I believe that I have felt all the weather related experiences this week. The warmer weather and the windy sunny days early this week made me think that "Spring is in the air". The weather became a little uncomfortable in the middle of the week when I was getting in and out of my "stuffy" car (not having to carry a coat & gloves was wonderful though). Then the cooler air blew in with its force this weekend. Today I took back out the winter coats that I had washed and was ready to put away for a season.
It has been very hectic around here. Not only am I getting a new washer/dryer (OK, not out of the storeroom brand new, but new to me); we are preparing for our annual City wide garage sale with about 6 families going full force with the pricing, shuffling, and displaying of items; we have also decided to paint the laundry room while the big appliances are out and that includes getting new light fixtures, towel racks, etc. Tom has put in another 6 day week including a day with two 12 hour shifts. Can we cram anything else in? I am amazed at his ability to cope. He is feeling better this week but his breathing still sounds labored at night. He has a refill on his prescription of the acid reflux medicine and told me not to worry about the other medicine the Dr. had prescribed and the insurance denied coverage. I can tell when Tom gets tired as his throat seems to tighten and his voice gets more raspy sounding. Just little hints that his body has been through major trauma.
I have made this blog long enough. It's funny that sometimes when I first sit down to type I think to myself "What am I going to talk about this week? There's nothing major going on." Then I just type and it's like talking to a friend. Maybe it's not worthy of a News Breaking article for our local channels, it's just life. Thanks for taking time to share.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Spring
Spring break was busy and went by quickly. Last week was back to the bump and grind of working, school work, practices, etc. The kids are now counting the days to the end of school.
Tom had the flu last week and is still recovering; this has become quite the battle as his immune system is not what it used to be. He was down but not out and he still worked 6 days last week. I really do not know how he does it. He is truly a driven man! Tom's breathing has become an issue during sleep once again. I hope this gets better as he starts to recover. We have not had a return phone call in regards to the uncovered prescription, but hopefully I can work on that this week. Starting in May Tom will be on the weekend shift at the hospital and resumes his college education during the week nights. It is both good and challenging for our family. Once summer break is here the kids will see a lot of their dad during the week days, but the weekends are going to be a big change. Our times together will have to be "Intentional Time." At least we do not need to add the expense of daycare this year.
This week at church the message was about praying. Tom and I were helping out with the toddlers and did not hear the message, but I realize more each month how important the power of prayer is and has been in our family. It goes beyond the cry for help and acknowledgement of an answered prayer. It has been so much more in my life and I hope it is/becomes so much more in many lives.
Tom had the flu last week and is still recovering; this has become quite the battle as his immune system is not what it used to be. He was down but not out and he still worked 6 days last week. I really do not know how he does it. He is truly a driven man! Tom's breathing has become an issue during sleep once again. I hope this gets better as he starts to recover. We have not had a return phone call in regards to the uncovered prescription, but hopefully I can work on that this week. Starting in May Tom will be on the weekend shift at the hospital and resumes his college education during the week nights. It is both good and challenging for our family. Once summer break is here the kids will see a lot of their dad during the week days, but the weekends are going to be a big change. Our times together will have to be "Intentional Time." At least we do not need to add the expense of daycare this year.
This week at church the message was about praying. Tom and I were helping out with the toddlers and did not hear the message, but I realize more each month how important the power of prayer is and has been in our family. It goes beyond the cry for help and acknowledgement of an answered prayer. It has been so much more in my life and I hope it is/becomes so much more in many lives.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
West Side
The kids are having a good and busy Spring Break. The boys are in Hunters Safety and Katie was invited to an indoor water park/hotel with a few friends and a brave mother and grandmother.
Tom has been doing better at night. I'm not sure if it is the PT or being on the reflux drugs regularly, but something has been doing the trick. He started to workout at home and has been feeling more energy. Hopefully he has finally moved up to a new level of wellness.
We've had some bumps with U of M and getting an approval to which Oncologist Tom was going to see. Finally after traded phone calls, we have an appointment on May 8 with Dr. Campbell here in the West side. Tom and I are very happy to be seeing a Dr. close to home again.
Last week I went to pick up a new prescription that Tom had filled. I was told once again that our insurance would not cover it. I inquired about how much it would cost; thinking it probably would not be worth fighting. I was told it was $314.00. I replied that they could hang onto the prescription until the powers that be could get the coverage straightened out. I have made a few phone calls to both the insurance and Dr.'s office to have them hash it out, but have not heard anything yet about it. However, Tom had been previously prescribed a type of medicine that seems to be currently helping him.
Thanks for the e-mails and phone calls. It has been easier to share Tom's good news than the phone calls we made last summer. Please continue to pray for Tom's complete healing.
Tom has been doing better at night. I'm not sure if it is the PT or being on the reflux drugs regularly, but something has been doing the trick. He started to workout at home and has been feeling more energy. Hopefully he has finally moved up to a new level of wellness.
We've had some bumps with U of M and getting an approval to which Oncologist Tom was going to see. Finally after traded phone calls, we have an appointment on May 8 with Dr. Campbell here in the West side. Tom and I are very happy to be seeing a Dr. close to home again.
Last week I went to pick up a new prescription that Tom had filled. I was told once again that our insurance would not cover it. I inquired about how much it would cost; thinking it probably would not be worth fighting. I was told it was $314.00. I replied that they could hang onto the prescription until the powers that be could get the coverage straightened out. I have made a few phone calls to both the insurance and Dr.'s office to have them hash it out, but have not heard anything yet about it. However, Tom had been previously prescribed a type of medicine that seems to be currently helping him.
Thanks for the e-mails and phone calls. It has been easier to share Tom's good news than the phone calls we made last summer. Please continue to pray for Tom's complete healing.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April Fools - No Joke
We finally had a decent drive to U of M today. We met with Dr. Teknos and went over Tom's latest scans. At this time it appears that they have successfully removed all the cancer. This of course is great news! However, with this type of cancer there is a fear of the cancer returning somewhere else. So what is our next step?
Tom will be referred to an Oncologist, hopefully in Grand Rapids, where they will discuss the use of a preventative new drug that attacks and shrinks tumors with this type of cancer.
Tom will return to the U of M in 6 months to repeat the Octreotide scan. He will need to have these scans every 6 months eventually moving towards one a year.
We also discussed with Dr. Teknos Tom's difficulty maintaining an airway at night; breathing, swallowing, and swelling. They scoped Tom's throat and looked at his vocal cords. The Dr. even let me look at them (it was cool). His difficulty with breathing and swallowing are due to swelling around his vocal cords which is still the effects of the surgery. Adding to this, Tom now has acid reflux which is enflaming the tissue around the vocal cords. The doctor has prescribed a steroid pack and a new prescription to counter the acid reflux, yeah more drugs for Tom to try to remember to take. As Tom continues to heal the edema (fluids) will be decreased as the new blood vessels grow. Tom will return to U of M to meet with Dr. Teknos on July 15 to evaluate the swelling. Of course Tom could not leave the hospital without donating his blood again. They will check and probably readjust his Thyroid medicine. I believe they are also checking his calcitonin level.
Tom continues in his physical therapy 3 days a week and is making good progress with movements in his shoulders, neck, and arms.
We have been battling this cancer for two years and we are finally on the offensive. We couldn't have done this without of the support of so many. Thank you all for your love, prayers, and encouragement. All the way home my mind was singing "Thank You Lord!" We still have a long road ahead of us, but at least for tonight I think that I will be able to sleep.
Upcoming dates:
July 15, U of M at 10:45
Consult with Oncologist (TBA)
September (TBA) 2008, U of M for 3 days, Octreotide scans
Tom will be referred to an Oncologist, hopefully in Grand Rapids, where they will discuss the use of a preventative new drug that attacks and shrinks tumors with this type of cancer.
Tom will return to the U of M in 6 months to repeat the Octreotide scan. He will need to have these scans every 6 months eventually moving towards one a year.
We also discussed with Dr. Teknos Tom's difficulty maintaining an airway at night; breathing, swallowing, and swelling. They scoped Tom's throat and looked at his vocal cords. The Dr. even let me look at them (it was cool). His difficulty with breathing and swallowing are due to swelling around his vocal cords which is still the effects of the surgery. Adding to this, Tom now has acid reflux which is enflaming the tissue around the vocal cords. The doctor has prescribed a steroid pack and a new prescription to counter the acid reflux, yeah more drugs for Tom to try to remember to take. As Tom continues to heal the edema (fluids) will be decreased as the new blood vessels grow. Tom will return to U of M to meet with Dr. Teknos on July 15 to evaluate the swelling. Of course Tom could not leave the hospital without donating his blood again. They will check and probably readjust his Thyroid medicine. I believe they are also checking his calcitonin level.
Tom continues in his physical therapy 3 days a week and is making good progress with movements in his shoulders, neck, and arms.
We have been battling this cancer for two years and we are finally on the offensive. We couldn't have done this without of the support of so many. Thank you all for your love, prayers, and encouragement. All the way home my mind was singing "Thank You Lord!" We still have a long road ahead of us, but at least for tonight I think that I will be able to sleep.
Upcoming dates:
July 15, U of M at 10:45
Consult with Oncologist (TBA)
September (TBA) 2008, U of M for 3 days, Octreotide scans
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