Elizabeth & Brendan

I had my CT scan today and it was my first CT scan.  It was my first time getting the contrast dye.  When they were putting in the IV the nurse was explaining the potential side effects from the dye – metallic taste in your mouth, nausua, hot flashes and feeling like you have to go to the bathroom.

When I get into the room, the tech explains that some people get a hot flash and then a warming sensation from your head downward and it ends with the sensation that you just peed your pants.  She goes on to say that maybe I will be one of the ones who doesn’t get that side effect.

So I get the first scan done – I hold my breath, they take the pictures all is well.  They tell me they are going to give me the dye and it might sting.   All is fine.  Then the hot flash and then I am told to hold my breathe.  As I hold my breath, the sensation that I just peed my pants happens and I am trying not to laugh (I have a habit of inappropriate laughing).  So now all I can think is “holy crap it really does feel like I peed my pants.”

I am very mature.

[This post in no way should be read as we are close to this situation. All comments are merely thoughts and observations of the us during this past few weeks.]

Recently I have begun to track my spending via mint.com.  And one of the catergories is “health”.  So needless to say, this has become a more prominent category for June and July compared to other months.  This got me thinking about how something like this can ruin a person – which is actually what the research shows.  Medical issues is the main cause of bankruptcy and most of the cases have insurance.  {You can read oneof the many articles here.) 

What I thought about is all the doctors visits, parking, time off work (doesn’t really affect me) and then going out on disability (fraction of your pay).  For anyone living paycheck to paycheck or with minimal savings, this could be catastrophic, especially in this economy. 

It was quite eye-opening.  For us at least now that we are “in the system.”

Okay. I think I have decided on a DIEP reconstruction and called in to tell my doctor of the decision. I thought this was the step before scheduling my surgery. But no. I need another test. ANOTHER TEST???????? Oh man!  I tried to push the assistant to schedule the surgery prior to the test but we will see.

I am currently still scheduled for August 7 for the masectomy with implant reconstruction. However, the DIEP surgery is only performed on Wednesdays or Mondays because of its length and need for ICU nurses.

I have never thought the healthcare system was cumbersome or hard to navigate.  But then again I never had an issue.  Since June we have been dealing with needing tests okayed by insurance before I can get the biopsy scheduled, random appointments being made for us without any knowledge of why or really with whom.  It is really insane.  I just want my surgery date to be here and am ready for the recovery.

In happier news, we are one step closer to getting our dog.  We passed the references checks – thanks Keith and Alett your “thank you” is in the mail.  I now have to call the foster mom and then schedule a home check for next week.  Fingers crossed that they do not mind the Shea Stadium seats in our hallway.

It is not like being on TV but here is a little ditty by my sister.

Hers is titled: All in the family

We were scheduled to have a phone interview as the second step in the adoption process (first being the application) for a rescue dog.  And the volunteer adoption coordinator is stuck at work and we have to reschedule for tomorrow.

I really am impatient!

Shout out: Happy anniversary Jody and Katie!

We met with Dr. Guo and we like him.  He is nice but has some Yang to him.  He has seems to be very precise and detail oriented – no multitasking for this guy.  I think Brendan was sold when he asked Dr. Guo, “what happens if the reconstruction failed?”  His first response was “It sucks” and Brendan was like “that is something I would say.”

Once we decide on the type of reconstuction surgery, we finalize the surgery date.  Brendan and I are taking the next few days to research and decide.

More waiting…

After a week of no doctors appointment, we go to the plastic surgeon tomorrow afternoon.  We should get a confirmed surgery date (tentatively August 7 at the time of posting). 

I am not the most patient person in the world and all this waiting is driving me insane.  I mean, I had my first test on June 1.

Liz loves cupcakes…

Chris and Kim (Chris was the one who went and got them so he gets the credit) brought me my favorite (besides Kristin’s). 

I have always wanted to be on the jumbotron at a game. But something better has happened. I was on TV. So was Kim. But this is my blog so let’s focus on me.

We were walking back to our seats and were a bit lost and walked infront of camera.  A few times.  We were confused.  Well Chris’ friend called him to say he saw us on TV.  Then Brendan’s friend Matt was emailing and asked if were at the game because he thought he saw me on TV.  THIS IS BETTER THAN THE JUMBOTRON!

Apparently to adopt a rescue dog, you need to have a home inspection along with filling out a loooong application complete with Vet contact into. Um, we don’t have a dog yet how can we have a vet?
I hope they give us enough notice to clean the place up.