Unfathomable

The worst news yet

A few days ago, Bear’s radiation oncologist called at the last minute, as Bear was about to leave for his daily treatment. The doctor said he was ending his treatment, supposedly because it is “unsafe” for his staff to help Bear up and onto the treatment table then back off and out. I said I would hire and send a carer to do this instead, but the doctor rejected that offer and soon ended the call, leaving my husband suddenly with no hope. Bear’s own specialist who we have overseeing his case says there is no reason to end treatment and he should continue it, but that he cannot “force” the local (rural, Astoria) center to do so — even though that local center is a collaborative with the specialist’s very large center in Portland. So tomorrow is our last chance to get his treatment back, it seems. Bear will travel 2+ hours each way to Portland to meet with the specialist in order to convince him that he should convince the local doctor to continue treatment. FWIW, based on an accidental phone call to me, from the insurer, that was meant for the local treatment center the day after this all happened, it seems that perhaps the real reason could be “billables.” I have already contacted congresspeople, local reps, and everyone else you could possibly imagine to try to get help. But we are very, VERY short on time now and I still am supposed to be spending my energy and time caring for Bear. I’m doing what I can, but his needs come first.