With the weather being predicted as an oncoming Blizzard last week, Tom decided to postpone the trip to Ann Arbor. We are now schedule to meet Dr. Worden on January 6. This appointment is at 1:00 so we should be able to manage the drive to and from in one day. We also decided to cancel all of Tom's other appointments and begin again in the new year. January may be a very busy month for my hubby. So for now we are concentrating on getting ready for the holidays. We still have major shopping to do and the kids only have 1 week left of school. This is going to be very tricky as our time becomes more limited.
The kids are excited about their upcoming parties at school and the thought of being off for 2 weeks! They have already been sledding most of last week and loving the cups of hot chocolate they are able to consume when they come back inside. Ready or not, I believe winter is here for a while.
My presentation on The Anatomy of Hope is behind me and I am glad to say that I did pretty good considering that I forgot my notes at home. Luckily I had my USB drive in my purse and was still able to present. Those of you who know me well should not be surprised that I forgot it (I have been known to leave suitcases behind :) I have one more class and then am looking forward to enjoying the holidays with our families.
I would like to share one other thought. Our church is studying the Psalms, you know I can't resist going to hear them! A few weeks ago our pastor was talking about Hope. He stated that it is very important where we go for hope. I agreed at the time, but as the days past those words really hit my heart. As in my presentation about Hope and the importance of having it....it is just as important of What you Hope and in Who. It truly does matter. It's almost like the commercial, "What's in your wallet?"
Psalms 25:15-19 "My eyes are ever looking to the Lord for help, for he alone can rescue me. Come, Lord, and show me your mercy, for I am helpless, overwhelmed, in deep distress; my problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Se my sorrows; feel my pain, forgive my sins."
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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."
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."
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Communication
We had Parent Teacher conferences last week and once again discussed with the teacher our children's strength and weaknesses. Communication is key and I have to say that I appreciate the Parental Portal that lets us know what our boys grades are and what classes need a little more attention. It has been a great tool this fall.
Tom is trying to visit the Lymphedema specialist for the physical therapy once again. He will be going every Friday and see how that fits into his schedule. I believe that Tom is appreciating his slower schedule this month. Tom was the first of the boys to come down with the flu/cold. He was able to rest about 4 days before going back to work. At one time he told me it felt like he'd been hit by a bus. I know that his immunity continues to be low and that it does not take as much to slow Tom down. I also know that this is frustrating for Tom as he is not one to be down for a long period of time.
I had a conversation with the nurse at the cancer center. We discussed the disconnect at their office. I believe that the conversation went well and I hope that we have cleared up any issues. We will need to make sure that going forward everything is clear with this office. However, time will tell if we are all on the same page. Tom will be getting poked next week to see where all his levels are at. I am hoping that they are stable and there is not another big jump in Calcitonin levels. Tom will need to make an appointment one week from his blood work date to see Dr. Campbell and get the results. Communication is the key in working with the different offices.
I am doing a study and presentation this fall on Hope. It comes from the book called The Anatomy of Hope. It is a great book that a friend gave me to read about 2 years ago. Many of the writings stuck with me throughout these years and I thought it was appropriate for my Holistic Healthy class. It brings to light again the mysterious affect that Hope (and in my opinion faith) has on a person's outlook when encountering a serious disease. It also brings back to mind readings of hope and faith from the Bible. I have read this before and I love what Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3:21-23
"Yet there is one ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving kindness begins afresh each day."
I continue to communicate with my God daily. He is my Hope. Amen
Tom is trying to visit the Lymphedema specialist for the physical therapy once again. He will be going every Friday and see how that fits into his schedule. I believe that Tom is appreciating his slower schedule this month. Tom was the first of the boys to come down with the flu/cold. He was able to rest about 4 days before going back to work. At one time he told me it felt like he'd been hit by a bus. I know that his immunity continues to be low and that it does not take as much to slow Tom down. I also know that this is frustrating for Tom as he is not one to be down for a long period of time.
I had a conversation with the nurse at the cancer center. We discussed the disconnect at their office. I believe that the conversation went well and I hope that we have cleared up any issues. We will need to make sure that going forward everything is clear with this office. However, time will tell if we are all on the same page. Tom will be getting poked next week to see where all his levels are at. I am hoping that they are stable and there is not another big jump in Calcitonin levels. Tom will need to make an appointment one week from his blood work date to see Dr. Campbell and get the results. Communication is the key in working with the different offices.
I am doing a study and presentation this fall on Hope. It comes from the book called The Anatomy of Hope. It is a great book that a friend gave me to read about 2 years ago. Many of the writings stuck with me throughout these years and I thought it was appropriate for my Holistic Healthy class. It brings to light again the mysterious affect that Hope (and in my opinion faith) has on a person's outlook when encountering a serious disease. It also brings back to mind readings of hope and faith from the Bible. I have read this before and I love what Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3:21-23
"Yet there is one ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving kindness begins afresh each day."
I continue to communicate with my God daily. He is my Hope. Amen
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Next Step
It amazes me how fast time flies. Kyle and I were having the generational talk about time getting faster as we get older. I warned him that when he looks back at the High School years some day it will seem like a short span in his life. Cody's football team has not won a game this year, but he has made some great tackles and he is enjoying it! Katie loves the Michigan History study that her class is doing. At this point she is talking about wanting to be a teacher. I love her ambition!
For the month of September, Tom is at a slower pace. It has been nice to have him at home in the evenings. He is taking a much needed breather in his hectic life. He told me yesterday that he thinks the newest medication is working with his swelling, and I am grateful for this small relief. Though he still deals with daily aches and pains, he keeps smiling and telling me that he is just glad to be here. As we have just passed the 2 year anniversary of his surgery, I have counted this time as a precious gift.
I had a conversation with Tom's primary doctors office and was told that our insurance has denied Tom seeing the U of M Oncologist. Since the University is "Out of Network" they would like Tom to see another Oncologist at a Thyroid Clinic in Detroit. Tom has decided that we will stay with his current Oncologist on the West side of the state. Since this is the case, I have chosen to have a much needed conversation with someone in the Oncologist office as to our future relationship. I am just not sure who is the best person to talk to. However, it is time for Tom to get his blood count again and that opens the door the lack of communication with this office. This will not be easy and I hope that we can work together moving forward.
Please continue to pray for Tom and his struggles. Also that the conversation will go smoothly and stay positive with whomever I speak with at the Oncologist Office. Lastly that we do not get discouraged in the path that we have been set upon.
For the month of September, Tom is at a slower pace. It has been nice to have him at home in the evenings. He is taking a much needed breather in his hectic life. He told me yesterday that he thinks the newest medication is working with his swelling, and I am grateful for this small relief. Though he still deals with daily aches and pains, he keeps smiling and telling me that he is just glad to be here. As we have just passed the 2 year anniversary of his surgery, I have counted this time as a precious gift.
I had a conversation with Tom's primary doctors office and was told that our insurance has denied Tom seeing the U of M Oncologist. Since the University is "Out of Network" they would like Tom to see another Oncologist at a Thyroid Clinic in Detroit. Tom has decided that we will stay with his current Oncologist on the West side of the state. Since this is the case, I have chosen to have a much needed conversation with someone in the Oncologist office as to our future relationship. I am just not sure who is the best person to talk to. However, it is time for Tom to get his blood count again and that opens the door the lack of communication with this office. This will not be easy and I hope that we can work together moving forward.
Please continue to pray for Tom and his struggles. Also that the conversation will go smoothly and stay positive with whomever I speak with at the Oncologist Office. Lastly that we do not get discouraged in the path that we have been set upon.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
PET Results
Today was Katie's picture day and we had fun last night picking out an outfit for her day. It was a great opportunity to go through her clothes and get rid of the things that are too small. Tom and I were able to see Kyle in the band last Friday during half-time. I never saw that child step so lightly before! Cody will have his first football game tomorrow and he is totally into it!!! I believe that they have him in offense, defense, and special teams so he will be on the field more than off.
I called Tom's primary doctor today asking about the PET Scan. Their office manager is on maternity leave so things are running a little differently there. Dr. Divic called me back and said the scan shows normal in the neck and chest. He is still perplexed about the Calcitonin numbers. He said that we should be back to monitoring the blood and waiting for another 4 to 6 months to see what happens. He inquired about seeing the Oncologist, either Dr. Campbell or going to the U of M. I explained that at this point we do not have any appointments as we are waiting for our insurance company to approve switching out of network doctor in Ann Arbor. It was funny that he had to ask me what I talked about to his Office Manager before she left. She is truly missed by more than just her staff.
We turn back to daily focusing on "life" again for a while. I believe that both Tom and I felt relief when we got the news. However, we are still all keeping that number in the back of our minds. Life is so fragile and we all need each other to hold each other up and accountable for our actions while we live. We are not given the understanding today to know why things happen and what purpose this bears unto our lives but I believe this verse from Ecclesiastes 7:14
"Enjoy prosperity whenever you can, and when hard times strike, realize that God gives one as well as the other - so that everyone will realize that nothing is certain in this life."
I called Tom's primary doctor today asking about the PET Scan. Their office manager is on maternity leave so things are running a little differently there. Dr. Divic called me back and said the scan shows normal in the neck and chest. He is still perplexed about the Calcitonin numbers. He said that we should be back to monitoring the blood and waiting for another 4 to 6 months to see what happens. He inquired about seeing the Oncologist, either Dr. Campbell or going to the U of M. I explained that at this point we do not have any appointments as we are waiting for our insurance company to approve switching out of network doctor in Ann Arbor. It was funny that he had to ask me what I talked about to his Office Manager before she left. She is truly missed by more than just her staff.
We turn back to daily focusing on "life" again for a while. I believe that both Tom and I felt relief when we got the news. However, we are still all keeping that number in the back of our minds. Life is so fragile and we all need each other to hold each other up and accountable for our actions while we live. We are not given the understanding today to know why things happen and what purpose this bears unto our lives but I believe this verse from Ecclesiastes 7:14
"Enjoy prosperity whenever you can, and when hard times strike, realize that God gives one as well as the other - so that everyone will realize that nothing is certain in this life."
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