Ludicrous

I remember when TC had her double mastectomy a few years ago.
At the time, I was shocked and disturbed that she was discharged from the hospital just 48 hours after major surgery.

Initially, she came home to my house to be cared for.
I was, in retrospect, ill equipped.
TC was in a lot of pain, she had drainage tubes coming out of her, and wounds that needed to be properly dressed.
Thank God, I had two nurse/friends in the neighborhood that I relied heavily on for assistance.

We got through it, but not without (twice) going back to the ER in the first 2 weeks for complications.
TC had good insurance; I cringe to think of those women without any insurance at all.

That was then, this is now.
Tragically, it’s gotten even worse!

I received the following, in the form of an email from my friend Tina.
The issue she raises is very personal for her and her family.
Ironically, Tina’s cousin was also diagnosed with breast cancer within days of TC.
Tina and I faced our fears and concerns together.
That seems like such a long time ago now.
Happily, Tina’s cousin is doing well today.

Please read on and more importantly ACT on.
What the insurance companies are trying to do is a disgrace.
We may or may not be able to stop them.
But we absolutely cannot stop them if we don’t try.
Please cast your vote.From Tina:Subject: Please, take a moment for this one..... It’s gaining momentum but still hasn't pushed through...

And get it to as many people as you can, women and men alike ... it’s been around before, but so worth a second look. (Chrissy, your blog if you wouldn't mind?) ...

Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure ...
Mastectomy Hospital Bill in Congress.

If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards.
Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure.
Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.

It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important... please take the time and do it really quick!
Please send this to everyone in your address book.
If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times.
If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same.

There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy.
It's about eliminating the "drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support.
Last year over half the House signed on.

PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below.
You need not give more than your name, e-mail and zip code.
Click HERE to urge the end of Drive-Through Mastectomies!This takes about 2 seconds.PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends and family, and on behalf of all women… THANKS!

Thank YOU Tina... for taking the lead on this one! cb