Oh Happy Day!

In my last post, I wrote about how I don't buy into the whole pink fundraising for breast cancer brouhaha. And also, tucked away in the middle of my post, I mentioned my current interest in a new (in the U.S., anyway) immunotherapy treatment for women with stage four breast cancer. I said I was "begging" my oncologist to consider helping me to do it, and then I lamented about how, if he ever did agree to it, I had no idea how I would be able to pay for it. So...it wasn't a very heartening post.

Today I decided to just act as if I was certain that I WOULD get the chance to try this therapy, and therefore to keep brainstorming just as hard as I could to figure out how to pay for it. So I began writing down every wisp of any idea that flitted into my head.

About an hour after I wrote down my "wisps" for today, my oncologist called to tell me that after thinking some more about my phone call to him (and our discussion about this immunotherapy), he had made a last-minute decision to fly to Chicago this week to attend a conference where more information is going to be presented about the very treatment that I want to try. He said he had wavered about going partly because he wanted to be with his family this weekend, but in the end he bought the plane ticket, and was literally calling me while in the car on his way to the airport.

Not only that, he said he had dug around some more and found that there were two different ways he could get the Interleukin-2, either "constituted" or "unconstituted," and if he gets it unconstituted, it's cheaper - more like what I had though it would be (that is, closer to $300 a week rather than $500 a week). Still super expensive, but good news nonetheless.

I told him that no words could express my appreciation. We hung up, and I burst into tears. I was so surprised, and so overjoyed by his call, and so grateful. I hadn't even realized, until I burst into tears, just how much I wanted this to happen. I hadn't known how much I'd been repressing the stress buildup and the overwhelming sense of being all alone in my efforts to make this happen.

So...OH HAPPY DAY!!!!! Sometimes the universe does bestow totally unexpected blessings upon you.

Comments

[Alacia Edwards]

I'm so proud of you for having the faith to go forward in spite of how thing "looked" on the outside. I think a lot of people could stand to learn from that.

You are always in my thoughts...

Love you,
Alacia

[Jill]

Your "Oh Happy Day" made my day happier! I relate to some of your struggles you encounter out there with doctors, varying research and opinions, access to and affordability of medications etc. As I've said before, you absolutely amaze me with your steadfast courage, strength, and perseverance. It inspires me not to give up when I am so close to doing just that. And I love hearing stories of how the "universe" sometimes comes together in such powerful and mysterious ways, especially when it involves someone I happen to care so much about.So encouraging and hopeful. Will be interested to hear how the story continues to unfold........love you, Jill

[The amazing JayBird (of a VERY different feather)]

I think the Universe abhors a void. The moment you made the decision to do the treatment, you created a void. Jane,"I'm going to find a way to afford this treatment". You created a void. Jane, minus the finances to afford treatment. The universe had two options. Option A) find a way to force Jane to take no for an answer. Option B) provide the financial means for Jane to afford the treatment. The universe chose the path of least resistance. No-brain er. Questions?

[Karen Myers]

Jane, it's so nice to read this. Yeah for you, your great oncologist, and the way the Universe sometimes answers when we get clear on what we want! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[mary ann]

This news makes my day ~ maybe my week and/or the entire month of June! I sure love this doctor, too...

[Laura]

I am happy to hear that and hope it will work. Please keep us posted. God bless you!!!

[Harlan Lewps]

This sounds like a Big WAHOO!

[Claudia]

Oh, what wonderful news, Jane! And what a dedicated oncologist you have. Keep putting those good thoughts out into the universe. I used to chant a mantra in my head when I was getting a treatment or procedure, "there is no more cancer in my breast" and not only did it help keep me sane but it calmed me down. I'll continue to send my good thoughts for your health out into the universe. All the best.