Weekend Update - 6/24/16

More good news. Blood work and and all else looking good for now. I believe I have finally reached the point where I can move forward without constantly looking over my shoulder for an “illness” of some kind tripping me up. While I am not “well”, I am “well” enough to be here for the foreseeable future. Much more “extra time” for me. Granted my new normal entails many “regular” doctor/lab/test visits but with the new idea of these being normal (for me) visits and not “WTF” visits. I am a much relieved and happy man. Full speed ahead with the volunteer work and my community beautification efforts. It does feel very good to have some sense of doing something meaningful in the world. I am still adjusting to my limitations wit my customary “Oh I should not have done that” lessons. As one of my great physical therapist said over and over to me….. “Slow and steady wins the race” - which was followed by “Pain is not a sign to keep on going”. I still need to hear this on a daily basis. Once again … in closing, the reality of my financial situation continues to be what it is…. not good. I am asking all to give what you can and to remember that no amount is to small. Every little bit helps. I am living month to month, and without the support I have received I would not still be living in my home. It is still amazing (and sickening) to me how much all of my treatments are costing. A continuing big “THANK YOU” to all who have shared their experience, strength, hope, time and resources. Your time and gifts are, as always, greatly appreciated and needed. ***Please note that the 12/3/15 post in my blog is one which I encourage you to share freely.*** Please read and share my story. www.gofundme.com/j55wek

Weekend Update - 6/17/16

Good news! There is really no new news! Life goes on. I continue to breath in and out, walk regularly, eat healthily (95% of the time) and do my best to follow doctors orders. Medications …. taking the ones that matter as directed. I am now going to a cancer support group, volunteering and have decided on my “special” project. Said project being picking up litter as I walk in the parks and on the beltline. Of course there will be recycling along with the trash removal. What has spurred this project is the need to do something meaningful with the extra life I have been gifted. And looking at the amount of trash I see as I walk is disgusting at times. I believe the world would be a better place if folks would stop and pick up even a single piece of litter as they frolic in the parks and on the beltline as well as anywhere else they are. This is something I feel I am capable of doing even given my physical limitations. It is good to begin to feel I am contributing something positive in the world. More doctors appointments next week with hopefully no news of concern. Once again … in closing, the reality of my financial situation continues to be what it is…. not good. I am asking all to give what you can and to remember that no amount is to small. Every little bit helps. I am living month to month, and without the support I have received I would not still be living in my home. It is still amazing (and sickening) to me how much all of my treatments are costing. A continuing big “THANK YOU” to all who have shared their experience, strength, hope, time and resources. Your time and gifts are, as always, greatly appreciated and needed. ***Please note that the 12/3/15 post in my blog is one which I encourage you to share freely.*** Please read and share my story. www.gofundme.com/j55wek And read my blog at: riksjourney.blogspot.com

Weekend Update - 6/10/16

I am beginning to find out what my “normal” day to day life will look like. My energy level is up consistently now and the need to get “out and about” doing something has greatly increased. Conversely, I am finding it more difficult to be homebound and a few instances of “cabin fever” have occurred over this past week. I am finding out where more and more “good” bathrooms are in my travels. I am also investigating new ways to keep meaningfully occupied. This part is harder than it looks. In other news… I am now officially in the “donut hole” in regards to my medication insurance. The hole is the point where my insurance goes “away” until I pay “X” amount of dollars for meds until it kicks in again. I must say I am appalled at the “new” cost of the meds I have to take and have had to make “adjustments” to my some of my medications. Please note that I am following directions (thanks mama G) and asking for assistance from the docs/bigpharma. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Life does go on. Mine is, and for that I am so very very grateful. Once again … in closing, the reality of my financial situation continues to be what it is…. not good. I am asking all to give what you can and to remember that no amount is to small. Every little bit helps. I am living month to month, and without the support I have received I would not still be living in my home. It is still amazing (and sickening) to me how much all of my treatments are costing. A continuing big “THANK YOU” to all who have shared their experience, strength, hope, time and resources. Your time and gifts are, as always, greatly appreciated and needed. ***Please note that the 12/3/15 post in my blog is one which I encourage you to share freely.*** Please read and share my story. www.gofundme.com/j55wek

Weekend Update - 6/3/16

This was a week where I have decided to issue my mini manifesto regarding medical bills, the time it takes to be billed for any medical visit and ask some questions about the amount billed for some visits/procedures/tests. Before I go there I have to say I am feeling much better and it has been a pleasant surprise that a medication prescribed actually worked. In other words I have a new life now that I am able go to the bathroom mostly when I choose to and when I go it is not a major event like the Super bowl. I sound like such an old man. I now know why a lot of “old people” talk an awful lot about their bodily functions. I am profoundly aware of how much I took for granted the most basic of bodily functions. Some of you know of what I speak. Now, on to my mini “manifesto” or my “wish in one hand…” diatribe regarding paying for services in the healthcare system and the healthcare system itself. I have a dream. A dream where you will be correctly billed within 30 days of the date of whatever visit/procedure/tests you received. Of course said bill(s) would clearly delineate exactly what you are being billed for. Also it would be nice to pay ONE bill and not five or more. [note: of course I also hope to see a national health plan (medical - dental - eye - mental health) before I go] Needless to say, my dream healthcare system would end the “fee for service” and “for profit” nightmare of a system which exists now. Waiting 6-9 months or more to see what I will have to pay and, at times, finding out you do owe something by receiving a “final notice” letter in the mail does not a happy patient make. In other words it does nothing to help your recovery and, in point of fact, inhibits the rate of said recovery. Being ill is hard enough without having to navigate the myriad payment systems currently in place. I have learned that there are some very great people who work in the system now. My eternal gratitude to those who have assisted me as I have and as I continue to navigate this healthcare system. Once again … in closing, the reality of my financial situation continues to be what it is…. not good. I am asking all to give what you can and to remember that no amount is to small. Every little bit helps. I am living month to month, and without the support I have received I would not still be living in my home. It is still amazing (and sickening) to me how much all of my treatments are costing. A continuing big “THANK YOU” to all who have shared their experience, strength, hope, time and resources. Your time and gifts are, as always, greatly appreciated and needed. ***Please note that the 12/3/15 post in my blog is one which I encourage you to share freely.*** Please read and share my story. www.gofundme.com/j55wek