All I can post this week is about what didn't happen.

I called my insurance company last week to ask for an out-of-network waiver so I can have Dr. Bashore do my reconstructive surgery. Spoke to one of an army of customer service personnel, otherwise known as satan's minions. Their job description: listen patiently, respond compassionately, enter data into a computer, promise follow up within 48 hours, and accomplish nothing.

The oncologist called me on Monday night, nothing important he said, but I missed the call and called back Tuesday to ask him to call me again. Still haven't heard from him.

Called insurance company twice on Tuesday this week and spoke with two different minions who said they lacked one crucial piece of information: do I already have the date for surgery scheduled? Well, no, kind of waiting to find out about that out-of network-waiver so I know if I can use Dr. Bashore. They promised to send my request back Upstairs and guess what, respond within 48 hours.

Called again on Wed, the next minion told me that for some reason my request had not been sent to the mysterious Upstairs and by the way, they need to know if I have a surgery date scheduled.

Called twice on Thursday, they needed to know if I have a surgery date scheduled. I finally said Let me get this straight. I'm supposed to schedule a very costly surgery without knowing if my insurance is going to pay for any of it, and then if my insurance isn't going to pay for it I'm supposed to cancel the surgery and start all over again, wasting more time? Apparently so. Which is

a. just stupid
b. why didn't the very first minion tell me that ten days earlier?

I also asked another minion to fax me an authorization to permit a third party to speak to them on my behalf, and she told me that she would be happy to do that, but that it would take three to five days for them to process that request and fax it.

Friday I called Dr. Bashore's office and spoke with Mary the Insurance Goddess. Then I went out kayaking. While I was still on the water Mary called me to tell me what part of claims my insurance company will and will not pay, and called me again to give me an estimate of what my out of pocket expenses will be. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to speak to an actual human being and get real information in response. I almost fell in the water I was so shocked and delighted.

Then I called Dr. K's office so that they can coordinate with Dr. B's office and CCH and Git 'er Done. I think I'll find out about the big date Monday.

Hence today's photo. I think we've all seen the card. Thanks Joel, it really reflects sometimes how I feel on the inside.