Dear thwilson702,

I am beyond sorry to hear that you have received such a frightening diagnosis and have been in pain for so long without adequate relief. Pain without hope of relief makes everything harder to manage.

I do not know what your treatment plan entails and hope that you have clarity around what's needed, what is planned, how soon it can take place, and what you can hope to achieve with that level of care. To have pain that is worsening and only an understanding of what WON'T be or isn't being done, rather than information about what options might be possible for you and worth trying, would freak me out and send me scrambling for alternative support and care. I do hope you are able to find your way to Mayo, or to find other sources of care that are accessible to you. I found that my insurance covered anything at Mayo at least as well as it did closer to home, where I was having trouble accessing care as quickly as my fear dictated. I hope that will be the case for you. You deserve excellent medical care, clear communication around what's needed, what's possible, what your options are, what timelines attach to each option, and how each option will be covered, as well as kind support and encouragement.

I send you and those who love you my hugs and my hopes and prayers that you will receive all that you deserve and soon so you can make the best of what you have.