June 30, 2009 — Wanda and I went to the radiology "hut" yesterday at 2:15 p.m. It was a long wait to get started with the PET scan. Why do they tell you to be some place at 2:30 p.m. and then not start with you for another 45 minutes? Anyway, while my IV was being put in I was asked a bunch of questions about my particular situation. I soon realized some of the questions I was being asked could not possibly relate to me so I just said I was having the PET done based on the results of a CT scan done last week and that my Dr had a copy of the results. The nurse said the CT documentation was not included in the paperwork they had received from my Dr. She stated she would call the Dr's office and then she moved me into another room where the magic "serum" was put in through the IV. It takes an hour for the stuff to get into your system so I blissfully took a nap. When it was time to go into the "super collider" to be scanned, the nurse woke me up and proclaimed that all the paper work that had been sent over on me from my Dr belonged to another patient that had a like name. Now what the hell! I suggest that Drs ensure that the people they hire to do this sort of work know how to read and differentiate one mane from another. Hell what if this person had been scheduled for radiation treatment on their @#$%#@!$ places. My voice could have ended up changing several octaves higher. Geez, what a world.
One thing is for sure. If you don't take an active part in your health care you could get messed up pretty quick. You have got to pay attention...it's What Really Matters.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
June 29, 2009 — Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan now there is a mouth full. What is it and what does it do? Well all I know about it is what I have read on the Internet. Basically, a PET scan is using nuclear medicine to help locate and in some cases diagnose abnormalities in the area of the body being scanned. You are given a very low dose of radioactive material called radiotracers either intravenously, by mouth, or as a gas. It takes awhile for the material to travel through your body, but at the appropriate time the scan is done. The radiologist who reads the images created is looking for concentrated areas of abnormal chemical activity in the organ/s being examined. An explanation about PET can be found here: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=pet.
Anyway, I am having a PET scan done today. I guess I'll find out if I really do glow in the dark. I am eager to get this done and will have the results when I see my Dr the following Monday. I guess I can wait a week as my Dr is out of the country right now on vacation. Hey, docs gotta' take a break too. But, unfortunately I am not a patient man. Bill Bennett wrote about patience being a virtue in his book The Book of Virtues and I guess I was absent the day patience was passed out. There are still so many things I have to learn about and that is what really matters!
Anyway, I am having a PET scan done today. I guess I'll find out if I really do glow in the dark. I am eager to get this done and will have the results when I see my Dr the following Monday. I guess I can wait a week as my Dr is out of the country right now on vacation. Hey, docs gotta' take a break too. But, unfortunately I am not a patient man. Bill Bennett wrote about patience being a virtue in his book The Book of Virtues and I guess I was absent the day patience was passed out. There are still so many things I have to learn about and that is what really matters!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Some Days Are Diamonds and Some Days Are...Revisited
June 28, 2009 — Damn! I did it again I went and let my big mouth go into overload. I started the day by taking my grandson Booger (he is actually my step-grandson) with me to run a few errands. After his getting over being upset with the type of juice I gave him to take along, we had a good time and he was as good as gold. The day went down hill from there.
When Larry and Walter got in from a day of drilling in the heat (over 105 degrees yesterday) they were in a discussion about Larry's involvement in the drilling and the fact that he is not getting paid, I walked in on the conversation in the middle and made some comments about Larry being taken advantage of. I did not mean that Walter and his brother Willard were the ones taking the advantage, but rather the people they contract with. Seems Larry can't get paid until he proves that he is dependable and will show up and work when needed. I suppose I can understand that, but somebody is getting work out of Larry for free and that irks me something terrible and I said so. Well Walter took exception to my comments and that started a yelling argument because I lost my cool.
As it always does, the argument went to other things and ended up with me apologizing for raising my voice. Walter started pouring out how he felt about me and how the loss of his own Dad had affected him. Walter is a proud man, but carries a lot of baggage around with him because of his own checkered past and that of his Dad's. It's a shame because while Walter is a lot like his Dad, or at least that is what his mother says, he is definitely different in so many ways. He works hard and tries his dead level best to take care of his family and those around him. He is constantly helping others fix problems with their car maybe or whatever. He gives of himself in so many ways, but at times lets his temper take control. His mother and I have always supported him since he decided several years ago to turn his life around. He can at times be the best of the best. And, at times he can be the worst of the worst. I guess that is life.
Luckily we were able to work through our differences and realize that we really care deeply for each other. That is what really matters!
When Larry and Walter got in from a day of drilling in the heat (over 105 degrees yesterday) they were in a discussion about Larry's involvement in the drilling and the fact that he is not getting paid, I walked in on the conversation in the middle and made some comments about Larry being taken advantage of. I did not mean that Walter and his brother Willard were the ones taking the advantage, but rather the people they contract with. Seems Larry can't get paid until he proves that he is dependable and will show up and work when needed. I suppose I can understand that, but somebody is getting work out of Larry for free and that irks me something terrible and I said so. Well Walter took exception to my comments and that started a yelling argument because I lost my cool.
As it always does, the argument went to other things and ended up with me apologizing for raising my voice. Walter started pouring out how he felt about me and how the loss of his own Dad had affected him. Walter is a proud man, but carries a lot of baggage around with him because of his own checkered past and that of his Dad's. It's a shame because while Walter is a lot like his Dad, or at least that is what his mother says, he is definitely different in so many ways. He works hard and tries his dead level best to take care of his family and those around him. He is constantly helping others fix problems with their car maybe or whatever. He gives of himself in so many ways, but at times lets his temper take control. His mother and I have always supported him since he decided several years ago to turn his life around. He can at times be the best of the best. And, at times he can be the worst of the worst. I guess that is life.
Luckily we were able to work through our differences and realize that we really care deeply for each other. That is what really matters!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Some Days Are Diamonds and Some Days Are...
June 27, 2009 — Well it's true. Some days are diamonds and some days are rocks. There is just no gettin' around it. Yesterday I started out on the wrong foot. I did not sleep worth a flip the night before and as a matter of fact I was up at 0130 (that's military expressed time for those that do not know) as I am almost every morning it seems. I had many things planned for the day the most important of which was moving Wanda's and my household goods out of storage and to our new rental house. I also needed to contact my healthcare insurance administrator to seek assistance in obtaining a PET scan I need. Then there was taking my youngest son Larry to his meeting and then on to school. Well it just did not start well 'cause I was really tired.
Wanda went off at 0730 to be at the new house to meet utility people for hookups we needed done. At 0800 I picked up Larry and off we went. While he was in his meetin', I called the aforementioned healthcare insurance administrator and got little or no help. Frustrated, I then called my PCM again and explained to the office manager that I needed the PET scan done, but could not get it unless they authorized and asked the healthcare insurance administrator for permission to do so. It took half the day to get it done, but they finally came through and I will have the PET on this coming Monday.
While all of this was going on, Wanda's son Walter went to get a trailer to move the household goods. I decided to ask Larry to miss school (does that make me a bad parent?) and help with the move as I knew I would be useless. He agreed and after several more stops we met Walter at the storage place. He had already loaded the trailer with the majority of our things. He is amazing some times that Walter guy. Strong as an Ox because his profession is as a water well driller and he does not back down from any challenge. So after a short break for him to refuel with Gatorade and a breakfast tacco it was off to the new house and unloading. Wanda was anxiously waiting. Before I make this story much longer than it needs to be, everything got moved in the very oppressive heat we are having. Wanda is now happily beginning the arranging of our things they way we want it. There is no one better at this then she is. It will take some time, but it will get done as she wants it.
After awaking from a 3½ hr nap, I was in a generally grumpy mood. Nothing in particular...just generally grumpy. What a waste of time that is! I soon got over it and realized that all of the rocks of the day had come and gone and I was about to experience a real diamond.
My son Larry and I have been somewhat estranged lately. That is probably to put it mildly. I often sit outside when I can and I like to talk to people and Larry and I got into a talk about our relationship. It started out about his wanting to join the military when he can and my telling him that he had a lot changing to do before he'd be able to make it. He keeps telling me times have changed since my Navy days and they have somewhat, but what has not changed is having an understanding about respect and authority. They are two traits you must have when a member of our nations finest. The discussion then led to his feelings about his brothers and sister and me and that he felt he is always treated like a child and not given respect. Some of what he said was true. Larry has a grudge (I'll just call it that) because his brothers and sister did do much with him in his earlier years. I simply said that his feeling was valid, but that forgiveness is powerful medicine and it begins from within. We then moved on to our feelings about each other. As I listened I heard his cry for respect and what he is trying to do right now in his life. All of it is good stuff as my brother Jake would say. I have promised that I will give him respect where due and will expect the same in return. We even cried a bit over it all.
I love him dearly and I am glad that we had the conversation. It brings our relationship into a new light and that is very important to me right now. It is what really matters!
Wanda went off at 0730 to be at the new house to meet utility people for hookups we needed done. At 0800 I picked up Larry and off we went. While he was in his meetin', I called the aforementioned healthcare insurance administrator and got little or no help. Frustrated, I then called my PCM again and explained to the office manager that I needed the PET scan done, but could not get it unless they authorized and asked the healthcare insurance administrator for permission to do so. It took half the day to get it done, but they finally came through and I will have the PET on this coming Monday.
While all of this was going on, Wanda's son Walter went to get a trailer to move the household goods. I decided to ask Larry to miss school (does that make me a bad parent?) and help with the move as I knew I would be useless. He agreed and after several more stops we met Walter at the storage place. He had already loaded the trailer with the majority of our things. He is amazing some times that Walter guy. Strong as an Ox because his profession is as a water well driller and he does not back down from any challenge. So after a short break for him to refuel with Gatorade and a breakfast tacco it was off to the new house and unloading. Wanda was anxiously waiting. Before I make this story much longer than it needs to be, everything got moved in the very oppressive heat we are having. Wanda is now happily beginning the arranging of our things they way we want it. There is no one better at this then she is. It will take some time, but it will get done as she wants it.
After awaking from a 3½ hr nap, I was in a generally grumpy mood. Nothing in particular...just generally grumpy. What a waste of time that is! I soon got over it and realized that all of the rocks of the day had come and gone and I was about to experience a real diamond.
My son Larry and I have been somewhat estranged lately. That is probably to put it mildly. I often sit outside when I can and I like to talk to people and Larry and I got into a talk about our relationship. It started out about his wanting to join the military when he can and my telling him that he had a lot changing to do before he'd be able to make it. He keeps telling me times have changed since my Navy days and they have somewhat, but what has not changed is having an understanding about respect and authority. They are two traits you must have when a member of our nations finest. The discussion then led to his feelings about his brothers and sister and me and that he felt he is always treated like a child and not given respect. Some of what he said was true. Larry has a grudge (I'll just call it that) because his brothers and sister did do much with him in his earlier years. I simply said that his feeling was valid, but that forgiveness is powerful medicine and it begins from within. We then moved on to our feelings about each other. As I listened I heard his cry for respect and what he is trying to do right now in his life. All of it is good stuff as my brother Jake would say. I have promised that I will give him respect where due and will expect the same in return. We even cried a bit over it all.
I love him dearly and I am glad that we had the conversation. It brings our relationship into a new light and that is very important to me right now. It is what really matters!
Whew It's Hot
June 25, 2009 — Well the temp reached 107 degrees in Austin today. Hasn't been that hot here since 1998 when it was 109 degrees on that day. The forcast is for more of the same. I'm melting...said the wicked ol' blogger!
Wanda and I will start moving our things to our new home starting Friday 6/26/2009. We don't plan on staying in the place until 7/1, but we are going to get a jump on things. It is going to be difficult in the heat. Oh well!
Wanda and I will start moving our things to our new home starting Friday 6/26/2009. We don't plan on staying in the place until 7/1, but we are going to get a jump on things. It is going to be difficult in the heat. Oh well!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Busy As A Bee and Then Some
June 24, 2009 — Wanda and I had a very busy day. It started at 0730 with a trip to the VA clinic. I had to have some blood drawn and that always take awhile at the VA. There are so many veterans that need care and are waiting their turn at the lab. I had the same tech draw blood that I had last week and he is a really funny guy. We share a love of flying and he puts things in a really humorous manner. The people at the VA are patient and friendly and genuinely care about you. It's a good feeling and it is what really matters.
Later in the morning Wanda and I had a talk with my PCM at the VA. There were several questions that had arisen based on his phone call to me the day before discussing with me the results of my CT scan. We got our questions answered and were on our merry way.
I talked with my private Dr's office on the way home as I want to explore options that I might have in getting diagnosis in a timely manner and treatment that might follow. My Dr is on vacation until July 6th which is something I didn't want to hear, but they said I could come in and talk to the PA that is covering the office while he is away. So, I made a 3 P.M. appointment and dutifully showed up at that time. Unfortunately there was a long delay as a patient they had in experienced a mild heart attack while being examined. They had to call EMS to transport him. I hope the gentleman will be okay...it is what really matters.
While waiting to be seen, I had an unfortunate incident outside the Drs office. While walking outside on the mall walk I passed the door of a sports shop next door. Just as I did a young man came flying out the door with about three golf clubs in his hand. The door almost creamed me and I said..."excuse you." The young fellow took exception to the comment and wanted to know if I'd like to be beaten with one of the clubs he was holding. Now that was a stupid question! We exchanged unpleasantries and he kept referring to me as an old man. I certainly did not object to that reference, but he continued to wonder is that what he would be like when he gets old. Probably not because if he continues on with the attitude he currently has he unfortunately will not live long enough to grow old. I sent the boy on his back to his Mama...that is what really matters.
The PA would not see me as she felt I was asking for a second opinion on the results of my CT and she is correct. The office said they would attempt to contact my Dr (wherever he may be) and find out what to do next. I also made an appointment to see him on his day of return to work.
All-in-all it was a good day with Wanda and that is what really matters.
Later in the morning Wanda and I had a talk with my PCM at the VA. There were several questions that had arisen based on his phone call to me the day before discussing with me the results of my CT scan. We got our questions answered and were on our merry way.
I talked with my private Dr's office on the way home as I want to explore options that I might have in getting diagnosis in a timely manner and treatment that might follow. My Dr is on vacation until July 6th which is something I didn't want to hear, but they said I could come in and talk to the PA that is covering the office while he is away. So, I made a 3 P.M. appointment and dutifully showed up at that time. Unfortunately there was a long delay as a patient they had in experienced a mild heart attack while being examined. They had to call EMS to transport him. I hope the gentleman will be okay...it is what really matters.
While waiting to be seen, I had an unfortunate incident outside the Drs office. While walking outside on the mall walk I passed the door of a sports shop next door. Just as I did a young man came flying out the door with about three golf clubs in his hand. The door almost creamed me and I said..."excuse you." The young fellow took exception to the comment and wanted to know if I'd like to be beaten with one of the clubs he was holding. Now that was a stupid question! We exchanged unpleasantries and he kept referring to me as an old man. I certainly did not object to that reference, but he continued to wonder is that what he would be like when he gets old. Probably not because if he continues on with the attitude he currently has he unfortunately will not live long enough to grow old. I sent the boy on his back to his Mama...that is what really matters.
The PA would not see me as she felt I was asking for a second opinion on the results of my CT and she is correct. The office said they would attempt to contact my Dr (wherever he may be) and find out what to do next. I also made an appointment to see him on his day of return to work.
All-in-all it was a good day with Wanda and that is what really matters.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
And Ye Shall Know the Truth
I do not pretend to be a learned man of the bible. I cannot say I am a christian by the definition of what is most accepted by those that claim to be so. However, I do believe in God and it is private matter for me...that is my belief.
I have always tried to tell my children that it is best to seek the truth as it will set you free. In the New Testament John 8:32, Jesus it is said stated to the Jews that believed in Him "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
The truth is I have not always practiced what I preached. Time and time again, however, I found that it is the truth that really matters. When I tried to make it something different...it all came unwound and was a much more difficult issue to deal with.
So, with this blog I am beginning an unknown journey into days that will hold many new and interesting and challenging experiences. I do not fear the unknown...I only seek the truth and what really matters.
Just recently I had a CT scan done of my chest that has revealed some interesting nodules that are highly suspicious of cancer. For some reason, my current Drs do not think that the origin of the suspicious areas is the lungs. They think that a cancer is somewhere else in my body and have ordered a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan to be done on me. A dye will be injected into me and then the entire body will be scanned. Cancers or suspected cancers will standout in the imagery which obviously aids in diagnosis and what is best to do next.
I do not fear this...I am only concerned.
Oh by the way, I do not intend to use actual names in this blog when referring to others unless its a pet. Hence, my wife's name really isn't Wanda.
I have always tried to tell my children that it is best to seek the truth as it will set you free. In the New Testament John 8:32, Jesus it is said stated to the Jews that believed in Him "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
The truth is I have not always practiced what I preached. Time and time again, however, I found that it is the truth that really matters. When I tried to make it something different...it all came unwound and was a much more difficult issue to deal with.
So, with this blog I am beginning an unknown journey into days that will hold many new and interesting and challenging experiences. I do not fear the unknown...I only seek the truth and what really matters.
Just recently I had a CT scan done of my chest that has revealed some interesting nodules that are highly suspicious of cancer. For some reason, my current Drs do not think that the origin of the suspicious areas is the lungs. They think that a cancer is somewhere else in my body and have ordered a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan to be done on me. A dye will be injected into me and then the entire body will be scanned. Cancers or suspected cancers will standout in the imagery which obviously aids in diagnosis and what is best to do next.
I do not fear this...I am only concerned.
Oh by the way, I do not intend to use actual names in this blog when referring to others unless its a pet. Hence, my wife's name really isn't Wanda.
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