@billd – I’ll be happy to give you some pointers! (when I get around to it…)
@lucky – you are indeed from the sounds of things! I will look into the payment plan concept. Didn’t even occur to me! I may also talk to a family member. There are some things you don’t want to borrow money for, but this actually seems like one of those things that it would be silly to do without if there’s a chance of some help. I know if I could lend myself the money I would in a heartbeat!! 
It is very disheartening to experience the drawbacks of our healthcare system. Money talks as they say.
I’ve also had private insurance suggested to me, so perhaps I’ll look into that too. (Or maybe I’ll have @billd do it for me tomorrow!)
@no_dopamine – I like your attitude! I’m in the process of shifting from regret and loss to joy at the prospect of a new beginning. I already feel a bit of a sense of relief and am letting go of some of the guilt that’s plagued me for every time I’ve let someone down.
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