Great Cartoon explains Amyloidosis

This cartoon could save the life of someone you love through early diagnosis. Please take the short time to view it. It very well done.


Amyloidosis Awareness from Cartoon Medicine on Vimeo.

March Medical Update

Its been a challenging but rewarding month ending on a fantastic note! The really great news was provided by my cardiologist who called and left a message about my recent echocardiogram results. My heart is improving! How about that! My pulmonary lung pressure has improved as has the heart's right side pressure. In addition, one of the leaky valves is not leaking anymore. I can hardly believe it -- it is so wonderful and I am so thankful.

After chemo, I generally look forward to feeling good for a couple of weeks. This last month was filled with challenges instead. I had to fight with my insurance company, who refused to pay for one of the meds my rheumatologist prescribed. Instead they wanted me to try the cheaper drugs first. I tried two of them. One of those drugs shut down my digestive system and that makes you feel awful. The other made my heart beat irregular. Now they want me to take two others related to the drug I couldn't tolerate. I have to appeal if I want them to pay for what the doctor prescribed.

I decided to pay the 200.00 for the 30 day supply of the medication my doctor originally prescribed to see if it is worth the trouble to appeal. So far it is improving the quality of my life. I typically wake up earlier and have energy for gardening, yard work or what ever the day offers. Shouldn't the decision about what drugs I take be up to me and my doctor?

This month I am taking my chemo with the tangible proof that the treatment is working. Taking the chemo feels differently this time.