Marcella Mason
Runnemede, NJ
I worked in Philadelphia at Blue Cross Medical Insurance was a Pre-certification Specialist. I was the one doctors and hospital called for any procedure done in the hospital that needed approval from the insurance company.
I had brain cancer which slowly spread from body part to body part. For many years I struggled to get well. I was told by many specialist that I had three years to live, there was no treatment for me.
The cancer has spread, they are not able to get it out. I would not be able to endure surgery. My family all lives in California, although I begged for someone to come out to New Jersey to help me. No one was able to, I handled this by myself. My best friend took me to the hospital and doctors visits.
I demanded to have Cryoendoectomy to have the cancer removed from my head.This was new to remove the mass by my noise and mouth, not by opening my head up. Philadelphia Hospital was the only one that could do that. Gamma Knife Therapy only three hospitals that could do it. Philadelphia Hospital was one of them. I demanded surgeries to remove each cancer piece by piece, not all at once. I had 20 surgeries.
Chemotherapy made me so sick, I ended up being on Ensure to put weight on & SlimFast for vitamins. The medical professionals went above & beyond their work duty.
As of April 30, 2009, several years after the three year mark, I had a whole body scan that determined I’m cancer free. I was given a second chance on life. My life after several years of being in disarray is back to normal.
I coped by having a positive attitude. I always tried to find something that was funny that was going on with me. I would make sure everyday no matter what the conditions were to go out side for even five minutes, fresh Air clears your head.
For others, I would recommend getting copies of all procedures you have done. Go on the computer and make a graph chart. Lab / Rad/ Doctors Visits/ What Test Were Done. Name of Procedures,Date Taken, Results.
Never go by the doctors word always get a second opinion. Your medical records should be in your hands, copies given to each specialist you see so they could help you. Always have information on a disk just in case computer crashes.
Worked In Philly at Blue Cross Medical Insurance was a Pre-certification Specialist.
I was the one doctors & hospital called for any procedure done in the hospital that needed approval from the insurance company.