Hysterectomy Update

I had my pelvic ultrasound and met with my surgeon.  He said that the tumor was so low in my pelvis that the bony structures prevented getting a good look.  He said I could get an MRI, but the tumor has to come out either way, so we are going a bit 'old school.' They are going to perform an exploratory, open, complete hysterectomy.  Uterus, Cervix, possibly ovaries, and of course the tumor.  He scheduled me for the 29th of July.  The other surgeon who will do the panniculectomy part of my surgery was also scheduled.  This part of the surgery requires pre-certification, because in some instances, it can be considered cosmetic.  In my case, however, my doctors feel that it is a medical necessity.  If you didn't know, a panniculectomy is like a tummy tuck, but doesn't involve muscle plication.  It is needed to eliminate rashes and low back pain, and to aid in the healing process from the main part of the surgery.  I will have to be off work a minimum of 6 weeks.

Last week, I got a call from the plastic surgeon's office that the pre-certification was denied for that portion of my procedure.  I was pretty devastated, because I have to come up with nearly $7000 dollars out of pocket to cover it.  I have submitted an appeal, but before when I tried to have just this portion of the procedure done, it was denied, even after the appeal.  The long and the short of it is that it doesn't look very good for coverage. 

Last Friday the surgeon's office called.  My surgery date is cancelled because the surgeon has to have surgery himself on his back and will be off work for several months.  He has referred me to a new surgeon in the same office.  I meet with her this coming Thursday morning for a consult, and to begin surgery plans.  I am hoping that we may be able to get the same date, or possibly sooner, but I don't want to get my hopes up.

I am working to stay strong and stave off stress.  It is tough, but proving easier than I imagined because of friends and family who are helping me and praying for me.  Some are even working on helping me figure out ways to raise funds to help pay for the un-covered portion of the procedure and to keep the bills paid while I am recovering.  The blessing I feel with the help from my friends and family is overwhelming and such a relief.  Now, we wait.