full of each appointment and the address of each facility.

My head is about to explode! I need my own secretary and insurance clerk!

Perhaps my secretary could call the cancer policy company and ask the questions I have. He or she could keep the calendar straight with doctor visits, procedures, surgery, consultations, and tests. Of course, I will need addresses and directions for each facility. Don't forget to make note of the new "COVID-19 policies" so I know where to check in, if I need a mask, and if anyone can come with me.

My insurance clerk could make sure I got copies of all receipts, itemized bills, EOBs from the insurance company, test results, pathology reports, and anything else needed to file claims.

Maybe the job of answering the multitude of medical questions (which I already answered on my new patient forms) could be pawned off as well. I have answered the same questions on paper and on the phone at least 6 times!

A personal secretary would have been nice when I did my virtual visit with the surgeon. As we discussed all the test results, the type of cancer, surgical options, and prognosis, I would have liked to have had someone there to write down better notes than I did. After looking at all the test results, reading the reports, and weighing my options, I'm having a lumpectomy. I'll probably have to have 6 weeks of radiation followed by drug therapy, but I'll know more on that when I meet with the oncologist. I'm fortunate to have caught it early. She said it's early stage 1, so all signs look good!

I may not be able to get that personal secretary, but I'm glad I've got people who will support me and help when needed.Of course, I really wish I had my "in sickness and health" partner to go through this with me, but I have a buddy to go with me to pre-op appointments and take me the day of the surgery. I've already informed my daughter that she'll have to wash my hair for me at first. I have people who text me just to check up on me. I have so many prayer warriors fighting this battle with me.

Most importantly, I have a God who is with me every step of the way. He holds my hand or holds me up whenever I'm weak. I truly believe He helped push me to get this checked so I could find it early.

I feel like I've been in the planning stages of a battle and now I'm about to start engaging the enemy. This week the battle begins! If you are so inclined, say a prayer of strength, peace, and healing for me. Pray for wisdom for the doctors fighting this battle with me.

I got this because God's got me!