I know that it has been a little over a week since my last writing, but life is getting busy around the Andrews' house and it isn't even spring yet! Kyle had his band concert tonight. I watched him walk to his seat with all the other 7th graders and can't believe how tall that boy is. He looked like one of the high schools kids. Parent/Teacher conference are going on and I have talked with 2 of the 3 kids teacher(s). There were no surprises as to how the kids are doing. I have to say that I am proud of all of them. They all try so hard to do their best. I know they each have their own struggles in school, but it is great to see them work so hard and then it's like it just clicks (the light bulb goes on) and that is the rewarding part.
Now on to Tom's progress: Tom is doing about the same as last week. I know that he is trying to stay focused on the things he can control. We talk about April 1st and what it could mean, but I think that I am the one dwelling on the possibilities (at least I am the one who will admit it anyway). The main comment that Tom will say is that he hopes he does not have to wait to have the results from the procedure any later than April 1st. He wants to get on with life! I hope that is what we hear in April also.
I have made traded phone calls to find out what office to begin pushing so that the papers get to the appropriate people and that Tom's scan will be approved. I found out that Tom's primary Dr's office had faxed paperwork to the insurance company in regards to the scan. However the insurance company is questioning why this type of scan instead of the iodine scan. Tom's primary office has to defer that to the Specialist at the U of M. So, by the end of this week I plan to call the nurse at the U of M office and see if I can get a confirmation that they have submitted the supporting documents. At least they are not saying a definite "no" at this point. I do not expect any fast answers, having already had that experience with the Pet scan last July. I hope that you will remember to keep us on the "prayer list" as we go about our busy days.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Insurance
Another blustery day here in Michigan. Last night I woke a few times to hear the rain hitting the house. When I finally rolled out of bed, I realized that it was not just rain, but feezing rain, as the weather forecasters predicted. Next we will have a snowy mix that should make for an interesting commute for Tom tonight and myself on Monday. The kids are on their Mid Winter Break, as if they needed one. They are now counting how many days they need to go in the summer time!
Tom is doing ok. Thanks for so many inquiries and continued prayers for improvement. Tom has some hair growth in the back of his neck, it is not even yet but I told him to be happy it is growing in black and not that "other" color! His facial hair is growing father down than the Dr. anticipated. His back right shoulder seems to be itchy much of the time but other than one small circular patch of red skin, his back looks normal. Tom continues to have labored breathing all night and is up many times a night. His is glad to be back to work and I think it keeps his mind off the future test and results.
Speaking of future tests, we received a letter from our insurance company stating that they are inquiring about the Octreotide test. They have not approved the procedure and want "Supporting documentation that the Octreotide test is helpful for Thyroid Cancer." The Regents of the U of M have 45 days to respond, which brings us to March 31 which is after his testing dates that we have set up at U of M. It also stated that if the "patient" proceeded with the test prior to receiving the authorization letter, we may be responsible for the entire cost of the service. I sure hope that these companies work together and get this approved so that we can continue with Tom's progress. I don't think we could afford this test. We just got the bill for Tom's blood work from U of M, $$$. I can wait to see how much our consulatation cost. Let's just say that with all of Tom's procedures, the bills add up to 1 1/4 the price of our house! I'm grateful that we have such good insurance and hope that whoever is making the decisions for approval really put the quality of life as a considering factor.
So here we are again, waiting for the powers that be to make up their minds about what will be done for Tom. Until December I had all the confidence in our insurance to approve what was necessary for Tom's health. The unapproved prescription bill was not a big thing and we could afford to pay out of pocket. This time I am hopeful that they will get this resolved in the next month as we can't handle it the same way. Prayer Warriors: Please pray that this be resolved and that we (I) do not become to "anxious" while we wait & please pray that Tom can sleep at night.
Tom is doing ok. Thanks for so many inquiries and continued prayers for improvement. Tom has some hair growth in the back of his neck, it is not even yet but I told him to be happy it is growing in black and not that "other" color! His facial hair is growing father down than the Dr. anticipated. His back right shoulder seems to be itchy much of the time but other than one small circular patch of red skin, his back looks normal. Tom continues to have labored breathing all night and is up many times a night. His is glad to be back to work and I think it keeps his mind off the future test and results.
Speaking of future tests, we received a letter from our insurance company stating that they are inquiring about the Octreotide test. They have not approved the procedure and want "Supporting documentation that the Octreotide test is helpful for Thyroid Cancer." The Regents of the U of M have 45 days to respond, which brings us to March 31 which is after his testing dates that we have set up at U of M. It also stated that if the "patient" proceeded with the test prior to receiving the authorization letter, we may be responsible for the entire cost of the service. I sure hope that these companies work together and get this approved so that we can continue with Tom's progress. I don't think we could afford this test. We just got the bill for Tom's blood work from U of M, $$$. I can wait to see how much our consulatation cost. Let's just say that with all of Tom's procedures, the bills add up to 1 1/4 the price of our house! I'm grateful that we have such good insurance and hope that whoever is making the decisions for approval really put the quality of life as a considering factor.
So here we are again, waiting for the powers that be to make up their minds about what will be done for Tom. Until December I had all the confidence in our insurance to approve what was necessary for Tom's health. The unapproved prescription bill was not a big thing and we could afford to pay out of pocket. This time I am hopeful that they will get this resolved in the next month as we can't handle it the same way. Prayer Warriors: Please pray that this be resolved and that we (I) do not become to "anxious" while we wait & please pray that Tom can sleep at night.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Energy?!
Tom has been on his new Thyroid medicine and says that he is finally feeling more energy than before. However, it still does not compare to his pre-sickness levels. I hope that he will continue on this path until he feels at a comfortable level. He is amazed at how much better he feels compared to pre-surgery. He said that he really stuggled at work and now realizes how sick he truly was with his cancer. He was a little nervous going back after being off work for so long, but he said that it just clicked once he got back. I think along with so many things, Tom has a new "perspective" on life.
On Monday around 8:00 I sat the kids down to talk with them about their dad. For those of you that do not know how our house is layed out, we live in a multi-level with open stairs leading to the uppper/lower levels. When I have something serious to tell them I always lead them to the stairs to have our talk. Well last Monday was no different. I told them I had something to say about dad. They all walked over to the stairs to sit and listen. I don't really know how this started but it tickles me that they sit in birth order: Kyle at the top, Cody in the middle, and Katie at the bottom couple steps. I told them that the doctors have not said dad is cancer free. I told them that was why in March we would be gone for a few days. Cody looked realived when I said that are not confirming he still has his cancer, but the tests will tell us for sure. I also explained what the blood test that dad has done tells the doctors. They had a bunch of questions which I tried to answer to the best of my limited ability. Then I told them that people are praying at 8:00 every Monday for dad. I suggested we do the same. I prayed and told the kids that they could say something if they wanted. Katie had a few things to say. They boys were quiet and Katie looked up at them like "Say Something!" I said that it was ok to say things from their hearts that it was sometimes hard to say it out loud. Once we finished, they agreed to do it again every Monday.
Thanks to so many of you who are keeping our family in your prayers. We appreciate your words of encouragement and your willingness to help. I hope that you will join the Andrews family in prayer each Monday.
On Monday around 8:00 I sat the kids down to talk with them about their dad. For those of you that do not know how our house is layed out, we live in a multi-level with open stairs leading to the uppper/lower levels. When I have something serious to tell them I always lead them to the stairs to have our talk. Well last Monday was no different. I told them I had something to say about dad. They all walked over to the stairs to sit and listen. I don't really know how this started but it tickles me that they sit in birth order: Kyle at the top, Cody in the middle, and Katie at the bottom couple steps. I told them that the doctors have not said dad is cancer free. I told them that was why in March we would be gone for a few days. Cody looked realived when I said that are not confirming he still has his cancer, but the tests will tell us for sure. I also explained what the blood test that dad has done tells the doctors. They had a bunch of questions which I tried to answer to the best of my limited ability. Then I told them that people are praying at 8:00 every Monday for dad. I suggested we do the same. I prayed and told the kids that they could say something if they wanted. Katie had a few things to say. They boys were quiet and Katie looked up at them like "Say Something!" I said that it was ok to say things from their hearts that it was sometimes hard to say it out loud. Once we finished, they agreed to do it again every Monday.
Thanks to so many of you who are keeping our family in your prayers. We appreciate your words of encouragement and your willingness to help. I hope that you will join the Andrews family in prayer each Monday.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Back to Normal?
It was Tom's first week back to work. I think it was a little harder than he anticipated, but he made it through. It did not help that our children were off due to snow days and the house "buzz" is always louder with kids running around. Tom braved the cold and turned on the fan to drown out some of the noise. Kyle did a great job watching his younger siblings and loved his end of week reward. I hope he thought it was worth it.
I am fighting yet another bug. This hacking cough is enough to drive a person crazy! However, there is no rest for the weary and I can say that I'm glad it's Friday! Thanks for all the words of encouragement this past week. I love the anonymous comment about the calcitonin prayer. I will be one to stop at 8:00 this Monday and say a prayer for my loved one!
I am fighting yet another bug. This hacking cough is enough to drive a person crazy! However, there is no rest for the weary and I can say that I'm glad it's Friday! Thanks for all the words of encouragement this past week. I love the anonymous comment about the calcitonin prayer. I will be one to stop at 8:00 this Monday and say a prayer for my loved one!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Test Results
Tom received a phone call from the nurse at U of M with his latest test results. As he suspected, they are adjusting his Thyroid medicine again (I heard this can go on for 6 months and up to a year). Hopefully this will help his energy level as he starts back to work this week. We were not thrilled with the results of the Calcitonin levels. We had hoped that after radiation his levels would return to normal (normal being around 10). A higher calcitonin level is an indicator that there is still cancer. Before Tom's surgery his was at 11,000. One week after the surgery his level had dropped to 187. His latest level was 129. His Dr. said that we are not going to worry about it now because it is still dropping and not going up. The real question will be answered in March when he goes for the scan.
For now Tom is jumping back into work and physical therapy trying to keep his mind off odds, percentages, and the March scan. The kids don't know that dad has to go back for more procedures yet. I'm just relying a lot on prayers to help us all through.
For now Tom is jumping back into work and physical therapy trying to keep his mind off odds, percentages, and the March scan. The kids don't know that dad has to go back for more procedures yet. I'm just relying a lot on prayers to help us all through.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Back to Ann Arbor
More tests? Aren't we done yet?
We had a horrible ride to U of M today. We were stuck in traffic in Kzoo for over 1/2 hour with traffic backed up as far as the eye can see. Tom was a great driver and we were only 10 minutes late for the appointment. They must have been waiting for us because Tom got right in to see Dr. Teknos, which was a first! Tom was poked & prodded and then we got to the consult.
Tom's neck continues to swell in the evening and Dr. says this is normal. He warned that his swelling and firmness may stay with him for up to a year. The edema (fluid) in Tom's neck it's turning to scar tissue. Tom will need to start Physical Therapy. He still does not have full movement of his neck and Dr. doesn't want scar tissue to hamper the movement of his head and neck. Dr. also explained that three weeks after the last radiation treatment would be the worst point in recovery before Tom would begin feeling better. Tom is on the other side of it now and should start improving a little each day.
Tom's taste buds should come back within 3-4 months after his last treatment. Dr. said that "Things will start tasting better again and not so much like cardboard." His energy is within the same range. He said that each week he should notice a difference.
Tom got poked again today while at the U of M. They are checking his Calcitonin levels, Thyroid, and calcuim levels. These results will be in within the week. Tom will not have to see another Dr. again until March. He will go back to U of M for a three day procedure. This is called for a scan called the Octreotide scan. This is better than a PET scan because it focuses on Neuro Tumors. This is in the nuclear medicine department at the University of Michigan with the same functions as the PET scan. Then we go back again to get the results on April 1st -no fooling!
Thanks for all the prayers that were said today and before in anticipation of Tom's consultation. Tom is thankful that he has been released to go back to work next week. He is still not sleeping all night but within time this should be improving along with everything else. Even though we are not out of the "woods" yet, we are getting more answers and having less questions. Is Tom cancer free? The Dr. have not confirmed that, yet but I believe we can pray for that.
We had a horrible ride to U of M today. We were stuck in traffic in Kzoo for over 1/2 hour with traffic backed up as far as the eye can see. Tom was a great driver and we were only 10 minutes late for the appointment. They must have been waiting for us because Tom got right in to see Dr. Teknos, which was a first! Tom was poked & prodded and then we got to the consult.
Tom's neck continues to swell in the evening and Dr. says this is normal. He warned that his swelling and firmness may stay with him for up to a year. The edema (fluid) in Tom's neck it's turning to scar tissue. Tom will need to start Physical Therapy. He still does not have full movement of his neck and Dr. doesn't want scar tissue to hamper the movement of his head and neck. Dr. also explained that three weeks after the last radiation treatment would be the worst point in recovery before Tom would begin feeling better. Tom is on the other side of it now and should start improving a little each day.
Tom's taste buds should come back within 3-4 months after his last treatment. Dr. said that "Things will start tasting better again and not so much like cardboard." His energy is within the same range. He said that each week he should notice a difference.
Tom got poked again today while at the U of M. They are checking his Calcitonin levels, Thyroid, and calcuim levels. These results will be in within the week. Tom will not have to see another Dr. again until March. He will go back to U of M for a three day procedure. This is called for a scan called the Octreotide scan. This is better than a PET scan because it focuses on Neuro Tumors. This is in the nuclear medicine department at the University of Michigan with the same functions as the PET scan. Then we go back again to get the results on April 1st -no fooling!
Thanks for all the prayers that were said today and before in anticipation of Tom's consultation. Tom is thankful that he has been released to go back to work next week. He is still not sleeping all night but within time this should be improving along with everything else. Even though we are not out of the "woods" yet, we are getting more answers and having less questions. Is Tom cancer free? The Dr. have not confirmed that, yet but I believe we can pray for that.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Happy New Year
Tom, along with our calenders has turned another year older! He was looking forward to turning the page and doesn't mind saying so. It also lifted his spirits with the Michigan victory on January 1st. What a tribute to the retiring Lloyd Carr. I'm sure our Ohio friends could hear our house cheering!? Now it's back to school, work, and the long winter days. Just like the slightly longer amount of daylight, Tom is getting a little stronger each day, but he still tires easily as he works on small house projects. I can tell that his strength is not what it was a few months ago. It's amazing to me that 3 months ago he was so sick and tired of being sick before his surgery. I remembered thinking "if we could just get through the surgery" but that was only a small piece of his recovery process. I know that he is not the last to fight this type of disease, but I sure wish that nobody else would have to go through this difficult recovery. However, we both have a new respect for others that suffer with many type of illnesses. It is so reassuring when talking with other couples that have been/are going through a similar types of situation that what we feel, think, and focus on are normal for our life at this point and time. Thanks to all of you once again for your support. I don't think that I can say it enough times to truly say how much you have touched our hearts. I think doing this blog has helped many of you see a part of our family as much as it has been cheep therapy for myself personally.
As we look forward to what 2008 has to bring, I hope that it brings health and happiness to all. We are looking ahead to small things such as when we will get the boat out, what improvements to work on, and what family movie we will watch next. Tom is looking forward to the next PET scan that shows no cancer. The kids will say they are looking forward to the next break from school. I hope that we can go back to life as normal. OK not the old normal but a new and appreciated normal. I hope that 2008 brings you all that you've wished for.
As we look forward to what 2008 has to bring, I hope that it brings health and happiness to all. We are looking ahead to small things such as when we will get the boat out, what improvements to work on, and what family movie we will watch next. Tom is looking forward to the next PET scan that shows no cancer. The kids will say they are looking forward to the next break from school. I hope that we can go back to life as normal. OK not the old normal but a new and appreciated normal. I hope that 2008 brings you all that you've wished for.
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