Buried in Paperwork

We are 2 days away from Thanksgiving. I want to wish everyone a wonderful and safe day. We will not be traveling very far, and I'm thankful for that. The Tri-mester is winding down this week for our children. Our eldest has Exams, though he missed the first day of test as he was home sick. The kids are looking forward to the up coming holidays.

I wanted take a moment to say thanks to so many of you that were able to attend my surprise party. It was so great to see you all. I know that for some people it had been a number of years since we have seen each other. I told a few people that I believe I talked with everyone, but had a conversation with no one as it was a busy night trying to catch everyone. However, I was so glad that I got to see people who've touched my life. Looking back, it was a great time!

Last weekend we went to Ohio for the bashing of U of M. The Ohio group was not too hard on all of us Michigan travelers this year. Thanks to our Ohio friends for putting up with so much Blue in their home! I know we all had such a great time getting together. To end the 2009 year, Tom has been ramping up his schedule again. I'm not sure how he does it, but he says that he is ready and able for this grueling schedule.

Before we left for Ohio last week we met with Dr. Collins, Endocrinologist. She was very interested in Tom's history and had us tell her (in our words) what has been going on since 2007. It was amazing to hear that she studied under Dr. Teknos and Dr. Worden at the U of M before graduated in the summer of 2007. What a small world. We ended the consultation with reassurance that we are doing the right thing by going to see Dr. Worden at the U of M. She also said that Tom was a more complicated case than she had first thought. She wanted to do some research and gather more of his results from past test before she could see where (if at all) she could assist Tom. We have an appointment to see her in January of 2010. This past week I've made phone calls to make sure that the doctor has all the papers and the test results and/or which ones we will need to bring . There is so much paperwork to see another doctor, it's like starting again from the beginning of a book, except that the book is 2 years old and more chapters are added.

Meeting with these doctors has once again reminded me of how fragile life truly is. Our family has the gift of time; not only to make good memories for the kids, but also to be able to practise living in love. Each mile marker that happens; birthdays, holidays, etc. I thank God that Tom is here to be a part of. Love is our greatest guide.

"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults." 1 Peter 4:8

Ann Arbor

The kids are finishing their first Tri-mester at school. It will be interesting to see if having the Parental Portal to check their status and current grade has been helpful. We parents are still learning how to use this tool. The kids are liking the ads help them decide what to mark on their "Wish lists" in anticipation of Christmas gifts. The boys have definitely gone to the higher priced toys.

Tom's schedule continues to be busy. Last weekend along with his regular work schedule, he taught classes at the Wayland EMS Disaster Blitz. The kids were able to participate in the drills for Mass Causality. Their wounds looked totally real and they had a blast! I was able to be outside and to enjoy the Indian Summer last weekend. I loved every minute of the sun and warmer temp.

This week we received a call from Dr. Worden's office. We will be visiting the U of M on Wednesday, December 9. It will be an interesting step to have yet another specialist working on Tom's disease. I believe that we are taking a step in the right direction. Again, I am amazed at Tom's primary doctor who pushed the issue, helping us get what we need for Tom's medical care.

Katie watched a show this week and was "singing" to me about what she heard. She recited this verse by heart, and I was touched by her words. To come out of the mouth of a babe was awesome! "Keep on asking and you will keep on getting; keep on looking and you will keep finding; knock and the door will be opened." Luke 11:9

Oncology

The time change is effecting some of our family members. I always have a hard time with this change. However, I am glad the kids can walk to school in the light. They do seem a little sluggish but I am not sure it is all due to the time change and not a little to do with the sugar withdraws!

Tom had his blood work done on Friday. His primary doctor called him on Tuesday to give him the new count which has shot up another 120 counts and now is up to 663. During their conversation the doctor mentioned about Tom going to the U of M to see Dr. Worden. This brought another conversation between Dr. and Insurance company asking why Tom was denied going to the U of M. The Case Manager called me asking me to give a little more detail about about the doctor we see at the U of M. She explained that the insurance company thought it was agreed that we were going to the Cancer Center in Detroit. A few phone calls later and we have an approval to see the Oncologist at U of M. Dr. Worden will oversee Tom's treatment working with our current Oncologist at the Lemmon Holton Cancer Pavilion. It feels good to make some forward progress.

Thursday Tom will see his primary doctor and hopefully will have the UofM referral before he leaves that office. Then on November 19 he will be having a consult with Dr. Campbell here in West Michigan. On the 20th he will see an Endocrinologist for a consult here in GR. He is continuing his PT every Friday and that fills up his calendar for the month!

Thanks to all who have continued to keep our family in your prayers. I believe they have kept us in forward motion. The power of prayer along with a positive attitude is a remarkable thing!

James 5:7 -8"So give yourselves humbly to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you."