Variety is the spice of life

Monday, July 25, 2011

yes, variety is the spice of life and our lives just got spicier today. I HAVE TO thank the Lord for there is no time to get bored.!!! Our trip to the cancer center was interesting. Jeff had the mask made that will protect the areas they don't want the radiation ot effect. It really looks cool and he is hoping that when his treatment is through if he will be able to bring it home. We will ask when we get the chance again.
Our trip to the center and talk with the oncologist has lead to the probability of a few kinks in the road. If it found that there is cancer in the jaw it means that we will be going back to Springfield to have surgery done there. The cancerous part of the jaw will have to be removed and reconstructive surgery done. At the time the lymph nodes will probably also be removed. Don't know about the parotid gland yet. The it will be 4 weeks of recovery before treatments can be started. As I say, and whole new ball game.
The oral surgeon said that the gums are healing well and we have to go back next Monday. He did not have the results of the biopsies that he took as of yet. He figures he will get them within the next couple of days and he will call us. We made sure that he had the number for Dr. Cho, the oncologist here also so he can give him an official report.
When we finally got home, we had a phone message to call the office in Springfield as they want to do another CT scan and another PET Scan. I called and got things set up so that we can have them both done here. The Ct scan will be at nine on Wed and the Pet Scan will be at six thirty on Thursday.
We are now waiting to see if the shoe is going to drop and we will be making arrangements at Spring field and if it doesn't we will be starting treatments next week.
Tomorrow we are ging to do the grocery shopping as we just did not feel like it after our first visit thes morning. mICHAEL IS GOING TO COME OVER AND i AM GOING TO HAVE HIM HELP ME PUT UP A SCREEN DOOR AT THE NEW OUTSIDE DOOR SO i CAN OPEN IT AND NOT HAVE A JILLION BUGS COMING IN TO VISIT.
Nancy and her husband came by today and got the aquarium and a couple of other things we had set out for them. She left me two gallon of concrete sealer paint for the garage floor. I will really have to get busy out there and see about getting things finished so I can start painting. Maybe I will make that a goal this week to get the floor all scraped and the ceiling and walls swept down and maybe even get the north wall painted. The rest of the walls have insulation between the two by fours as I had not gotten the materials to finis the walls before Jeff took over the garage for his critters and I stopped working on things out there. I have priced paneling and believe that is the way I am going to go. I know that I can put it up by myself because I have paneled rooms before. Hopefully I will get the two windows to put in out there before that. Michael and I are also going to do some wiring and put in a work shop light and some plug ins. I just have get the materials which I will a little at a time. Once I get the things it won't take us long to do the work.
Yes, I thank the Lord for spice. At times, though I belive He has spiced things up a little too much. Right now is one of those times.
Remember that you all in my thoughts and prayers
God bless
Barb

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JULIEANNCAN 7/26/2011 9:05PM

I am very sorry to hear of the possible complications and delays in Jeff's treatment, but I am glad that there are some good doctors taking care of him. I hope he is doing as best as he is able. You are doing a great job with everything. Good luck with getting the things done that you want. You sure are busy! Report Inappropriate Comment

NELLIEC 7/26/2011 4:15PM

Somehow your life seems like a whirlwind compared to mine! Whew! Report Inappropriate Comment

RAINBOWCHOC 7/26/2011 9:07AM

some of the variety I'm sure you could do without but you seem to be taking things in your stride. Every good wish, Sandra Report Inappropriate Comment

JUSTA123 7/26/2011 8:01AM

I hope all goes well for you, wow you are one motivated lady, the work you do sounds exhausting, I know that feeling of having to keep busy keeps our minds off the troubles around us ,and that is a gift. my friend, and remember just don't keep your self to busy, that you reach the point of exhaustion, you are not going to be able to help anyone yourself included if you run yourself down Report Inappropriate Comment

GRACIELA_ELENA 7/25/2011 11:51PM

You did have quite a day and I will be thinking of you guys and hoping for good news. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNACFIT 7/25/2011 11:30PM

...it's like ..God never gives you more than you can handle.. God knows how strong you are...Glad things are progressing..my prayers to you and Jeff And yes we should do pedicures too and all the offered services. completely pampered..to help us relieve our stresses Love Donna Report Inappropriate Comment

Laughter the best medecine

Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Lord sent some rain today. It was such a blessing. I did tell Him, that I believed we could do with a little more. Almost got all the cherry tree burned, the rain finally put the fire out. I will get it finished this next week one day.
Did some gardening and had to transplant some mums which were right in front of the door the guys put in for me. The next time Michael comes over, I will have him bring over about 8 cinder blocks that I can use as a step at that door. Will also putting something down for a walk way .
Paulina brought her kids and another boy over to visit for a while. Would have had them help me get some things done in the yard, but it was thundering and lightening while they were here. That made any yard work out of the question.
I did not get anything done in the garage today. Didn't want to do it so I didn't.
Stayed on the plan as far as food went today. Kept the snacking to oranges.
Tomorrow is going to be a full day. Out to the cancer center in the morning and then back up to the oral surgeon in the afternoon. Jeff also wants to get some groceries while we are out and not far from the store.
The sun has come back out, but I am not closing up the house again yet. We turned off the air and opened windows this morning. It was so nice ou t and to show the Lord how much I appreciated, we took full advantage of it. While it was raining, I spent most of the time out on the patio. Kept the kids out there so they would not get on Jeff's nerves. They were so funny that I had to come in a couple of times so they would not know that I was laughing at them. Laughter is the best medecine and I got a good dose of it today.
Well, my dear friends, I have not yet written my blog to send to the family for this week so I believe I had better get busy and get that done, before I get in trouble.
God bless and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barb

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JULIEANNCAN 7/25/2011 2:43PM

I'm glad you got some good laughter. :) It really does help. Report Inappropriate Comment

WINE4GIRL 7/25/2011 6:19AM

I hope you and Jeff have a very successful week and find lots to laugh at! God is GOOD! Hugs! Report Inappropriate Comment

NELLIEC 7/25/2011 12:07AM

I know that when I worked as a bath aide, one of the nurses with the agency always had a new joke to try on her patients because she said she felt that laughter really was the best medicine! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNACFIT 7/24/2011 9:52PM

Glad to hear from you ...thanks for the cruise..I would love to take you along on a virtual cruise...we could sit in the hot tub, get manicures and massages and eat at the all you can eat buffet..calorie free of course since it'e virtual!! Take care of yourself and Jeff..good luck on your busy week... Hugs and prayers..love Donna Report Inappropriate Comment

Satisfactory Saturday!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

As I have walked through this day I have done what I know I can do with the Lord's help, all the rest is beyond my control and I just spin my wheels. I am letting the Lord guide me in those things and also with the ones that I am capable of doing.,
It has been a peaceful day, I have done some gardening, yes even in this heat, hung out a load of clothes, and have been scraping the floor in the garage. Got one thing painted. Will put a bottom in it and a top and it will be ready to be brought back into the garage and I will be putting some my electrical tools in it. Have been thinking about fixing a couple of other tables to go out there also. One will be for my compound mitre saw and one for a work bench. I have everything here to make them . I have a couple of cabinets that I want to paint. For now they are all sitting out in the back.
Picked another couple of tomatoes today and am impatiently waiting for the first two to ripen so I can have a meal of tomatoes and cucumbers.!!! I have not been doing wo well with the nutrition lately. I am believing that once we get some kind of a routine around here, it will be better.
I thank all of you for your support, encouragement and prayers, You will never know how much it all means to me.
God blessings be upon your
Barb

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DONNACFIT 7/24/2011 9:46PM

I've been eating lots of the mini tomatoes from my garden and of course onions..thanks again for them..tonight I did chicken in foil with sliced up potatoes and carrots and your onions and bbq'ed it..turned out yummy..then fresh canteloupe for dessert. Take care..love Donna Report Inappropriate Comment

SMARGED 7/23/2011 10:11PM

Don't you just love tomatoes fresh from the garden!! I do! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRACIELA_ELENA 7/23/2011 8:18PM

Woah, I feel like a slug listening to all you have accomplished but more power to you and keep up the great work! Report Inappropriate Comment

JULIEANNCAN 7/23/2011 6:35PM

I'm so glad you've had a peaceful day! I hope you are not staying out in the heat too long, but know that you enjoy your garden. I hope you can have some yummy food from it! I hope the rest of your weekend goes well. Report Inappropriate Comment

Lot's going on

Friday, July 22, 2011

I haven't blogged for a couple of days because my computer is messing up. I am now using the lap top. Don't like it as well, but can't complain. will still be able to keep up with everything.
Tuesday, we received a call that the one insurance would cover the removal of the four impacted teeth and the dental insurance wil pay about 1300. Jeff and I signed to pay the rest in payments. THe teeth had to come out. The oral surgeon is thinking tha the cancer is also in the jaw. He sent off a biopsy and we will get the results when we go back on Monday. I got jiguring up and it will take us over 15 years to pay off having the teeth removed if we pay 50 a month. That is all that we can commit to at this moment as we have other medical bills coming in.
Wednesday was the day for the surgery. It was a very tiring day and by the time it was time to go to bed, I was ready.
Yesterday Michael and a friend of his came over and the door in the garage is in and also the air conditioner has been mounted in the wall. We got a lot of stuff carried out to the back yard so clean and paint which I will do onxe it is not quite so hot. then I began sweeping down the ceiling and the walls. Today I finished scraping one quarter of the wall and spackling nail holes and one quarter of the walls are swept down. That scraping is going to take a lot of time. Tomorrow I plan on getting another quarter or more done. I have to patch a place in the dry wall, so Michael is going to bring me a piece that he has left over so I won't have to buy a full sheet.
Jeff is feeling pretty good. He has some swelling, but the pain has been tolerable and I don't think the swelling is that much, but he thinks he looks like a chipmunk with it mouth full. LOL
God is helping ever so much here. Things are beginnig to start moving. As of right now Jeff has a consultation at the cancer center on Wed and they plan on starting the chemo and radiation on the eighth.
I am going to try to get around to reading al the blogs I have missed . I am interested in what is happening in your lives.
God bless y'all
Barb

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DONNACFIT 7/24/2011 9:40PM

So glad to hear the insurance will at least pay some and the treatments are scheduled and things are progressing..take care and good luck with all you have on "your plate" God bless and hugs and prayers Love Donna :) Report Inappropriate Comment

JUSTA123 7/23/2011 10:08AM

I am happy you are able to get some relief, did the oral surgeon at least give you a reduced rate, being they had to come out? I feel your pain and wish I was ale to be there to help you through the maze you are entering, the best I can do is be here for you hugs my friend and prayers for you! Report Inappropriate Comment

PARISTASAI 7/23/2011 9:50AM

chemo and radiation on the eighth-- I will pray! thank you for your encouraging friendship. You are truly a blessing from God to me. --Patti Report Inappropriate Comment

WINE4GIRL 7/23/2011 7:40AM

Barb, Do contact the ACS. I volunteered for six years for them and know the good they do. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. You stay so busy with projects most folks wouldn't attempt. Way to go lady! Glad the treatments are starting. God be with you both! Report Inappropriate Comment

JULIEANNCAN 7/23/2011 4:42AM

I'm so glad that the insurance company decided to at least pay some. I know first hand how very hard it is to keep up with all of these bills. I would still suggest contacting the American Cancer Society or Livestrong to see about financial assistance. I'm glad to hear that Jeff is doing as well as can be expected. I am thinking of you both and sending positive thoughts and hugs your way. I'm glad you got the air conditioner in. You sure are keeping busy! Remember to take good care of yourself. It is difficult, at times, being a caregiver. I hope you have a good weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

SMARGED 7/22/2011 10:14PM

Hi, Barb! I am sorry the insurance isn't helping out more! Doesn't seem fair, does it? But thank God the oral surgeon has accepted to let you pay the difference in payments you can handle. The important thing is that Jeff will get done what needs to be done! I do hope the biopsy reports are favorable. You are both going through so much right now! You are in my prayers! Just remember, God loves you both very much, and He is in control. Even if we can't understand it all right now, we just have to trust that He will never give you more than you can carry, and He is always there helping you! And your keeping so busy is probably good therapy! It should drain away some of the stress! Know that you are loved, and we are supporting you in prayer! Marge Report Inappropriate Comment

DUH!!!!

Monday, July 18, 2011

I really feel stupid!!! Received a phone cal this morning from Donna saying that she had just talked to the insurance company and found out that they are still reviewing our claim and trying to find a way to make an exception so it will be covered. When i told her about the denial she asked what the date was and it was July 8th. That was the first denial not from the refiling of the claim. She is going to call them again in the morning to see if there was any progress.
Today has been total day off. I did not do anything more that I absolutely HAD to.
Jeff and I started the day thanking the Lord for all the blessings he has given us and is giving us.
God bless you all
Barb

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DONNACFIT 7/20/2011 12:02AM

Good luck getting the insurance straightened out!!! Keep cool in this heat wave..it's been really hot here and yesterday when I got home from Weyburn the neighbors about 10 miles south of us had a prairie fire ( it was really windy too) so we went down to help and brought shovels and drinking water.It was mostly under control but we stayed for a few hours putting out hot spots and flare ups. It burned about 50 acres :( Keeping you in my prayers..hugs Donna Report Inappropriate Comment

PARISTASAI 7/19/2011 7:08PM

You are such a blessing, Barb! Praying for you! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUSTA123 7/19/2011 7:53AM

Oh good , Once the doctors really get involve something can be worked out with the insurance company, it's just a shame that we have to fight so hard to get whats needed. Report Inappropriate Comment

JULIEANNCAN 7/19/2011 5:24AM

That is great news! It is so easy to get insurance stuff mixed up. Hang in there. I really hope that this gets covered for Jeff. I am thinking of you both and wishing you all the best. Report Inappropriate Comment

SMARGED 7/19/2011 12:00AM

Am still praying, Barb. Report Inappropriate Comment

GRACIELA_ELENA 7/18/2011 8:58PM

We all have those days and hope you guys get good news from the insurance company. Know that I am thinking about you!! Report Inappropriate Comment