Petey ,


I also reitereate what Brian says( with such grace I might add) I am happy you are still trying ..NO one says it easy ,,,,And sometimes when you think you are done it is somthing else..I myself cant wait to be done LOL.. But I have to keep fighting to get there. I believe I was fortunate not to have Rad and chemo..or to chose not to ( still wonder though) under the advice of Dr's though. Yet in 1 week I am having tonsils out and the blood work they put me through ..ughhhhh they blew out a vein in my hand . However it is all worth it for one more day ! I dont think you will ever be dissapointed with a choice to live I really dont. Best wishes I am always here to help and listen!!

Shar

Petey,

Pick up that gauntlet that Brian tossed and run with it. You CAN do this. With so much noise in politics this year about the uninsured, it is a perfect topic to get those representatives moving to help you. Those that want to get reelected don't want any bad press.

I am so glad to see you have had an attitude change and hopefully this Project Access will get you the treatment you need. Meanwhile, keep working on Plan B in case it doesn't.

I hope you had a Happy Easter and good luck on Tuesday.

Take care,
Eileen

I have to also shout BRAVO to Brian on his extremely well written exhortation to PeteyB to continue in his fight to win against this enemy. We are fortunate to have Brian as the articulate and experienced founder of this organization. And PeteyB, God send you the strength to forge ahead, mindful daily of Brian's wise words to you. Go get 'em Petey!
Warmly, JaneP

PeteyB,

You are steady in my thoughts and prayers. It shouldn't be so difficult for you in susch an advanced society. Our healthcare system is very broken and cases such as yours bring the much needed attention. Let us know how it goes for you tomorrow. And to quote New Kids on the Block, HANG TOUGH. At least I think it was them.

Tim

Petey,

Well, you made my day with your new attitude. I suggest that you print out Brian's post and put it on your bathroom mirror and carry it in your pocket. When things are going badly, reread it. He is inspirational and he has helped so many people before you.

Good luck and I look forward to hearing that you have started to make some progress.

Jerry

Petey, I am so excited for you! I am uplifted by your progress, and by your new attitude. You are gonna be fine.....not the same, but fine, and even better in some ways. PLEASE post tomorrow after your appointments and let us know how things went. This sounds like the first steps of a journey that should lead to treatment. We want to "walk" with you, so please keep us informed.

XO

Hey Colleen.
Overall, it was a bad day. It had more bad points than good. All is not hopeless though.
I will post tomorrow. To much to type now. At one point I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry. I am truely on an emotional rollercoaster ride here, split between financial, medical, personal and mental.
It's one step forward, two steps back.
I'll have a better grasp of everything tomorrow anyway. I'm trying hard not to have a pity party.
I feel like I'm in The Story of Joseph, and I have the lead role.
I just took 3 percodan so I will sleep well and find some solace.
When I wake up tomorrow, I've got to come out swinging.

Hey Petey- Hang in there- You are in one of the most difficult phases here- dealing with all this crap. Everyone should be taken care medically of in a wealthy country like America - its SO disgusting to me.


I'm almost 6 post surgery and I'm eating most stuff- Which isn't that normal at all-- just dove right into it because A- I was tortued by smelling stuff and B -I was pumped up on fertility drugs and C- I love to cook and eat well-- I'm a bit of a foodie...So I'm not eating a steak dinner or biting into things-- (yet- maybe never) I have to go very slowly small bites with lots of water but it does go down and I can taste everything-- I don't get to savor it on a tongue for as long but I get the full on flavor. I can live with this for eating if that's as far as it goes-- but who knows the human body is amazing-- and so are human beings in what they can overcome

I know you mentioned you went to culinary school. You'll be able to figure out a diet that works. I can eat anything as long as its not dry as a bone and sharp- something that takes a tongue and only a tongue to crush up. ANYTHING is possible
I can communicate pretty well- my speech is very garbled but most people just bumble along with me and figure out what I'm saying no problem. I'm carrying a little pad with me. My husband can understand me 100 perecnt- EVEN on the phone- CAn't imagine calling anyone else though -- at least not yet-- Remember when your kids were little and no one else could understand then except you and your wife?? Well that intuitive instinct will be with your family and friends too--- even very perceptive strangers-- 99 % of people just want to help you to communicate-- most people are really sweet and nice to me when I try and talk.

So anyway-- I know the no-insurance thing is super rough to deal with. A real pain in the ass. I've had spells before when I didn't have it or had a cheapy plan where I would have been charged a ton.
So I think anyone who has insurance on this board probably just can't be as sympathetic. It adds so much more into the equation. Its got to be so stressful and exhausting for you- I can't imagine on top of not feeling well. I hope your family can help out with doing some of the research of alternative ways of getting financial help. Did you see my post in the disability insurance area? check it out--due to a serious illness ther eis some way you can retire early and get any moneies you paid into medicare and I think SS early. Not sure hwat the age cutof is- but look into it.


I have teh luxury of good insurance and double coverage (happy accident) through my husband. But I just recently got that good insurance. Iw as a contract employee for a long time and had periods of not working.

Petey, hope today is better for you than yesterday, please let us know. Thinking of you....Carol
p.s. DO you know where your local social security office is, that might be a good place to visit and get some information.