FINAL appeal

Our FINAL Appeal is on 2/28 at 3:30. The last time we met with the insurance company was a "Grievance meeting" not a formal appeal. This FINAL Appeal will be heard by a panel of 3 people. A few insurance company employees will be there to "answer any questions." Who knows what will come out of the appeal - but I have to be optimistic that they'll do the right thing.

Blake had chemo again yesterday (#32) & also had an appt with Dr. Whisenant. Dr. Whisenant really believes that SelectHealth is being/will be fair and does have Blakes best interest in mind. Apparently, they've been presented with at least 4 requests for HIPEC in the last 3 months. 2 were for appendix, 1 colon (Blake) and I don't remember the other one. The appendix cases have been approved - but only after an appeal. Appendix cancer is the 1st cancer they started doing HIPEC on so I'm not surprised they were approved.

Dr. Whisenant seems to be laying the ground work so that we won't be devastated if this doesn't get approved. I guess that's a good thing. If Blake doesn't get this procedure it doesn't mean that he'll just immediately go down hill. For now, chemo is still working and keeping the cancer in check and would (hopefully) continue to do so (preferably f-o-r-e-v-e-r!) Constant chemo is just so rough on him. Breaks my heart.

After the pump is disconnected tomorrow, Blake will be on an official chemo break until after the surgery. If it's approved, we'll head down to San Diego the 3rd week of March, if it's completely denied again, they'll put him back on chemo.

March is colon cancer awareness month. If you are 50 or over, PLEASE get a colonoscopy! Thank you.

Love, Kathy