Being a woman and nurse I knew that this was not good and it hadn't been there long. I found it difficult to get back to sleep for a few hours and woke up in barely enough time to see my husband off to an important day of meetings. I didn't mention my finding because I knew my husband would not be able to concentrate on work and he needed to as he was in the midst of an important project.
I attempted to carry on my day in the usual way, answering emails, writing, and looking for ways to get my book in the hands of someone who may be interested in helping develop my vision for senior living and care, but I would occasionally drift into thoughts about the breast lump.
Being October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month I decided to call Karmanos Cancer Institute to find out if they knew about any free or cheap mammograms. After spending $88,000.00 on healthcare expenses in 5 years, with insurance, to be diagnosed and treated with Sjogren's Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I knew this could be the beginning of some outrageous medical costs. The lady who answered the phone at Karmanos was so sweet and caring. She asked me a few questions and said she thought she had a program for me. The next thing I knew is I was in the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program, or the BCCCP as they call it, and they would pay for everything! She asked about the county I lived and because my county and another were combined I assumed I'd be traveling an hour away, but if I signed up in the next county I'd be 20 minutes away from the doctor they set up an appointment with.
This was Friday and my appointment with the physician just 20 minutes away in the next county was on Tuesday. I did reveal my finding to my husband that evening. The concern he had was very evident on his face and in our discussion. He planned to go to the doctor with me.
Being October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month I decided to call Karmanos Cancer Institute to find out if they knew about any free or cheap mammograms. After spending $88,000.00 on healthcare expenses in 5 years, with insurance, to be diagnosed and treated with Sjogren's Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I knew this could be the beginning of some outrageous medical costs. The lady who answered the phone at Karmanos was so sweet and caring. She asked me a few questions and said she thought she had a program for me. The next thing I knew is I was in the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program, or the BCCCP as they call it, and they would pay for everything! She asked about the county I lived and because my county and another were combined I assumed I'd be traveling an hour away, but if I signed up in the next county I'd be 20 minutes away from the doctor they set up an appointment with.
This was Friday and my appointment with the physician just 20 minutes away in the next county was on Tuesday. I did reveal my finding to my husband that evening. The concern he had was very evident on his face and in our discussion. He planned to go to the doctor with me.
