Well, it's been a very trying four weeks. Where do I begin.

 

I guess we'll start with Medicare.  I made several telephone calls to the SSA in an attempt to have my Part B reinstated. After several calls, emails and visits to the SSA I was told that I needed to get approved for Medicaid first.  So, off to the county welfare department for approval. There I was met with disdain and ridicule. I was, not so politely informed that Medicaid was a welfare program and, since I had a good income, it was inappropriate for me to even consider applying. I told the agent that I was there at the request of SSA and that with a Master's in Health Administration, I was fully aware of what Medicaid was. To say the least, I was denied.

 

I returned to SSA and was questioned as to why I went to Medicaid. I will not go into the resulting conversation. I was, however, told that I would have to wait until Open Enrollment started to reapply for Part B. And that coverage would not begin until July 01, 2008.

 

I tell this story because of the following story. UCLA has informed me that once I have Part B they would be happy to do a consultation. When I informed them of the above story they agreed to accept any lab test or x-rays from the VA, but that I would have to pay out of my own pocket for the actual visit. This is actually very kind of them as it will save me quite a few dollars. I am still waiting for them to inform me of the consultation costs.

 

In the meantime Dr. Morgan has placed me on two medications. The first is SORAFENIB 200MG TAB. This is a chemotherapy drug. (please follow the link for information http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/sorafenib-liver0607 ). It is supposed to inhibit the growth of blood supply to the tumor.  The other is DOXYCYCLINE HYCLATE 100MG CAP.  This is an antibiotic that, in one study has shown the same properties. I have started the Doxcycline but not the Sorafenib. Seems that Sorafenib costs $5000.00 a month and I assume the VA is getting approval for use of the drug.

 

Well, there we are. The very short and sweet of it.  Virginia and I thank everyone for their prayers. We know that I am in the hands of our Lord. And, personally, I know that my Patron, Our Blessed Mother is caring for me as alway.

 

More later