Candy anyone???

First off, I have to warn you if you haven't already done this. DO NOT buy Halloween candy until like the day before! I went to Costco to get my 'usual' necessities, saw the huge bags of Halloween candy and thought, "Hmm, I better get some now because I will forget to later" - BIG mistake. I am looking at that BIG bag and it has suddenly dwindled down....

Why?? Well, I opened it up the other day because what happens when we feel crappy?We eat or drink something to instantly make us feel better!! Well, the Milky Ways in that bag were calling my name and I thought that I would just tear off a little corner of the bag and have ONE. NOT!! Then Chris noticed it was open and now I am finding candy wrappers throughout the house. So, tonight I stapled, taped it shut and put it out of site. Out of site, out of mind, right??? I have been SO GOOD with my eating (really) - for 6-8 months when I went on Dr. Won's detox, I didn't eat any sugar, caffeine, dairy, alcohol - just to name a few things. So, I got used to it. But it's funny how if you have ONE piece of chocolate, those cravings come back instantly!

Just shows how weak I am in that department!! :) But I quickly reminded myself that I have to stick to my 'health' diet and that I need to prepare myself for radiation treatments. The healthier you are going through treatments like that, I believe the better your body will tolerate and shake off the side affects. So, I am back on track! :)

Now onto my tumor topic!

Got a call today from "Jennifer" with the Oncology/Radialogy department - YEA! She told me that she sent an email to the radiology/oncology physician to get me ANY info on their treatment vs. what Sharp suggested (plus, the difference in machines). I told her to not hate me because I will be bugging her about information and stuff and she said, "Don't worry, just remember you aren't in this alone." I thought that was so sweet and it made me feel good. For some reason today I felt REALLY strong - like some warrior who is going to fight this to the end - and win! I think my sense of strength seriously comes from all the prayers and good energy being sent my way. I have gotten emails from people I don't even know and they have been so inspiring to me! I am also getting emails from friends on suggestions regarding my insurance, treatment, etc... KEEP EM' COMING! :) Thanks for thinking of me - I really do appreciate it!

I also got my first bill from Stanford - ouch...........

I only have to pay for 'half' right now because the other half is 'pending' with my insurance but I am pretty sure I thought it was denied (and I STILL haven't gotten anything in the mail - just from my doctor).

In case you are wondering, or if you ever have to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion, here is what I came across:

- Physician consult in San Diego (for 2nd and 3rd opinions) - ranged from $200-$400 for an appointment.

-Physician consult at Stanford - $800 for an appointment - PER DOCTOR.

I am NOT complaining. If you want answers, yes, you might have to pay for them but I am SO glad I have gotten several different opinions - especially with my rare tumor. Some tumors are so common and treated all the time that you may feel comfortable with the first doctor you see. But the first doctor I saw made me want to run away fast. He looked more puzzled than I did when he was looking at my MRI - NOT a good sign!!! Those consults helped me to figure out what treatment is BEST for me. Some insurance companies will also pay for an outside consult (I think depending on what it is). Sharp did pay for my consult to UCSD.

And don't ever feel bad for telling a doctor you are getting a 2nd or 3rd opinion. Most of them welcomed it and after my consults, they were also interested in what the 'others' had to say. When I first got diagnosed, I emailed a doctor up at Stanford and said, "Can you recommend the two best doctors for my condition - in San Diego," and he did and they were the first I saw. One of the doctors (who was a Kaiser doctor), did my consult for free. Of course, I couldn't see him (he can only see Kaiser patients) but I dropped everything off and then he called me and gave me his opinion. I thought that was very commendable of him. So, yes, you might come across one that will just do it to help.

The purpose of my blog is not only to update you on my daily journey, but let you know what I am going through - in every way. I hope NONE of you have to experience this but reality is, some of us or someone we love may have a serious diagnosis throughout our lifetime. So, I hope this information is something that might help you in the future.

Remember, you CAN get the best treatment by the BEST doctor. You just have to insist on it, believe that you can - and it will happen.

Today's Daily Affirmation:

"Love is all I need to fix my world!" - Louis Hay

I feel your love and it strengthens me everyday!! Thanks for walking w/me on my journey.

HUGS!

Rachelle