Dear So and So

[mudmucker]

Dear Health Care Gods:

Thank you for letting me find myself in a situation where I have excellent health care benefits, and an employer who offers a choice for these benefits. After $750, I pay nothing. And even up to 2 years ago, I didn't even have that deductible. This is the summer of the second oncologist, the first, still my pal for another 3.5 years. Over the last 2 months with at least 24 blood draws, an MRI, a couple of ultrasounds, and as of 2 days ago a core axillary lymph node biopsy with 5 samples, they are looking for a possible new cancer. I've looked online at the new claims I no longer have to pay. Wow - I certainly have gotten my money's worth out of all the years of premiums I've paid. It's funny, after going through the first cancer, biopsies, waiting for results, visits to the cancer wing simply feel like going to my primary for strep throat or something. Get it done, then on my way an off to work like any other day. It's that routine. I do not fret, I'm not anxious, I have fun, I sleep at night, and I enjoy my vacation. Fate will play it's way into your life in one way or another. Just live with optimism

Speaking of which, I hope RaleighDon is doing ok.
And Marni seems to be on her way.....

[Owlie]

Not-dear old electric company (and gas company):
I paid the bills myself, on time, for a year. And apparently none of this came up in the credit check, so I'm stuck paying the new electric company a rather large security deposit. I can almost understand the electricity, because they spelled my first name incorrectly (though it should still be tied to my SSN) and never corrected it even though I called about it. I don't understand why the gas thing isn't on there, since they actually got that right.

Not-dear new electric company--
Is it because nothing came up in the credit history check? The fact that I'm a student? Or the fact that I have never had service with you before? I'm an unknown quantity, and according to your company policy, that means I'm automatically not going to make payments on time? How the heck do you spend $60 a month for a 1BR apartment, anyway? (Granted, the stove and heat is electric, but still, I was paying $30 a month for a two-bedroom with a power hog computer in the mix.) I'd better get that deposit back with interest, jerks.
And your hold music is incredibly irritating.

[Biciclista]

Dear Mudmucker
My goodness hearing from you gives me an entirely new perspective on this cancer thing. Raleighdon is still going to appointment after appointment, but we believe that after today we will have A PLAN and chemo/radiation to commence...
thanks for your good thoughts.

[salsabike]

Yes, Mudmucker. Thank you for that post.

[indysteel]

Mudmaker, I'm so glad you have good insurance, and I hope that your prognosis is good. Your positive attitude is inspiring.

[indysteel]

Not-dear old electric company (and gas company):
I paid the bills myself, on time, for a year. And apparently none of this came up in the credit check, so I'm stuck paying the new electric company a rather large security deposit. I can almost understand the electricity, because they spelled my first name incorrectly (though it should still be tied to my SSN) and never corrected it even though I called about it. I don't understand why the gas thing isn't on there, since they actually got that right.

Not-dear new electric company--
Is it because nothing came up in the credit history check? The fact that I'm a student? Or the fact that I have never had service with you before? I'm an unknown quantity, and according to your company policy, that means I'm automatically not going to make payments on time? How the heck do you spend $60 a month for a 1BR apartment, anyway? (Granted, the stove and heat is electric, but still, I was paying $30 a month for a two-bedroom with a power hog computer in the mix.) I'd better get that deposit back with interest, jerks.
And your hold music is incredibly irritating.

Have you ever run a credit report for yourself, Owlie? It might be a good idea to start monitoring it every so often. My guess is that even if you paid your utility bills on time for a year, you still don't have much of a credit history. A lack of credit history is about the same as a bad credit history, which might explain why you're paying a large deposit to get service. Do you have a credit card? If and only if you can be disciplined about paying it off (and I can't stress that enough), put a minor amount on it each month and never carry a balance. It'll help you build your credit such that when you go to make your first big purchases on credit, e.g., a car, you'll have some history to work with. Do not open multiple charge accounts. Stick to one and keep it open with a low credit limit. Use it judiciously.

[Blueberry]

Owlie-

Most utilities don't report to Credit Bureaus for good stuff. Sometimes not even bad stuff. So they're not building up your credit, sadly. Learned this one the hard way. Indysteel has given you wise advice - one card, pay it off monthly (but do use it). That will help. Credit does take time to build, though....

[Crankin]

Mudmucker, I am sorry you are going through this again. I like your attitude.
If you ever want to ride, let me know, although you will probably drop me like a hot potato.
I have similarly great insurance, with no deductible and no referrals required. I went to so many specialists when I was sick a few years ago, and they didn't question one thing. They paid for all of my DH's angioplasty, second opinions at the Brigham and MGH. They even paid for one of my kids to have an experimental surgery to cure his Raynauds, out of state (it worked).
I worry about what will happen when DH retires... he is hoping to work out a deal with the company to get some kind of help with maintaining this coverage... although we still have awhile.

[Biciclista]

happiness is when you discover that it really is easier to ride your bike to the doctor appointment then it is to drive (and park and pay for parking) or take the bus.
Then even better was waiting in the dr's office with my DH and my DS, all of us in bike duds. and then riding home on a perfect day with my honey.
Chemo & Radiation starts on Monday. scary stuff.

[marni]

dear biciclista,

Hang in there, it is scary, but you ride, you can do it.

Mudmucker, I am so sorry that you are back in the fray, but bless the insurance.

marni

[mudmucker]

Dear Mudmucker
My goodness hearing from you gives me an entirely new perspective on this cancer thing.

My perspective changed the first time I went to the cancer institute...you've probably noted this too. Even though I'm used to it - I'm continually shaking my head - every time I go to the oncological medical facility, the waiting room is packed. So many patients, during one appt interval, on one day, in one facility, in one city....

So I see RD starts chemo/rad on Monday. So then, no surgery?

If you ever want to ride, let me know, although you will probably drop me like a hot potato.

Ha. I don't think I'm dropping anyone, at this time, this year. Other than this current nonsense, I unfortunately had several "other" physical setbacks that has kept me off the bike for most of the summer. I hope to start up again by next week but right at the time when I'm usually peaking (as is everyone else), I'll just be starting up. I'll be at the same fitness level as I would be coming out of winter, maybe less. I doubt I could ride 20 miles without getting fatigued or winded. Usually my body responds rapidly once I get into it - I hope so this time too.

At any rate, winter will be approaching before we know it. We can always get folks together for some skiing.

[Biciclista]

Dear Mudmucker
oh yes, Surgery after he heals from the chemo/radiation. Maybe in November.. late october, not sure. Today he got tattoos! (what fun! oh boy!)