Hismones 1/28/25

Would my parents be turning over in their graves? I got my first-ever "ink" today: three freckle-sized dots, one on each hip and one in front between (gratefully above the most sensitive areas) for the purpose of radiation targeting. Those tattoos, along with the markers placed in my prostate last week and a full bladder ("Don't urinate for 90 min. prior to your appointment, supposed to help the bladder be out of the line of fire.) will assist the technician in applying the treatment exactly where needed. I'm to have a "dry run" (practice) February 12 and 44 weekday treatments following, starting the next day. But nothing between now and then other than the daily oral med. The doctor and team will look at my case and develop a radiation plan that may have some adjustments before finally approved in time for my first treatment. I'll have sessions after lunch each day, theoretically ending mid-April unless they or I have to miss and be rescheduled (Any missed treatments will be added to the end of the schedule, like when at school you have run out of "snow days.") So now we wait. Thanks so much for those of you who are prayerfully supporting this journey. Now I have a new medical folder, with names and phone numbers and a list of possible side effects. Fortunately,Tammy is helping keep up with all the information. She is an excellent organizer. Financially, this is an interesting endeavor. My PET scan copay was $1116 of an originally filed $20K ($9K for scan, $11K for the radioactive media IV). The SpaceOar/Fiducial Markers procedure incurred a $950 copay (haven't seen total filed yet). There's been no mention of radiation costs, and no copay for the prep CT scan (with three free tatts!) today. So I'm on hold again, this time with insurance to verify what costs to anticipate. The rep is getting the "codes" from the oncologist's office. Breaking news: the office assistant assured the insurance rep that I will "complete" my annual co-insurance maximum of $4000, with about $2800 remaining to be spent. Grateful to have insurance and to have lived conservatively. God always provides, but it's easier on him when you cooperate. Now off to more home projects that retirement allows one to "get around to." Blessings!