I never thought that my first experience with plastic (cosmetic) surgery would be to cover up the scars and reconstruct the breasts that I lost to cancer. I always imagined that it would be surgery on my nose with its deviated septum. Since surgery and general anesthesia scare the heck out of me, I didn’t anticipate getting any kind of work done at all. My fears, as well as the expense, made plastic surgery a very distant thought in my mind. Yet here I am.
The good news is that reconstructive surgery is covered by insurance at any time during the life of a breast cancer patient who has had a mastectomy. You can even get touch-ups; get your implants replaced, etc. The bad news is that even with insurance, you still have to come up with some money for deductibles and co-insurance. In my case, I was asked for $4000 for this next breast implant surgery. I negotiated with the doctor’s office and was able to give them less and be billed for the rest. I’m not in great financial shape right now, and like many people, my husband and I are just getting by. We don’t have extra cash for piling medical bills, vacations, or even the dental work that we so desperately need.
I’m thankful that God answered my prayers and that I did not need chemotherapy. I’ve heard of people nearly going bankrupt just to pay for treatment, and these are people with insurance! It’s times like these that I start doubting my decision to stop working in order to be a stay-at-home mom. But when I look at how well my daughter is doing, and that she’s home with me rather than being in an after school program, I think my decision was worth it. I wish that all women could stay at home with their kids if they want to, but sadly many can’t.
What does being a stay-at-home mom have to do with breast cancer? Well, having breast cancer makes you want to enjoy each day, but many women don’t get to do that. They don’t even get to fully recover from their treatment because they have to get right back to work. We live in tough times and indeed our healthcare system needs reform.
I wish that women who wanted to, could stay home and raise their kids, tend to their families and take care of themselves. In my opinion, many women can’t do that because their families need two incomes in order to survive or because they’re single moms. Maybe we’d see a decline in health issues affecting women if they had less stress.
How proud I am that you are my daughter. Writing about your journey with”BC” from the day you were first diagnosed, is helping many women reading your blog understand that this decease that affects so many of us, is curable by early detection . I urge your readers to do their own monthly screening, and to schedule a mammography if they notice anything unusual. Most cases turn out to be nothing serious, but, if they have to face your situation, they should gather as much information as you did, ask the doctors as many questions as you did, pray to God as you did, and also as you did… ask your family and friends for their prayers and their support. God will be there to help those seeking Him, and His intervention I am sure, is the reason why you are doing so well. Our prayers were answered, and your life as well as mine, have been enriched and blessed by this experience. You are blooming and looking more beautiful thank ever. Tribulations abound, but life is beautiful and faith can move mountains. Let us all enjoy life to the fullest one day at a time, and receive each brand new day with a smile of gratitude, positive attitude, renewed faith in God and joy for life . When this last chapter of your journey is completed and you stand in front of a mirror, you will not see your scars as those will vanish eventually, you will see yourself totally cured of “BC” and …. with two new perky and beautiful breasts and a cleavage you didn’t have before. With all my love, my prayers and my blessings to you and all your readers. Mami.
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Mom, I love you and I could not do this without you. I am the one who is proud to have a mother like you. I am truly blessed.
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