Due to genetic risk, I was suggested genetic screening by the doctor. I was scheduled for the test last Wednesday. Here are my thoughts..
I went to the test starving, because the Dr was planning to take samples of saliva and send it to the lab. During my previous talks to the counselor/ admin and doctor, I was told that the test can be covered by the insurance if the patient is at risk. If not, I can always reject the test results. At that point, my main concern was the $3000 tab.Anyway, she asks me to sign and initial where she marked and hands me over some documentation. I did sign and initial. But since she was inside attending to something else, I sat there, reading the fine print.. Without quoting anyone of anything, here is the summary of the conversation that followed:
1. I can reject the results, but they will be shared with my provider - insurance and doctor.
2. Law says insurance cannot kick me out if I test positive, but they are not sure what happens if I want to change my jobs. Yes, law says a thousand things!
3. Even with current insurance, I need to follow my doctor's advice, which is most likely preventive masectomy. If I don't, insurance can rethink my coverage.
4. A lot of "as suggested by insurance company" answers from the Admin/ Counselor- clearly nothing like the assurance she gave me the week before.
5. TMI Question, but we are all adults here, so sharing that one as well: If I have masectomy, what about reconstruction surgery? Is that covered too? No definitive answer.. I guess that's like dental work- covered to pull teeth out, not to fit new ones
6. Everything failed, I refused to believe I have cancer when I am just at risk, told them I will come back for regular mammograms, and also the suggested MRI scans.. and the last thing that came out of her mouth was.. think about your kids, they need you. Yes, they need me, but they have a father also. I trust him if something were to happen to me. Stop making me feel like a dying person when I am perfectly healthy. You cannot scare me into this :'(
Best one: After preventive surgery, my changes of having cancer are the same as any normal human being. Awww! No, not doing it. I will honor the regular recommended tests, and take care of me better, but if anything happens in spite of that, I am sure family and friends will deal with my loss with courage.
This was exactly the same feeling that you get when you go to get a hair cut.. the hair dresser always tells you to change your shampoo, conditioner and get the repair treatments she offers..didn't want to feel like that getting out of a clinic, but that's what it is.
I don't know if I did a right decision, but sorry, you cannot scare me into it telling me I have to think of my children. I risk death driving on the streets of Irvine more than cancer. That hasn't made me stop driving..
