I hadn't written about my cancer in my blog because this was a space I wanted to keep intact, until now.Yesterday, after another chemo session, as I came into my living-room I found a wonderful package sent by Andressa by mail. Andressa has just lost her mom who died of cancer and had asked me if she could send me some books she had bought for her mom, which I felt very honoured to receive. Now, if you've ever had a chemo, you know that you don't feel so well immediately after that. When I opened this wonderful box she sent me, my eyes filled w/ tears. I could literally feel her love for her mom in every little gift she put into this magical box.
I discovered a cancer in my right breast in May 2009, had it removed and was recommended 8 chemo sessions as an adjuvant treatment. Thank God, there seems to be no apparent metastasis but there's a risk of recurrence. Due to negative limph nodes found under my arm (which indicates no metastasis) I've been denied a treatment (by my Health Assistance Plan - Unimed) which could increase my survival rate and diminish the risk of recurrence. In Brazil , the drug Taxotere is only indicated to metastatic patients although research has proved node-negative patients could also benefit from that. I don't think I and other node-negative patients have to wait until a recurrence happens to have the right to the drug, am I wrong? After receiving the denial to the drug, I recorded a video (in Portuguese) so that other people would know what's happening and we have been in contact with lawyers to see what we can do. Now, the lawyers are fighting for us.
15 comments:
Everything will be fine.
God Bless you
Txs for the great support you've been giving me. :)
Ana Maria,
Hang in there!
Larry
Dear friend,
You are very sweet.
I admired your work but now I admire you personally for fighting this so gracefully and for standing up to this broken system.
I am so happy you liked the book.
Andressa
Dear Ana Maria,
Your blog is a terrific source of ideas and inspiration for teachers around the world. We are all hoping for your speedy recovery.
Bob
Dear Ana Maria,
It takes a lot of courage to face this and you seem to have it. It takes a lot of courage to share your story, too, but the warm responses here and on Twitter show what a valuable member of my PLN you are.
Be strong and positive and fight it with all you've got, Ana Maria.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am sending you all my very best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Marisa
Dear Larry, Andressa, Bob and Marisa,
Thank you so much for the comments. Every word of comfort is very welcome as it helps me feel stronger.
Hi Ana
Is there anything we can do to help?
Is there anywhere we can write to, to put pressure on this Unimed company?
Lawyers are expensive could we help to raise money?
There's no reason why you should have to fight this on your own.
What can we do to help?
Nik Peachey
Dear Ana María,
Your picture is wonderful, what a wonderful smile and positive stand.
Everything will gradually work out as we will all be praying for you and sending our loving energy.
Please let us know what we can do.
All the best, Bertha
Dear Nik and Berta,
Thanks for the nice wishes.
Nik, You can help by adding a comment to my youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJi8a5BrjA8 . Hundreds of people in Brazil have sent e-mails to them protesting but they're still denying payment. However, I do believe we have a chance of reverting this in court. I thank you for the initiative of raising money but I kindly decline for now. What I really need right now is everyone's support and know that this fight is not only for me but for other people who might need this treatment in the future too.
Hi Anna,
I think you have every right to do the best for your life and we all support you in this.
My thoughts are with you
Eleni
Dear Ana,
You are in my prayers. I want to say thank you for your dedication to English language teaching and the community for promoting effective technology in ELT. When I first joined Twitter, you were my first TeacherTuesday recommendation, my first RSS feeds, and one of my first Mr.Tweet recommendations. I have learned a lot from you and even subscribed via RSS to your Simply Boxes. I will write support to your video and anything else you need from me please ask.
Dear Shelly,
Thank you so much for your support, your words , your post and mostly for your prayers. I'm sure everything will be ok, faith is in my heart. Congratulations on your nominations!!!
Dear Ana,
Your courage and strength are inspiring. You'll constantly be in my family's prayers and let me know if there is anything we could do from Brasília.
Ronaldo
Ronaldo!!! So glad to see you dropped by. Thanks for the support.
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