Walking The Thin Man

In May 2005, I learned that I had developed amyloidosis, a rare protein folding disease. This is my story.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

A ton of paperwork



When battling a serious disease like amyloidosis, I have learned that the logistics of preparing for your treatment can be as complicated as treatment itself. For example, I have the following tasks to prepare for.

  • Finding a place to live in Boston near the hospital (not easy). Answering ads, looking at apartments
  • Finding a parking spot in the South End (I will be letting my mother use the car)
  • Calling my car insurance company to put my mother on my policy
  • Determining who will pack my belongings in my current apartment
  • Determining who will scrub and sanitize my new apartment
  • Determining who will be moving me to my new place (and when)
  • If a place is not found, where I will stay if treatment begins
  • Where my mother will stay until I find a new place
  • Taking time out to visit friends and family before I start chemotherapy
  • Working with insurance officials to make sure the coverage is approved
  • Getting an attorney to help create health care proxy and living will
  • Getting a dentist appointment for a teeth cleaning (I won't be able to for a while after the treatment)
  • Gathering and filling out paperwork for short-term disability
  • Setting appointments at sperm banks (chemo may make you infertile)
  • Determining special equipment / medical supplies needed at new apartment.
I need to get all of this in order in two weeks. :<

This seems like an impossible task, and occassionally I have doubts if I will able to take care of everything in time for my treatment. I am relying on family and friends to take on most of this load. So far I have had an amazing response from people close to me to help me get through this. And that takes such a huge burden off of my shoulders.

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