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Dear family pt 2.... (Read 33565 times)
Callico
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #75 - Apr 5th, 2013 at 4:57am
 
Sorry you have to go through that, my friend.  Perhaps if you were to post their name here, and especially on FacrBook with a description of what they are doing they will reconsider.  Bad PR can be very expensive.  However, on the flip side, I understand them trying to cut costs as much as possible.  Obamacare is making a big dent in them.  All ins companies are pulling things in pretty tight now.

jc
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"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of dung by the clean end." Texas A&M Student (unknown)
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #76 - Apr 6th, 2013 at 7:53am
 
jon019 wrote on Apr 4th, 2013 at 7:49pm:
...anyone else ever had the feeling that health insurance companies are the devil's spawn????

...I have been denied coverage for the clinical trial.... which is a no lose no brainer for anyone with any sense...and not only that, but ANY coverage for what is the "standard care" portion of that study...sheesh...."we prefer you dead...it saves money"!

...will therefore be doing the "non study" chemo cycle...and guess I will have to fight for that too....as it aint in their facility. I won't abandon the place that is the ultimate in care....and I will dang sure appeal the heck out of this...apparently a new hobby.........

Best

Jon

Praying with all my might that they cover it at the place you want, Jon!!

btw, I hope you can find some happiness in the fact you are now retired. xo
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Callico
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #77 - Apr 6th, 2013 at 9:48pm
 
Jon, thinking of you.

We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa.  They used to live in a big brick house, but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Arizona.

Now they live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass.  They ride around on their bicycles, and wear name tags, because they don’t know who they are anymore.

They go to a building called a wreck center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now, they do exercises there, but they don’t do them very well.  There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on.

At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it.  He watches all day so nobody can escape.  Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf carts.  Nobody there cooks, they just eat out.  And, they eat the samething every night – early birds.

Some of the people can’t get out past the man in the doll house.  The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked center for pot luck.

My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and, says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too.

When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house.  Then I will let people out, so they can visit their grandchildren.

All the best, my friend!
Jerry
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"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of dung by the clean end." Texas A&M Student (unknown)
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #78 - Apr 8th, 2013 at 9:43pm
 
I sometimes think insurance companies are subsidiaries of the devil's corporation world.

Really sorry to read this Jon. You have enough of a fight going on right now without having to battle the insurance company on top of it.

Hang tough & take care of yourself.
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #79 - Apr 18th, 2013 at 11:28pm
 
Chapter 73..."Illegitimi carborundum"...

Timothy Leary said "tune in, turn on, and drop out"...for me its "hang in, hang on, and never give up"

...well, I'm hanging in....and it's a fight every step of the way. My so called health "insurance" company first denied participation in a clinical trial....so I appealed.
Now...they are approving "certain portions" of that study. When I called to ask 'zactly what THAT meant...they couldn't/wouldn't tell me...since I'm gonna do it anyway...I will have to take my satisfaction/fun in being a constant PITA!

...and oh...it DOES pay to gripe...the last test they denied...to the tune of $2000 out of pocket for me...got reversed on appeal...for the wrong reason...but I'll take it

...not as bitter as I sound...just venting  a little...with a smile....bone marrow biopsy maybe next week

...till then...hangin on  Cool

Best

jon
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #80 - Apr 18th, 2013 at 11:40pm
 
It's all about the actuaries, Jon. When claims are denied, x% of them are never brought up again, and that translates directly to the bottom line.

Keep bein' the squeaky wheel.
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #81 - Apr 19th, 2013 at 3:20am
 
Brew wrote on Apr 18th, 2013 at 11:40pm:
It's all about the actuaries, Jon. When claims are denied, x% of them are never brought up again, and that translates directly to the bottom line.


Didn't John Grishim write a novel around this sort of thing?
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #82 - Apr 19th, 2013 at 8:13am
 
Mike NZ wrote on Apr 19th, 2013 at 3:20am:
Didn't John Grishim write a novel around this sort of thing?

If he did, I haven't read it.
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"I have been asked if I have changed in these past 25 years. No, I am the same. Only more so."  --Ayn Rand
 
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #83 - Apr 19th, 2013 at 8:39am
 
As long as you aren't hanging by the neck you are doing OK. 

Glad you got the trial at least partially approved.  Your new job, should you decide to take it, is to continue harassing the Ins co until they do what they should do.  I remember years ago in a different life, or so it seems, BCBS would deny payment for something, so Linda would call them up and say you have to pay it.  They would say "your policy doesn't cover that", so Linda would read the pertinent part of the policy to them that did "cover that".  It would always get covered, but only when we told them what the policy covered.  It is always easier for them to say "No" than to think.  Besides that, it is more profitable.

Jerry
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"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of dung by the clean end." Texas A&M Student (unknown)
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #84 - Apr 19th, 2013 at 5:58pm
 
Brew wrote on Apr 19th, 2013 at 8:13am:
Mike NZ wrote on Apr 19th, 2013 at 3:20am:
Didn't John Grishim write a novel around this sort of thing?

If he did, I haven't read it.


Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to Login or Register

An medical insurance company has a policy to deny all claims...
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jon019
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #85 - May 7th, 2013 at 1:23am
 
...the latest installment of what I suspect should be called Jon's "stupid blog"...suffice it to say...reading is most definitely voluntary...proceed at your own peril  Roll Eyes

Chapter 91..."When You Get To the Fork In the Road...Take It!"....

or..."Go to the Slawson Cutoff....Get Out...Cut off Your Slawson!"

....been in the hospital from friday til today...blood clots in the lungs....they tell me the direct result of sticky platelets from lymphoma ...and the "retired persons disease" of sitting on the fricken couch too much (lesson learned!). Damn...the gift that just keeps on giving...they didn't warn me about this one! Fortunately, based on what I heard later...I wasn't as scared as I SHOULD have been  Shocked

chemo is now delayed until we get rid of THIS issue (w/rat poison or some such)...Catch 22 is that since lymphoma is causing the clots...ya gots to stop that first. Only.... ya can't start that until the clots are gone...only it causes the clots...only, only, only...

"But what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock n roll band
Cause in sleepy london town
There's just no place for a street fighting man"


It was no small irony that they first roomed this clusterhead with an 86 yr old Alzheimers patient (with other issues) for the first 2 days. One (me) who has been known to scream into a pillow...and the other.....who screamed AT his pillow.

No sleep the first night...4 hours the next. Diaper changes...a fight. Position changes every 2 hours...a fight. Vitals check...a fight. 8x per night ripped off O2 mask...causing O2 saturation alarm....2 feet from my head....imagine the loudest alarm clock!!! He couldn't ring the nurses...so I did it for him. It got to be a routine. Ring...wait for the nurses...point a boney finger to Lou in the next bed. I was thinking this has got to be a motivational ploy to get rid of me  Wink

Now...before you think what a heartless guy I am...note I never asked to be moved...considered it a duty and an honor to assist a brother in need...and was rewarded with the most remarkable display of professionalism and compassion I have ever witnessed. Those nurses, sometimes 3 at a time....responded immediately, with nary a blink or a complaint, with soothing voices and gentle prodding...working in unison.... and....got... the... job...done!. On the way out...they patted me on the foot...."sorry Jon".

After the second night...the hospital Quality Control guy came to interview me about the service "I" was receiving...totally unrelated to Lou (he probably didn't know). The service I was receiving was just fine...and I told him so...and I also related my feelings above. Nearly in unison.... we both said..."Well, that could be me in the next bed...that's what I think".

Evening of the third night...those nurses came in..said "Jon...you need your rest too...we're moving you"...and they did....bed and all down the hallway. Lou got his own room.

Several DELIGHTFUL notes for clusterville....I'm thinking the msg is finally getting out!!!! Upon admittance, I indicated clusterhead here in cycle...and I needed a non-rebreather mask and access to high flow O2! I wasn't nasty... BUT, I was firm.  No need, 5 mins later I had the mask in hand, and a finger point to the O2 control valve within arms reach (was already on O2 anyway). They looked at me funny when I looked at them funny...bwaaaa-hahahaha

Then...and I can't quite believe this myself....when I described my situation, needs, and titration methods for verapamil dosage to the nurses (self changing drug administration in a hospital environment being NFW)...they simply said...."Doc (edit to say she listened) says you know what you are doing...let him titrate!" I slept good after that.....

jonboy doing fine at home right now...allies have been found to get this insurance crap staightened out...I am looking forward to chemo  Shocked

Best,

j

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« Last Edit: May 7th, 2013 at 1:44am by jon019 »  

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Melissa
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #86 - May 7th, 2013 at 9:52pm
 
Phew, Jon!  That was exhausting just to read!  So glad you are back home now!  At least the care was good aside from your bed neighbor.  Now try and relax, at least for a little while!

xo
mel
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Diseases can be our spiritual flat tires - disruptions in our lives that seem to be disasters at the time but end by redirecting our lives in a meaningful way.  ~Bernie S. Siegel
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #87 - May 7th, 2013 at 10:35pm
 
Jon....I hate what you are going through but I DO love reading your "blog". You are one tough dude but you have a gentle soul.  Smiley
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #88 - May 8th, 2013 at 8:35am
 
I'm with Jimi, please keep the blog going. Your sense of humor is a tribute to your character.

Joe
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #89 - May 8th, 2013 at 8:52am
 
You are much loved Jon, and remain in my prayers. God bless. lance
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #90 - May 8th, 2013 at 10:27am
 
Still vibing daily for you, Jon.
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #91 - May 8th, 2013 at 10:33pm
 
Always in thoughts and prayers - you are an inspiration!
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #92 - May 14th, 2013 at 6:44pm
 
Chapter 96 "Don't blame the dynamite if you can't light the fuse"

Well....the fuse is lit...no more messing around with the insurance droids....chemo starts Friday...and I'm looking forward to it!

Best

jon
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #93 - May 14th, 2013 at 10:18pm
 
I heard recently that a bloke wrote on a cancer web-site that he was sitting in his garden and saw a white owl staring down and what did it mean???!

Best answer was, "You've got mice."
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #94 - May 20th, 2013 at 12:14am
 
Praying, my friend!  You will deal with chemo with the same grace and verve that you have faced everything else. 

Jerry
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"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of dung by the clean end." Texas A&M Student (unknown)
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #95 - May 20th, 2013 at 12:42am
 
So sorry to hear of all this Jon.  Huh Rest assured you are in this clusterhead's prayers and thoughts. Hang in there, brother. hugs and all the best, nani
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #96 - May 20th, 2013 at 10:34am
 
As always Jon, all we have coming your way.

Joe
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #97 - May 20th, 2013 at 10:50pm
 
Quote:
chemo starts Friday...and I'm looking forward to it


THATS.. the Jon I know and love!!!!!!!!

So many have sent their prayers to you.
So many send vibes, ju ju, and best wishes.

I send you my strength.  I do not need it right now.  I give it as a gift to a friend who does.

I may need some of it back one day...but for now it is all yours.  Kick ass!!
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #98 - May 21st, 2013 at 2:09am
 
Chapter 99  "Periscope Up"....

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT........THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS!

First 2 day treatment complete (fri/sat). Day 1 was 10 hrs long...they're very slow and careful in case of adverse reactions...had a few but all well controlled...day 2 a breeze. Not many bad effects so far...just extremely tired...which I was warned about...sleeping a lot.

They started me out with a tour of the "infusion unit" (@Seattle Cancer Care)...about 51 tiny rooms in sort of a circle....first thing the nurse said was  "this is a self serve ward"....and I woulda started laughing or made a smart-ass remark if, well, it wasn't my first time, and I didn't want to be rude! I was thinking...Holy Crap...you gotta be kidding me!!!! I got to do this myself !?????

Wrong jonboy (whew)....what it means is they got snack pantries, blanket warmer bins, lotsa restrooms, and with your mobile IV stand, yur expected to do fer yourself.....I'm thinking that's a good idea. Also now free to release my inner smart-ass...or at least find a little bit of humor in what could be a scary place.....

Best

later

jon
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Re: Dear family pt 2....
Reply #99 - May 21st, 2013 at 9:17am
 
You'll make it a brighter place with your presence! We share a wicked, sarcastic sense of humor. That which you can laugh at, can never beat ya! Keep on keepin on Jon.

Joe
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"Somebody had to say it" is usually a piss poor excuse to be mean.
 
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