Keri's Breast Cancer Story: Insurance Glitch in the Middle of Breast Reconstruction

My name is Doug, and I am here to tell my wife Keri's breast cancer story, from start to finish. That is what Keri would have wanted -- to share what we learned as a young couple in love, fighting breast cancer, and living life as best we could. Keri Haberstroh was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25. It was March of 2005, and we had been married for nine months.

 

At this point in her breast cancer treatment, Keri had fought through the first round of chemotherapy and breast reconstruction and was halfway into her second round of chemo. This next message is just a quick note from Keri, updating our parents on her most recent doctor's appointment.

 

 

Subject: Check-Up

Sent: Thursday, October 6, 2005 12:25 PM

 

Hi parents

 

Just filling you in...I had a check-up with Dr. W today and he said he's very proud of my work with my arm. The tendon that is still popped out a little he said may be due to some scar tissue and to just keep working it. Eventually it will settle back into place. So good news there.

 

We had a little glitch recently. We found out that Dr. K (plastic surgeon) is no longer a participant of our insurance. We took care of that today. Since I am in the middle of reconstruction they do what they call a continuity of care and we just keep seeing him like normal. We just had to update our referral to his office to cover things. What a mess insurance can be we are discovering.

 

Everything else is going well. I'm walking tonight with Ginger to keep up my exercise. We have some lovely weather today, only in the 80's with a nice breeze. Other than that just my appointment with Dr. S on Monday to possibly get chemo depending on my blood count. Doug has the day off for Columbus Day so it won't interfere with his work. Hopefully I'll be good to get it and we can get this done and over with faster.

 

That's all I have for now. Just wanted to catch you guys up on what's going on here. Hope you are all having a great day. Talk to you later.

 

Love,

Keri

 

A Note from Doug: We're also telling Keri's breast cancer story as a weekly comic strip. Check back each week to follow her treatment. Last week's comic strip focuses on Keri learning that she must start chemotherapy again.