Surgery and Recovery

After arriving in Pre Op, I was given a gown, and a numbing cream to rub around my nipple in preparation for the nuclear scan of my lymph nodes. I just waited, and Chuck wasn’t allowed to be in the room. Finally I was taken by wheelchair to the scanning area. I had to sit outside the door and wait while wondering about a needle entering my nipple area and grieving the loss of my breast. I thought I was alone there, but discovered later that Jesus was standing behind the wheelchair. It seems that I waited there forever. I was finally taken into the room, and went onto the table. The injection was not painful, and I was put in many different positions to get the best possible pictures for my surgeon. I was then taken back to Pre Op, and Chuck was able to join me in the room. Not long after, the anesthetist arrived as did the surgeon. Dr. Mc Cuaig told me the nuclear test didn’t work because of scar tissue from the first biopsy. She would try another procedure in the operating room. I was given medication to relax, and I remember being wheeled to the operating room. Surgery is funny because I remember being wheeled to the operating room, and waking up later in the recovery room. My first thought was “it’s gone,” the breast and the cancer. At some point the surgeon came by to give us an update. Blue dye was injected into my breast and massaged to get it up to the sentinel nodes. She was able to identify two nodes, and they were removed for analysis. The nodes were cancer-free. Struggling, I woke up more. I was given juice, and vomited which is normal when I have anesthetic. We were given instruction on how to empty, measure, and clean the two drains coming out of my chest, and Chuck was told to go get the car. I guess I got dressed, but I was dizzy and still don’t remember much detail. They helped me into the wheelchair, and I said I was dizzy. The nurse’s aide was told to push the wheelchair slowly because I was dizzy. We arrived at the van, I got in, and Chuck and I headed home approximately five hours after I went into surgery. When we arrived home, Chuck got the walker out the garage for me to use, and I went in and laid on the sofa. Chuck needed to go to Target to get my pain medication and some ginger ale for me. Our neighbor and friend, Judy, came over and stayed with me while Chuck was gone. I don’t remember going to bed, but I remember waking up thirsty. I didn’t want to wake Chuck up, so I got myself up using the walker. I made to the great room before I lost my balance and fell bringing one of the dining chairs down with me. Chuck later wondered if I fainted, but I remember going down. I think I stayed on the sofa the rest of the night, but I don’t remember. In the morning, I didn’t feel like eating but Chuck said I needed to take a Percocet. I have a low tolerance to medication, so I only took half of the recommended dosage. Everything seemed fine until I need to go the restroom. I felt weak and mentally weird, so Chuck helped me into the master bathroom. I still laugh about Chuck telling not to worry because we have plenty of toilet paper. When I finished, I called Chuck and he helped me to get up. In the process, I ended up on the floor. I thought he had dropped me. Later I discovered that I had fainted. For some reason, Chuck left the room, and I said I was fine. I was just holding on to the framing for the closet door. Next thing I knew, Chuck was back, and I was on the floor. Fainted! I was also nauseous, and lost whatever was in my stomach. It was impossible for me to get off the floor, so Chuck rearranged to the bath rug, and I laid on the floor with my head in the carpeted closet floor and my lower half on the tile floor. I laid there for what seemed like hours. I remember the home nurse calling, and I told Chuck to tell them I was laying on the floor. The home nurse arrived, and said I’d had a reaction to the Percocet. By then I was feeling a little better, and Chuck and the home nurse were able to get me into bed. Later that evening, Karen from church brought food, and we were able to eat for a few days. My drains were removed on Friday, and I returned to work the following Monday. I was off work four weeks. There is no state disability in Arizona, and I had used up all my vacation time. The surgeon said my surgical area was now at sprained ankle stage. I was stiff and sore, and working as a payroll clerk didn’t improved my condition. When I returned to work, I discover that my manager was going on vacation in two weeks, so I needed to learn things that he did that I had yet to learn. I was determined to get everything done that week, and by the end of the week, I was exhausted. I had run on adrenaline the entire week. After one week back at work, I was back at the surgeon’s office because I had painful swelling near the areas where the drains had been located. I had Seromas, and they were drained. She said I may need to come back again for more draining, but when I returned she couldn’t get any liquid, and said it looked like I had some lymphedema. On March 20, I saw my oncologist. Because I had the mastectomy, there was no need for radiation or chemotherapy. I was also given the choice about taking the anti-estrogen medication. My aunt is taking the medication, so I know there are many side effect of the medication. My doctor said a normal woman has a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer, and without taking the medication my chances of getting cancer in my other breast is 1 in 6 or 1 in 7. My surgeon said there wasn’t much difference, and I chose not to decide, so basically decided not to take the medication because I still needed to be able to work. I saw my primary care physician and cried. She couldn’t believe I was working full time so soon. One of her other patients had the same surgery and was still only able to work part time. My doctor said I need to go onto FMLA so I would be able to take time off when needed. I told my employer this and was told “we don’t do that here.” I said I would be happy to have Fridays off because I wasn’t healing properly. Four day workweeks were the normal for the next four weeks. I returned to full time thinking I was doing fine. By the end of May, I was in serious pain. I discovered I was using my muscles incorrectly because of the surgery and my job. My Pectoral Minor was doing the work for the Pectoral Major, and what I thought was surgical pain was the muscle underneath. It wouldn’t improve without help. God’s provision had me see the part time Chiropractor that fills in at my Chiropractor’s office. He is 78 years old, a real character, and one of my good friends. Dr. Nickel had breast cancer when he was younger, and he knows my pain, and where I need adjustment. It was discovered that I had injury to my shoulder muscles from the surgery. We have been working together now for over a year to get my muscles back in shape. Massage was also added, and my rotator cuff is 99% healed as of February, 2015. I spent months trying to work and act normally when I was not normal at all. I would sit at work and stress about how my job was making my arm and shoulder hurt. I was concerned that I was doing more damage. I had been carpooling with my boss since May of 2011. After my surgery, Chris did all of the driving except the weeks he was on vacation. In August of 2014, construction began on the Scottsdale portion of Loop 101, and we lost the large space between the HOV late and the median wall. In Arizona, cars can enter and exit the HOV lanes at any time, so my stress level increased. In December we saw two serious accident occur while driving home. In order to have Christmas Eve off, payroll needed to get three day’s work completed in two days by working overtime. The second day, I had a major anxiety attack at work. Looking back, I can see I’d been having them for a while. I didn’t know what was wrong, I went back to work the day after Christmas and was fine. That was Friday. Monday was my 60th birthday. It was a difficult day for me, because my mom died from cancer when she was 59. I felt guilty for outliving her. I had another anxiety attack. I still didn’t know what was wrong. This time it didn’t end, but continued for several days. I missed work on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday was New Year’s Day. By then I knew I was having anxiety attacks. On Friday, I went into work and gave my notice. The following Tuesday, I woke up with another anxiety attack and went to the doctor. She put me back on antidepressants and gave me Xanax. I took a whole Xanax, and went to work Wednesday. I was so tired from the medication, and my boss asked if I would like that day to be my last. I happily said yes. Since that time I was been on a physical, mental, and emotion healing journey. After about three weeks, I was able to go off the Xanax and I grew stronger. In February, I was told my subscapular muscle was finally healed. That muscle had been the problem child for months. I went back to work at a new job at the end of March, and I enjoy this new job. I’m working a temp job as an Administrative Assistant, and for the last two weeks I’ve working part time because of the company’s budget issues. It is now June 28, 2015. I am still on my journey. As I’m finishing this, I’m starting to cry. This has been an assignment from my counselor as a healing tool. I didn’t think I could do this, but it’s done.

One minute at a time

Unknowing, my one minute at a time started in July when my coworker, Debbi, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer that metastasized to her brain. She died Labor Day weekend. In late September or early October, another coworker, Lisa, asked for prayer as she underwent a breast biopsy. At this time, I realized I needed to go have my own mammogram. My last mammogram was in California before we moved in 2009. On October 18, 2013, I went for my routine mammogram at SimonMed in San Tan Valley and left thinking I was done for year. Two weeks later, I received a letter telling me some calcifications were found and I needed a diagnostic mammogram and possible ultrasound. The letter also said most findings are benign. My internet ready mind was already Goggling breast calcifications and found most are benign. Not unexpected, but still upsetting, my dad went to Heaven on Nov 4, 2013. The routine for the diagnostic mammogram is to perform the mammogram and if anything shows, perform an ultrasound. This was my time at SimonMed in Gilbert on Nov 14, 2013. I really didn't except to need the ultrasound, but that was the route I needed to travel. The ultrasound showed the calcifications and also showed the remains of an old cyst. On to the biopsy; but still in denial. The biopsy was scheduled at SimonMed in Scottsdale on Nov. 20, 2013. As I was leaving the house, I got a call from SimonMed canceling the appointment because the facility had lost power. I explained that I needed to do this today because I had taken the day off from work. My appointment was changed to the SimonMed in Mesa (Greenfield). I went to the appointment still thinking all was fine. As I lay relaxed on the table, I could hear a woman crying in the next room. When the doctor came in, she said she was late because the other woman was upset that she would have cancer and miss seeing her grandchild growing. I told the doctor, I too, had grandchildren. The doctor said my spot was miniscule, and if it was cancer, it would be easy to fix. I was given an icepack for my bra, a list of instructions, and sent home. I was concerned about the lifting restriction because I was flying to California on Friday, Nov 22 for Emmalee’s first birthday party. I was told I could lift the suitcase, and the Lord provided the kids from GCU on my flight to lift my luggage for me. Everything is good, and on to California. That Friday started a busy season. Flying to California on Friday night for the birthday party then flying home on Sunday. I would be flying back to California the next Friday night, Nov 29 for my dad’s memorial service scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30. This was Thanksgiving week, and when my boss heard about the memorial service, she let me have Friday off, so we changed our flight and flew into LA on Wednesday night. I returned to California with a new piece of information: on Tuesday, Nov. 26, I received a call telling me I had breast cancer. After returning from California the second time I met with my primary care physician and was told I had noninvasive DCIS in my right breast. December brought an appointment with my new oncologist and surgeon. My oncologist said it was a small area of cancer, so I should be having a lumpectomy. Radiation would cut the risk of a recurrence by 50%, and five years on Tamoxefin would cut the risk another 50%. He also said I would need an MRI to determine if there were other areas of concern. We set an appointment for the end of January when I would be fully healed from my procedure. I met the following day with my surgeon, Dr. Katherine Mc Cuaig. She scared me to death that first day. I went alone to the appointment which was a mistake. I was told about different types of cells and how they multiply. She explained about lumpectomies and the possible need for a mastectomy because multiple lumpectomies greatly disfigure the breast. We decided to schedule the MRI and surgery after Christmas because she was going out of town. The holiday time had me pondering which path would be better for me. I spoke with a friend of my sister who had a lumpectomy and radiation several years ago. Pam is doing great, but she said the radiation was little tiring. This helped with my decision. Chuck and I met with Dr. Mc Cuaig in January about the best choice for me. We decided lumpectomy with radiation. I would only be off work a few days, and I could leave early every day from work so I could have the seven weeks of radiation close to home. The final decision maker would be the result of the scheduled MRI because if anything else showed up, it would change to a mastectomy. The MRI did show another area of concern in the same breast. An MRI guided biopsy showed that this area was atypia cells that may progress to cancer at a future time. This sealed my decision to have a mastectomy because I didn’t want to be constantly worrying about this new area. Throughout this process, I got so tired of trying to juggle work and doctor appointments. Having radiation would have prolonged this situation. Some of my family disagreed with my decision, but ultimately, it was my decision to make. Because of all the time that passed, I rescheduled my oncologist appointment for March 20. On Thursday, February 6, 2014 began my before and after. Before I left that morning, I had a shower and washed my hair. (I didn’t know it would be over a month before I could take another shower without being encumbered by protecting incisions and drainage tubes) I also said goodbye to my right breast. I drove to the hospital with Chuck as the passenger and went inside when we arrived. The ends the before part of my journey. The after part will be another blog.

Please call me Lady: I love cocker spaniels

I get my hair cut and colored once a month after Chuck's Social Security check arrives.  For 3 or 4 months, my hair artist, Laura Jenkins Wallis, has commented that skin looks so much better.  (I have mild psoriasis).  I thought it was because of my new Origins skin cream.

This month I told her my last haircut had been wonderful and easy to work with; she returned that my hair texture has changed from very coarse to soft making it easier to style.  We were trying to figure out a reason for changes.

Later in the day I realized for the last 3 to 4 months I have been taking excellent fish oil pills from the veterinarian that are made for dogs.  I take 3 day as prescribed for a 100 lb dog.  So.. . now I have great skin and shiny coat.  If I start barking, please call someone for help.

It's been a while because. . . .

Thank you, Jesus, that January is over.

Chuck switched to an HMO Medicare plan because it had no premiums.  It started January 1, 2012.  He started rationing some of his medications in December in anticipation of a lower cost January 1.  He couldn't get any information on what his copay would be for his RX.  Sunday, January 1, we were in Target and spoke to our favorite pharmacist, Chris.  He ran Chuck's card, and it showed we would owe 20% on everything, including is $1500.00 medication.  Chuck said no way, so we spent Sunday and Monday on the phone with everyone we could contact, and discovered that the HMO is the same as Medicare, and what he had before was a Medicare supplement which paid his copays.

This month has been spent canceling the HMO so that it ended yesterday.  Today, supposedly, the supplement will kick in and he can get his meds.  He has been severely rationing his Medicare, and surprisingly told me he feels like he's suffocating (surprising because he doesn't usually tell me these things). 

I've also had a stressful month at work.  All this has combined to diminish my serotonin levels, and I'm starting to have panic attacks again.  It's no ones fault:   at work and while carpooling, my boss has coughed continually since New Years.  (The interior of my car smells like cough drops).  I get home, and Chuck is a mess.

These last few days have been tough because I could see today coming, but I didn't think it could get here soon enough.  I had a panic attack Monday and have been able to eat very little food this week.

Friends on Facebook prayed for me last night, and this morning I had a chat with one of my cousins which helped me.  Talking to her I actually felt hunger pains.

Thank you, everyone for your prayers.  This is truly "One step at a time".

And Chuck agrees

Chuck has agreed that he's getting worse by telling me yesterday to remind him about watering the bougainvilleas before 5:00 when he's not good.

Couldn't finish dinner tonight; it wore him out and he's now sleeping at the table.

I realized today that I need to check the time of our flight back to Phoenix.  I think it's around 5:00.

The Lord is the Rock of my Salvation, and it's His grace that gets me through each day.

I never promised you a rose garden

I just heard something on the tv that reminded me of the song that went:  "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden."  In this life, we have thorns, but God through Jesus has provided a glorious future in our own rose garden.

Chuck is getting worse.  I've noticed it, but I asked Charlie and Sarah today and they agreed. 

This week I noticed that I had to answer the same question several times before Chuck understood.   He is also tiring more easily and has trouble remembering if he took his medication. 

We've tried three times in the last several weeks to eat dinner at the Queen Creek Cafe on Friday nights for all you can eat fish and chips (Chuck's favorite).  The first Friday night four or five weeks ago and the last two Friday nights we've had to leave the restaurant quickly as he started to "lose it."  Last night people had to help get him out of the cafe and into the car.  Last night he made it into the house easier than other times when I had to run in the house, start his house air, and bring it out to him before he get himself out of the van.  Last night, he made the comment that the restaurant that he couldn't see.  Scary! 

Tonight after dinner at home, he said he could feel it starting again, and was asleep almost before he sat down on the sofa.

I don't expect him to do chores around the house while I'm at work, but he does them.  The last few weeks I've noticed that dishes he said he would do in the morning are not done, and other other things are slipping.  I'm not complaining, its's just concerning.  I've started doing more of the chores, like washing the dishes after dinner, and it angers him because he says he can do it because he has all day.

Chuck has seen both of his doctors in the last week, but he won't tell me what was said, and as I think I mentioned in a previous post, he went ballistic when I said I wanted to go with him to see his pulmonary specialist.

Update

Haven't posted in a while because of time constraints and physical issues of my own. Right now I'm waiting for a phone call sometime this week telling me I have ordinary arthritis and mouth infection (this is unlikely, I've been on meds and since Monday my mouth is getting worse again.), or I have an autoimmune disease.  Blood was drawn on Friday for all sorts of "lovely" diseases.

Chuck just got up from the dining table after sleeping there for two hours.  He doesn't sleep well laying down and is usually up by 3 or 4 in the morning.  At night he is so tired that the next day he doesn't remember things we've discussed at dinner.

I really want to go to the lung specialist with him next time, but he obstinately refuses my request.  Chuck feels I don't trust him and that's why I want to go with him.  I really just want information.

I am trusting the Lord for the outcome of my tests because I need to be healthy to take care of Chuck.

My God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches in Glory

In 1987: After the car accident, God provided the job at the preschool.

In 2002, When my back condition no longer allowed me to teach preschool, I found a job at Disneyland.

In fall of 2002: After my heart attack, I was able to take time off and have needed female surgery.

In June of 2003: The Lord brought me to ABC Adult School where I learned all the computer programs necessary for a new job.

In November of 2003: God softened Chuck's heart, and with Charlie's encouraging words at Thanksgiving, we were able to buy the 1999 van instead of the 2001 van.  This is the van I am still driving today with over 200,000 miles.

In February 2004: I started as a temp at L-3 Communications in Anaheim.

End of May, 2004: Chuck lost his job.
June 1, 2004: Power Paragon told me I was being hired as a regular employee with health insurance.

In April of 2009: After the horrific experience of Tommy Jennings being my boss, the Lord showed us this new home in Arizona and we signed the purchase agreement.
In July 2009: I prayed that if it was God's will for us to move, our house in Long Beach needed to sell by Friday.  It did!

In Spring 2010: I didn't understand why I couldn't find a job when I was telling them I needed a week off in May for Stacy's graduation and wedding.  What I later discovered was it took us two weeks in May for Stacy, one week in So Cal help her pack and preparing for shipping of worldly good, and one week in Nor Cal for the graduation and wedding.  God knew what I didn't know.

May 28, 2010: While in So Cal we had installed a new battery in the van but in Nor Cal driving back to Suisun City from Sacramento during Friday night rush hour, the alternator went out.  Laura, Katherine, and I made it back to the hotel a little warm from lack of air conditioning, but okay.

May 29, 2010:  While all the ladies were having a bridal breakfast, Chuck was able to get a free alternator because we had a lifetime guarantee on the old one.  He brought enough tools with him, and he installed the new alternator.  God was very busy.

May 30, 2010: On the drive home to AZ, I left my sunglasses in a restaurant in So Cal.  Laura was able to go get the glasses the next day and mailed them to me in a Post Office express mail box.

June 21, 2010:  I started working as a temp at Bro Retail

Aug 2, 2010:  I started my first day at Bro Retail as a regular employee with benefits.

July, 2011:  Chuck's battle to get his medication turned out in our favor after prayer with people at my church.

August 2011:  Waiting to see what the Lord will do in the current situation.

Love the Fresh Cherries

My SuperTarget has had the most wonderful fresh dark cherries the past few weeks, yum.  I bought one bag last week and took it to work.  It lasted me the entire week, so today, I bought two bags, one for home and one for work.  As I am blogging about Chuck and his health, I'm eating myself sick with the cherries.

Chuck's been on the nebulizer for a few weeks now.  At first, he was happy with his mental clarity and the fact the his chest pain ended.  Now, however, it seems like we're back to where we were.  He's getting tired way too quickly, and pain is back.  Just eating a meal tires him.

However, nothing slows him down long.  He's out cleaning the pool long after he's said that he's tired. We've had two strong dust storms during July, and Chuck's been out in both of them despite warning from me and his doctor. It's very frustrating for me to see him continually do things he shouldn't be doing without a care for his health.

To quote the title of one of Erma Bombeck's books, "If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?"

Blogs

I'm watching Julia & Julie, and listening to Amy Adams (Julie) talking about blogs, so I thought I would write.

Thank you to all my friends for their prayers for the situation with Chuck's medication.  As of Thursday this week, all his medication for the nebulizer and his test strips for his blood sugar meter are covered under Part B of Medicare under Durable Medical and are free.  I caved last week and paid for his medication, and we received a refund on Thursday.  Chuck's tenaciousness paid off, and I am in awe. 

Today he is out trimming the sisou trees in our front yard.  It's monsoon season, and he concerned that strong winds will blow our trees down. Last time I checked it was still under 100 but he's sweating like a pig.  All the trimming is aerobic exercise, and he's exhausted. 

I've been frustrated lately because of the way our money is being spent.  I handle the finances, but sometimes Chuck spends more than he represented to me.  As a result, our back account today is at zero which is better than overdrawn.  On a related, but different subject, I have been asking for weeks if we can go see the Dodgers play the Diamondbacks this coming weekend here in Phoenix.  Chuck's comment was that we can't do anything until we know what his medication will cost.  The tickets are the same price as the 30 pack of beer he buys every week rain or shine.  I don't understand why I can't do something I want to do while he gets to do whatever he wants.  (Fester, fester, fester, rot, rot, rot.  "French Kiss").

With money tight, we're making do with what we have in the freezer.  Tonight I'm making meatloaf and baked potatoes.  Thank God for air conditioning.  Sometimes I improvise.  Last night I took miscellaneous pieces of fruit from the refrigerator and poured the leftover blackberry sauce from the shortcakes on July 4 over the fruit.  It was yummy.  Last time we were short on money, I made a really good dinner out of a mistake.  I was preparing to make tuna chow mein, but we were out of rice.  So I made a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and added the tuna mixture (tuna, celery, onion, bell pepper, and cashews)..  It was delicious. 

All this talking about food while watching this movie is making me hungry.  Time to make some nachos, I think.

Too Tired but Thankful

Chuck got all the problems worked out and his new medication is now free thanks to Chris at the Target Pharmacy.  He used the nebulizer for the first time tonight, and although it seems to tire him, he said he felt more alert.

Last night was difficult for me because Chuck's CPAP mask wasn't on correctly, so it made a loud noise, but what was worst was when the noise stopped.  I thought he had stopped breathing.  I woke this morning tired, sore, and emotionally raw.

I finished reading "Divine" by Karen Kingsbury today.  It's second time I've the book, but there have been years in between readings.  When asked, I always say this is my favorite book by my favorite author, but I had forgotten so much of the story that it was like reading it for the first time.  I'm so thankful I was alone in the lunchroom when I read the last 50 pages because I had tears running down my face so many times that I had to stop to mop up before I could finish reading. It's the story of a modern day Mary Magdalene written in response to the Da Vinci Code.

I am too tired to continue, but I am so thankful for everyone's prayers and God's greatness.

Money, Money, Money

Money is not the root of all evil, but the love of money is.  I don't love it, and I don't hate it, but I do love to spend it.  I have spent so much money on things that I couldn't live out and now can't remember.   In the past, I have spent us into major credit card debt, house refinancing, and life insurance loans.  It's a slippery slope that starts as a fun ride.

Money/food is my rebellion, and I use it to make myself feel good.  Right now I'm cutting back on my fats and added sugar, so, of course, I want to spend money. We are still not sure how much Chuck's new medication will cost, and all I can think about is the letter from Home Depot telling me if I buy something $299 or over, I get interest free credit for one year.  Hello bar-be-que.

If I'm honest with myself, I'm sure this is my reaction to the decline I am seeing in Chuck's health and all the issues trying to get his new medication.  I'm also tired from several extremely busy weeks at work.  Not a good combination.  Tomorrow I'm planning to return two pairs of dress pants and a shrug that I bought last weekend, and Sunday, I'm going to church, which I haven't done in a while.

I love Karen Kingbury's books, but

I felt like I was kicked in the gut today at lunch today when I read the diagnosis of beloved character, Landon, in "Learning".  Learning is the 2nd book in the Bailey Flanigan series, and this series is part of the Baxter Family books now numbering around fifteen.

Landon was thought to have polymyositis from his work at Ground Zero following 9/11, but instead was diagnosed with COPD.  I can't describe my feelings when I saw that word in my book.  Almost pure horror.  I don't know if I can watch a fictional character deal with the illness that is killing my husband, and yet, I still want to read for the other parts of the story.

I know I can't escape what is happening to Chuck, but I didn't think I'd find a reminder in a book by my favorite Christian author.

Prayer Request Update

Thank you for praying about Chuck's prescription situation.  He spoke to a wonderful man at Medicare who told him that Prescription Solutions is wrong and he should go somewhere else for his medications.  Chuck mentioned Target, and guy said Target was great.  Chuck went there, and it looks like very good news.  As far as we know now, there will be no charge for the medication, and Target helped him with some of his other medications saving us over $300.00  so far.

Medical Update

Please pray for Chuck tomorrow as he tries to untangle the mess of changing medications through Medicare.  His doctor changed him from Advair to a nebulizer with medication in May.  His Advair prescription as been cancelled, the nebulizer is here, but no medication.

First they said they didn't receive the prescription, so Chuck's doctor sent it again.  Friday, Chuck was told we needed to send $1100.00 to get the medication which shouldn't be true.

There are many categories of medical coverage.  One that became familiar to us is durable medical.  Chuck's CPAP machine and oxygen fall under durable medical as does the nebulizer and medication. 

Medicare has a stopping point in prescription coverage called "The Gap" or "The Donut Hole" after a certain amount of money has been paid for prescriptions.  Chuck is now in the gap now and probably won't have enough "out of pocket" expenses for Medicare to pay for any prescriptions for the rest of the year.  His doctor knew this, and that's one of the reasons he's been changed to the nebulizer.

Chuck has had very few dealings with insurance companies and claims, so he gets very frustrated when he is told something he doesn't understand or doesn't like.  I'm gone from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, so he has to do all the investigation by himself.

As I asked, please pray.  He needs his medication, and we don't want to pay if it is covered under durable medical coverage.

Warning!

Don't ever give Chuck important information in the evening.  By the time I arrive home at 6:30, his cognitive skills are sadly lacking.

Example:  We were expecting our former neighbors, Don and Terri Roberts, to arrive in Queen Creek today, Sunday, any time after 12 noon.  Well, imagine our surprise when they arrived yesterday afternoon.  I was out grocery shopping for their visit and left my cart with an employee so I could hurry home.  I found out later from Don that he had called Chuck Thursday night, which I knew, but Chuck didn't remember that they changed the day of their arrival.  We specifically did the gardening yesterday so he wouldn't be too tired for their visit and planned the final house things for this morning.  The house wasn't ready, we were hot and tired from planting our new Yellow Bells and Morning Glories, and my bed wasn't made. 

Chuck is much more functional in the morning.  It's hard for me to leave him this way and return to anger, frustration, and a diminished ability to function.  He does so much work out the heat, 113 today, and doesn't eat or drink enough water. 

He did way too much yesterday and was in pain at 5 am this morning.  Later we talked about maybe going to see a movie and for this to his day of rest.  Not too long later, I returned from Target, and Chuck was edging the grass along the fence by hand.  When I couldn't find him in the house, I said I would scream if I found outside, so after I saw him, I stuck my head out the door and screamed.  That got his attention.

I have been left unaware of things, too.  Babysitting the grandchildren, school assemblies, band performances, and dinner invitations and/or changes to the same. 

So again, if any important information is to be exchanged, call me or tell Chuck in the morning.


Linda

Tidbits of Life

It's Saturday evening, so we are half-way through the weekend, ugh! 

Monday, at work, I was reading an old Good Housekeeping at lunch when I saw a article talking about sugar addiction.  I wasn't concerned about addiction, but I was concerned about the amount of added sugar i have been consuming.  Just that day, I calculated I had consumed around 28 tsps. of added sugar before 2:00pm.  God gave me a vision of the 16 tsps. in the 20 oz. Coke, and said, "Eat it", and I almost gagged looking at those 16 tsps. of sugar.  I still can't eat anything with an extreme amount of added sugar, and I am reading labels. I'm not drinking soda, so I'm off caffeine, too.

I've been off of unhealthy fats for a few weeks now since I had the drastic side effect from the Niaspan I was taking for my cholesterol.  I'm off the Niaspan for now, but I'm still not eat the fats because I don't want a repeat.  Think of the warnings for diet product, Alli.

As a results, I've lost a few pounds so far, and I haven't noticed any side effects from the changes.  I also feel good, because I'm doing something good for my health, and able to stay away from yummy things that are bad for me to eat.

On another subject, I finally today realized what Chuck means when he says I'm telling him what he's saying.  I interrupt him, so he assumes that I'm correcting him.  Only took 35 years!

Today we made a trip to Harper's Nursery in Mesa after hearing them for months on the Rosie on the House show.  We bought six Morning Glory bushes and six Yellow Bells to add to our backyard landscaping.  I was surprise at the low price and that we get a lifetime guarantee with the plants.

We stopped at Paradise Bakery in Queen Creek which has most of the Panera Bread items.  I tried the lowfat, Lemon Chicken Orzo soup along with the Strawberry Chicken Salad with non fat dressing that is available every summer.  The soup was more than delicious, and to add to my first paragraph, the entire meal had only 2 tsps. of added sugar.  I love the salad with all the fruit and walnuts, but I could have eaten a lot more of the soup.  During dinner, Chuck had a short coughing fit and started going under.  He had to sit for a while to get more oxygen before we could leave.

I did it!  I put the Sequel portable concentrator in the car. 

Please pray for a quick resolution to Chuck's prescription problems.  His provider has already stopped his Advair prescription, but won't fill the order for the nebulizer and medication because they say they didn't get a prescription for the equipment.  All this drives him crazy. 

I was able to explain to him out insurance billing and contracts with physicians.  I think he understands that we won't owe the money disallowed my Medicare.

Tomorrow is Father's Day.  I have the most wonderful father in the world.  He provided emotional safety for me when I was growing up.  He built me a playhouse with a built up foundation, a sink with running water, electricity, louver windows, and a dutch door.  I could play with my dolls, play my records, and have a place to go when I wanted to run away, or in my fantasy, to fly to Neverland with Peter Pan.  The playhouse is gone, but foundation is still there to remind me of my dad's love for me. 

Dad used to take me to Dodger games.  Saturday night was Ladie's Night, and I'd get in the bleachers for .50.  The last time we sat in the bleachers was few years ago, and after seeing someone break a bench to use as a weapon, we decided to pay for better seats.

He loves Jesus with his heart, and he had a servant's heart when taking care of my mother.   I am so blessed to be his daughter.

What do I . . . . Part 2

Getting hit with bad attitude when I walk in from an 1 hour commute is tough.  I finally was able to ask him what things are not covered?  He's concerned because medicare pays a small amount of the total bill.  If I understand correctly from past experience, they have a contract and pay what is usual and customary.  We will definitely know when bills arrive.

Right now, he's grilling a pork loin, and it's making me nervous having him and his oxygen around the little BBQ.  But it smells heavenly!

Linda

What do I . . . .

What do I say or do when Chuck informs me that medicare is not going to pay for his doctor visits?  He says if they won't pay, then he won't go to the doctor because he doesn't want to spend the money.  I think and said that if he won't spend the money to go to the doctor, how can I justify spend money on copays for my doctor visits and medication?

I still need to ask him what particular items medicare won't cover, but now is not the time.   Sometimes I dread coming home from work.

Chinese Jump Rope

I realized today that dancing around Chuck's 50 ft oxygen hose is a lot like playing Chinese Jump Rope.  Put your foot in, pull your foot out, and crisscross without getting tangled.  Because of my back condition, I need to be so careful not to trip or get caught in his hose during the morning hours.  Chuck has no idea of how the hose responds when he pulls it or uses a whipping motion to free the hose if it gets caught on the baseboards. 

I'm a slow learner because I just realized today, that, when possible, I need to walk on the outside of the hose and not in the space created by the hose.  I also realized that my walk with the Lord is a lot like walking around Chuck's hoses.  When I do things my way, the path is difficult, but with Jesus, the path is clear.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Linda