Well, I'm getting ready for the big day tomorrow - taking my sister to her first radiation consult. I'm so frustrated (for her). She tried to make a dental appt. through the CICP health program she's on and they wouldn't let her do it over the phone. She has to "come down there" (and she has no car) to get a referral as they can't get her in till later this year. I told her to let me know when next week she needs a ride! I've also been posting on a speicific website called Parotid Hope in hopes of getting specific info about the radiation effects for this very type of cancer. And --- nothing. No one has responded at all. I haven't seen anything on their site about mucositis so I don't know if that happens only to people who have radiation for tongue/throat cancer versus saliva gland cancer or not. I've printed out as much info as I can and this site is so excellent! I've gotten information on the PEG and radiation side effects. I feel like she's walking into this knowing NOTHING thanks to her doctor! (He told her that she probably wouldn't even be fatigued from the radiation!) Hopefully she'll get the info she needs from what I've been able to print out. Anyway - had to vent. It seems like if you have no health insurance in this country, you just don't matter!!!

Robin, you have to keep fighting! John HAS insurance and I am on the phone to someone everyday about one denial or another. It's hard with everything you've got going on. Try to hang in there. Amy

Thanks, Amy! Cancer is such a hard thing to deal with without all the financial runaround! And I'm finding as I call around that when you deal with social services, you are treated very, very badly. I just want a tax refund for all the money I've paid! I feel like the people they have working for SS don't give a darn about anyone! Maybe I'm wrong - maybe they're overworked and frustrated, but they treat you so badly on the phone!