Timeline

I created this timeline to help me keep things in perspective.

DateEventElapsed Time
October 15, 2021During my semi-annual physical, there was a spike in my PSA. After a MIR, my primary care physician recommended that I see a urologist.00
November 12, 2021I had difficulty finding an MD who will accept my insurance. I finally had an appointment with a Urologist1 month
May 25th, 2022After some lab work and MRI, the first Urologist recommends an intrusive biopsy.8 months
 Seeking a second opinion. None of my first-choice MDs accept my insurance 
July 1st, 2022Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. Online request for an appointment 
July 6th, 2022Mayo Clinic informed me that they do not accept my insurance. Continued seeking MD for the second opinion 
July 22, 2022Four MDs in Vero will not accept my insurance.9 months
August 3, 2022One Vero MD’s office scheduled an appointment, called me to verify, and told me they do not accept my insurance when I showed up for the appointment. The worst case of office incomitance I have ever experienced. 
August 29, 2022Finally, have an appointment with Vero Urologist. He recommended a biopsy, 
October 13, 2022A fusion biopsy was performed.One year
October 31st, 2022Biopsy results indicate cancer. PET Scan to be scheduled. 
November 2, 2022I what to change my Medical Insurance company. I called another insurance company and submitted my application. I am well within the open enrollment period. 
November 3, 2022I received an email stating that my application to the second insurance company had been approved. Effective December 1st, 2022 
November 16, 2022I received an NM  PET/CT whole body image scan. (PET SCAN)13 months
November 29th, 2022After nearly two weeks I had not heard back from the urologist’s office regarding my PET scan. I called the office and found out the doctor was on medical leave. I made an appointment with a nurse practitioner to review my PET scan results. Their office recommended External Beam Radiation Therapy  (EBRT) and Hormone Therapy. Proton therapy was never mentioned nor was it covered in the book they gave me to read. The PET scan showed that my cancer had not metastasized. 
December 1st, 2022This is the date that I assumed I would be out from under my original Medicare Advantage program. My primary insurance would now be Medicare with the supplemental insurance I purchased on November 3, 2022. I and now dealing with 3 healthcare entities. Medicare, my original Medicare Advantage program, and my new supplemental health plan, 
December 1st, 2022I applied for a consultation appointment at the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville FL.  I learned about proton therapy from the Mayo Clinic website. After reviewing the side effects of radiation therapy and hormone therapy I decided to investigate proton therapy.                     14  months
December 3rd, 2022I received a package from the Proton Therapy Institute. It was initially delivered to the wrong address. The package contained forms that I filled out for the Patient Intake Coordinator. It also contained 2 books describing proton therapy. 
December 5th, 2022I am in email and telephone contact with the Patient Intake Coordinator at the Proton Therapy Institute. 
December 9th, 2022I received a call from the University of Florida Health insurance department. They told me that my new insurance coverage did not kick in and Medicare still has me covered by the original Medicare Advantage program. 
December 9 through December 15thI am in an exhausting e-mail, telephone, and fax campaign to get my Medicare insurance mess cleared up so that I would be accepted for treatment by the proton therapy institute. 
December 15th, 2022I received a call from the UF Health Intake Coordinator, and my initial consultation has been approved for December 27th, 2022. 
December 16th, 2022The agenda for the December 27th meeting includes consultation with the doctor and the nurse who will oversee my treatment. There will also be some lab work and a physical performed by the doctor. Florida Proton Institute would also like to schedule an MRI that they will use in my therapy. 
December 21st, 2022I received a call from my Intake Coordinator, and she told me that my Medicare Advantage provider would not authorize the MRI.     $#%@^$$#!! 
December 27th, 2022Nancy and I are in Jacksonville FL at the Proton Therapy Institute. We met with a financial counselor, had blood taken for lab work, met with my care nurse, and with my radiation oncologist. I did not have an MRI; however, I did provide the doctor with the MRI and PET SCAN disks that were created in Vero Beach. 
January 3rd, 2023Published blog – The Old Man and the C
January 6th, through January 20th, 2023.Another marathon session of telephone calls, e-mail messages, and fax, to disenroll from Medicare Advantage and make Medicare my primary insurance with the supplemental insurance that took effect December 1, 2022. Note that the supplemental insurance company has been withdrawing premium payments from my bank account for December and January.15 months
January 9th, 2023In a conversation with Medicare, we were told that to disenroll from a Medicare Advantage program I would need a prescription drug plan. So, I enrolled, through Medicare, in the WellCare Value Script prescription drug plan. I was then told by the Medicare customer service person, that Medicare would become my primary insurance on February the 2nd, 2023. 
January 16th, 2023I have completed a cancer screening test prescribed by the proton therapy institute 
January 17th, 2023I have finally received the disenrollment form from my Medicare Advantage company. 
January 19th, 2023I received a letter from my Medicare Advantage program that confirms my disenrollment from their plan. In the letter, it states that beginning February 1st, 2023, they will no longer cover my health care. I faxed this letter and a cover letter to my Patient Intake Coordinator. 
January 20th, 2023I received a call from my Patient Intake Coordinator that they have received my fax and she would forward it to the appropriate people. 
February 1st, 2023Medicare is now primary insurance with AARP the supplemental. One year and 4 months.
Feb 2nd, 2023Went to ER in Vero. Diagnosed with Hermatura. Probably a kidney stone.
Feb 12, 2023I spoke with the Proton Therapy Ambassador from Vero Beach
Feb 17, 2023I had the MRI that Dr. Bill requested at Vero Radiology. They will send it to Dr. Bill
Feb 23, 2023At Proton Therapy Institute. Today I had the gold markers implanted and I also had the SpaceOar jell implanted.
March 13, 2023In Jax, for 6 -8 weeks. Staying at Third & Main. My first proton therapy treatment was today.
March 17, 2023Completed 1st week of treatments. Total 5 sessions.
March 24, 2023Completed 2nd week of treatments. Total 10 sessions.
March 31, 20023Completed 3rd week of treatments. Total 15 sessions.
April 7th, 2023Completed 4th week of treatments. Total 20 sessions.
April 10, 2023The Green Gantry is having problems. Treatment switched to Yellow Gantry
April 14, 2023Visited the men’s support group at the Institute and the social support group at Third & Main
April 14, 2023Completed 5th week of proton therapy.
April 16, 2023Decided against the Hormone Therapy treatment
April 17, 2023The Green Gantry is still having problems my treatments are in the Yellow Gantry.
April 17, 2023I did not receive treatment today because of problems with the Green Gantry.
April 20, 2023My final meeting with Dr. Bill
April 21, 2023I received my final treatment today
April 22, 2023Going HomeOne year
and 7
months