Close, but . . .
Not long after my breast cancer diagnosis, I called my health care plan. Even though I didn’t think that I wanted reconstruction, researching it was a good distraction from my fear that I would not live long enough to raise my two children.
“Hello,†I said. “I’m calling to see if you cover plastic surgery after a mastectomy.â€
“What do you mean, plastic surgery after a vasectomy?†a female voice replied.
I gulped and tried again. “Does my insurance cover reconstruction after a mastectomy?â€
“You mean, you want to reverse a vasectomy? she asked.
“No, no,†I said, struggling to go on. “I have breast cancer. I am going to have a breast removed. Will the insurance cover reconstruction of a new breast?â€
“Oh,†she said, “Of course, of course.â€
I hung up the phone and sat there, stunned. Then, I laughed. This cancer journey is going to have some absurd moments, I thought.
Now, almost 14 years later, I go around one-breasted, my children are in college, and I am grateful to still be laughing.
(This appeared in the magazine Heal: Living Well after Cancer, Vol.1, No. 2, Fall 2007)
© Pam Roberts
Hi Pam,
What a story this is!! Just amazing!!
~ Diane Clancy
http://www.dianeclancy.com/blog
Pingback: Diane Clancy's Art Blog
Dear Pam,
Even though I may have tricked you and Tom into visiting my website, I thank you for going along! And for the kind words. Here are a few that you’ve heard before: Let’s PLEASE see more of your spirited words, fine writing, and humor on this blog-site. Dig, dig!
Your blogging friend,
Karl