The latest at the Andersen household.....

Regarding Penny,

 

So we are getting ready for Penny's next Cystoscopy (on March 7th). We are praying that the results will be negative and that she has beaten her cancer for another 3 month period. We are praying hard for another 3 month miracle.

 

We are now into Week 2 of Penny's father temporarily coming to live with us. As he is eligible for home health care, we are starting to see activity regarding a home health nurse stopping by (in addition to Physical Therapy). We stopped at his Attending Physician (who talked to him about his Parkinson's Disease and limited memory / physical abilities). He is now aware via the doctor, that he can't live by himself anymore and that he can no longer drive. Unless he physically / mentally improves, the situation will only see him slowly getting worse over time. We are preparing for that eventuality, we just don't know when it may happen (months or years). Our issue is that with my maladies,  Penny's many disabilities, and Travis' limitations.... if her father's condition continues to degrade, we won't be able to care for him as he needs for excellent quality of life. He absolutely loathes facilities that are there for Seniors (and I understand his concern / worry), however... it is a lot of responsibility to shoulder (not to mention the fact we live in a 2 story 110 yr old farmhouse that is not equipped to handle anyone who has limitations... and we only have 1 small bathroom). We don't mind the responsibility (and welcome it), it is recognizing that we are not healthcare experts and may not be the best solution for his needs. We do not have the activities and facilities at our house (that help older seniors to live an active lifestyle). He is essentially sitting in our living room or in his bedroom (watching TV). Penny is in no condition to be a caregiver.... and it is breaking her heart. We are making do as best we can (with prayer and patience).

 

Regarding Travis,

 

We are still waiting for his Social Security Disability decision. Apparently, it is now at their Quality Assurance office in Chicago awaiting a review of the SSD decision. It isn't helping that their search for assets regarding Travis isn't being resolved (Travis has savings bonds that he reported to the Social Security Administration as he was required to do so), unfortunately... his Uncle in Michigan has the Savings Bonds and will not provide Travis the information needed to give to the Social Security Administration (he allegedly is afraid Penny and I will turn in the bonds before they mature and insists that he is in control of those bonds until he releases them). We have no clue why he thinks that. All we were asking him for was for the information (to present to the Social Security Administration). Now, we will have to get an Attorney to get the answers (as Travis will not receive any benefits until the information reaches the government). One just cannot make this stuff up....... =(

 

Regarding me,

 

I spent over 7 hours at the VA on Tuesday. Starting with Blood letting (4 blood tests with a total of 7 vials drawn... by Nurse Ratchet who couldn't find a vein to save his life), then general surgery, radiology (for x-rays of my feet), audiology, rheumatology, podiatry, orthopedic, pharmacy, & neurology.

 

Why?

 

I fell last week (which contributed to my hernia repair ripping and returning). So they are trying to get to the bottom of why I am falling (8 times in the past 2 years).

• Neurologist - So one of my blood tests is for something called "X reflex" (a blood test to look for a genetic marker... ordered by the neurologist). He also ordered the neuropsych test to determine the extent of my memory plus neurological issues (I failed a preliminary memory / cognitive test).
• Podiatrist / Radiology - I then got an X-ray for "plantar fasciitis" in both feet (my arch is in tatters regarding my tendons) . I then received a brace to stabilize my right foot (which is the worst of the 2 feet). I now need to get a new set of shoes (2 different sizes to accommodate the brace).
• Audiologist - They want to see me for my falling (checking the inner ear). A total of 9 hours of testing (6 hours this Friday) and 3 hours on March 13th.
• General Surgery - I saw the General Surgeon and he ordered a CT scan with contrast to see how bad the ventral hernia repair is now (I may need to get another surgery to repair the damage). I took Barium tonight and will go to Lovell Hospital on this morning for the CT scan. The surgeon put me on no lifting for the next 8 weeks due to the hernia issue.
• Orthopedic - The ortho surgeon put me on "no lifting" for the next 18 months (due to my shoulder).
• Rheumatology - My gout looks like it is controlled (and they ordered labs for my liver and kidney levels regarding the allopurinol I am presently taking) plus the anti-depression medication I am on. . They need to keep a close eye on my liver as allopurinol eventually causes Liver issues in many people.
• Sleep study - I also got a call from Lovell Wednesday and the results of the sleep study are in. I apparently have "Severe Sleep Apnea" (my breathing stopped an average of 97 times per hour and I was told the tech was so worried about me, that he came in a couple of times when breathing stopped longer than a minute). So I will be getting a CPAP machine in short order.

At the end of the day, this will determine why I am falling and if there is a possible diagnosis for what I am going through (my symptoms are seriously looking like MS symptoms.... and the VA doctors are finally taking me seriously). The symptoms are evident (my brother and the former President of CGL have seen me fall), and the last 2 falls caused shoulder damage and now a recurrence of my ventral hernia.

 

Combined with my Major Depression / PTSD / Anxiety issues (which I am not allowed to "return to work"), I am no longer allowed to even try to get a job.... so the VA will work with me to present me to prospective employers (with the limitations placed on me). The neuropsych will be determining if I am still allowed to drive or not :( (I'll know within the month).

 

By the grace of God go I... as I am dealing with this as best I can (at least, I don't have a terminal disease diagnosis). *Bonus*

 

The only problem at this point is Social Security and the VA still are backlogged regarding my Disability claims (and with no income, I am in one hell of a catch 22 situation as I am not cleared to return to work).

 

Oy.

 

God has provided and I have faith that all will be resolved in God's time.

 

Dear Lord, as my loved ones and I await the results of medical tests about our afflictions, let us offer you our anxieties for our good and your glory.  Calm us in our worries, knowing these don’t add wisdom but rather stress to this situation.  Enlighten us, though the power of your Spirit, to make wise decisions as to treatment. Help us not to turn away from You in these fragile, painful moments, but rather towards you for grace and strength. Comfort us in seeking you now as we place all our concerns in your loving hands as we say “Thy Will Be Done.”

 

1 Timothy 4:8

for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 

 

Post surgery and keeping faith. = )

We've had a very busy few weeks (and hardly any time to sit down and put fingers to a keyboard).... so now that things have slowed down long enough to sit down for longer than a few minutes.... here goes.

3 weeks ago, I lost my cousin to a heart attack (as a result of his fight with cancer). This was a Godly man who gave more to his family and this world than most men I know (an Honorable man). He passed away the day before my surgery, so when I was done with the surgery, Penny and I stopped by his widow plus his daughter to convey our respects (and we went to the funeral a few days later so we were able to see the rest of the Nordhem/Norheim family for the first time since my mother's memorial over 4 years ago)..

Regarding my Ventral Hernia operation, it was as painful as I thought it would be (but the recovery process was.... complicated as a result of us having so much to do). It was a necessary operation tho... as it was very difficult to engage in any physical activity without feeling pain. The orthopedic doctor (regarding my shoulder) and the surgeon (regarding the hernia) have told me I can't engage in any lifting for the next 18 months, so combined with the Psychiatrist who indicated I cannot return to work.... it would appear I have no work options available to me. This incredibly difficult for me to deal with considering our present financial situation (as I've always worked my way through such issues by finding a way to work on something to help bring in money).

During that time, Penny's father spent 7 days at St. Alexius Hospital in Hoffman Estates at the end of January (he had Pneumonia and also needed to be treated for his Parkinson's disease). He then went into Alden Poplar Creek rehab facility in Hoffman Estates for 10 days in order to get his strength back and to assess his present physical / mental capacity. It took 4 days (and multiple phone calls) to get approval for him to be at Alden. During this process, we found out just how bad Medicare Replacement Insurance Plans are (he has "Healthspring" so we essentially were told "no" to almost everything we tried to have done). He is still waiting for approval to see a Neuropsychologist (as from our perspective, he is severely limited in his ability to take care of himself). During that time, we needed to organize his finances (his major bills had not been paid since last July), so using his funds... we needed to repair his car (2 flat tires, a broken sway bar, broken stereo, and extremely dirty exterior/interior.... so we replaced all 4 tires, the sway bar, and the stereo with his funds plus we had the car cleaned at Delta Sonic). I spent many hours price shopping in order to keep the costs down plus bring his major bills back to being paid on time. His memory is impaired to the point he isn't remembering to pay his important bills and we are constantly repeating ourselves regarding his questions (in reference to answers)  

We also had to get our house ready for Penny's father to come to our house for an extended visit once he was released from the Rehab facility (while we figure out what his long term living situation will be). So my office on the first floor needed to emptied of my office things and we had to get a bed for it so my father in law had a place to sleep with us. We had help from our church life group (4 men who came over to move the 4 pieces of larger furniture and moved them up to Penny's office). 

As Sears dropped the ball regarding an online purchase of a daybed (they didn't deliver all of the parts), we had to go to Ashley Furniture and we found a daybed for $450 including delivery that was solid enough for Penny's father to be able to get out of the bed without assistance (they delivered it and it was missing the bolts to assemble it... so I went to Ace Hardware to get 16 bolts and we assembled the bed together... and that is when my hernia recurred, when I bent down to tighten a lower bolt... so now I have the same hernia as I did before the surgery). I am not very happy with myself. So, Penny's father was released yesterday and will be staying with us for a while.

Now the hard part.... he is still in denial as to how extensive his limitations are. He still wants to drive, despite the fact he cannot put his own seatbelt on and can barely get into the car without help. The mobile home he lives in needs extensive cleaning and he keeps pushing Penny to do the work so he can save money (despite the fact that the work needed is extensive and the fact that Penny's cancer fight should not be complicated with her trying to clean a germ laden / dirty mobile home when she is not physically capable of doing so).

The fact my hernia recurred as a result of our effort to help her father is my fault (we tried to have the bed assembled by professionals, but both times... the bed arrived missing the parts necessary to complete it). But we should have told her father to wait to leave the rehab center until someone could assemble the bed instead of my trying to fix the situation in order to get him out of there like he wanted. I need to learn how to say "wait" when it can result in my physical condition taking a turn for the worse.

I have learned my lesson the hard way, and hopefully, the surgery will be redone (and I will not do any physical activity for a month no matter what I am asked to do). Hernia's can only heal after surgery if stress is not put on the affected muscle.As for Penny's father..... Penny and I are in no physical condition to engage in long term care for him (that involves lifting and other physical care), we are walking a fine line regarding what we can do and we need to find a solution that doesn't involve our sacrificing our physical health in order to make up for his lack of ability to engage in daily activity (he needs professional care). I hope this doesn't sound like we are complaining, he needs to acknowledge his limitations and allow himself to be cared for by professionals instead of engaging in denial and forcing family (by fighting all efforts to get him help) which only will contribute to that families already deteriorating quality of life. And truly, he needs to stop driving as he is a danger to anyone on the road (his response time is limited, his Parkinson's makes him very stiff, and his tremors are getting worse). We are so worried he will hurt someone (which is why we are pushing for a NeuroPsych evaluation to assess his physical / mental capacity).

I also was saddened by the death of a friend I used to work with, Kevin Koerner passed away a few days ago. He was an honorable man and was a tenacious man. His attention to detail was legendary and many learned the ropes of the logistics industry from him. He was and always will be "The Colonel" to all of his friends and peers/co-workers. I didn't interact with him too much away from work (we lived very far from each other), but we spent many days and evenings talking to each other regarding work issues/solutions plus our familial issues (he loved his wife Cindy and did everything he could to raise his children as best he could). There is not anyone I know who has a bad word to say about the man, and when I am at his funeral in a week, I am sure that it will be well attended with many who honestly will be there to pay their respects (and who genuinely miss him).

Ok, the arctic can turn off the deep freezer now..... (that, PLUS updates).

This winter has caused some serious cabin fever. I feel like I am back in Norway (I can't get anything done outside as it is either snowing or it is too windy/cold).

This morning's snowfall pushed the month up to the third snowiest January on record (in our area).  Two new inches brought this month's snow accumulation to 32.5 inches. Add in November and December and the season total's up to almost 48 inches now.

Forecasters said Tuesday morning temps are shaping up to fall in the 20 below zero range with wind chills equivalent to a dangerous 30 to 40 below reading.

So tomorrow, I have to go to the VA clinic in McHenry (and I have to clear out the snow that went into the car due to the crack in the plexiglas window). I really need to get that replacement used convertible top onto the '98 Sebring (I just need a break in the weather)....... especially before rain comes back in March. =( 

On the medical / Social Security / unemployment newsfront:

A decision was made on Travis' Social Security Disability on 01/17. We were told by the adjudicator that if we didn't receive a letter within a week.... to go into the Woodstock Social Security office to get the decision information. We did so yesterday... and found out that Travis' case file was pulled by the Chicago SSA "Office of Quality Performance". This means the final decision is now again pending (and can be pending up to an additional 120 days). So it drags on due to their "Quality Control" office...... only can a Governmental entity turn an obvious decision into a further excruciating wait. We are going into Prairie State Legal on Tuesday to see if we can get help in lighting a fire under Social Security's feet. As an aside, we were told that Travis cannot handle his own money so we need to get into place a guardianship as soon as possible. Given that statement, it would seem they think he is disabled, and yet they would delay benefits just to satisfy their need for checking the adjudicator's decision making capability??????? One just can't make this stuff up...........

I just received a letter from IDES yesterday (the IDES Security Division). It would seem, we as a family are being targeted (first Trav regarding his SSDI case being quality reviewed, and now me regarding unemployment). IDES is asking if I applied/searched for any jobs from 11/3/2013 to 11/9/2013 (the interesting part is that I was in the ER during that week). Nice try IDES, I DID apply for multiple jobs that week (and even have the emails showing receipt to prove it). You see, I actually DO apply for jobs (and have proven that during the previous 3 security audits). You'd think they would concentrate on the people who have not demonstrated any activity on Joblink (I have proof there also). I appreciate that the State of Illinois is trying to prevent fraud (and I am thankful for the unemployment while I received it), however... at this point (especially since I stopped receiving it on 12/28), it is feeling like a witch hunt.

Penny is finally starting to recover from her terrible cold (flu / pneumonia / bronchitis) and is starting to feel better after almost 2 weeks of her feeling terrible. Unfortunately, her bladder is starting to hurt again... so we are "concerned".

I go in for my sleep study tomorrow evening (and will be spending the night at the hospital / sleep center). And then, I will be getting surgery on February 3rd, my ear / balance / hearing / audio testing will be both on February 6th and 10th (so my medical visit schedule is full). When that is done, neurology will be revisited to discern if there is a problem (why I am falling).

In the interim, our income is at nil (my unemployment ended in December) and I just finished paying off all of our bills using the rest of the fundraising funds that we had left (utilities are paid through the middle of February... as are all of our other bills. We are looking at a possible tax refund, but we won't receive anything for at least 6 weeks from the Federal Government IRS department from when we file (we are still waiting for an IRS form 1099-R from my former employer and a 1098-MA from the "Illinois Hardest Hit" fund... and we may not get them until the first week of February.

We are down to our last $100.00, so it is going to get very real for us with no income stream......

All we can do is pray for a solution (we know God has a plan and we are so grateful to Him as he has provided us so much blessings the past 2 years since Penny was in the Hospital). I almost feel selfish to pray for help given the need in the world that is out there, I pray for his wisdom and patience regarding this turbulent time in all of our lives.

Exodus 15:2 
The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. (NIV)

Joshua 1:9 
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)

2 Chronicles 15:7 
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. (NIV)

Psalm 27:14 

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (NIV)

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (NIV)

Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (NIV)

Psalm 59:17
You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. (NIV)

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (NIV)

Daniel 10:19
"Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength." (NIV)

Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. (NIV)

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)

Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 12:10
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV)

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (NIV)

Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (NIV)

It's official, the doctors won't release me to return to work.

And I am really despondent about that. I can't even pursue employment now due to the nature of my illness.

So, my x-rays showed:

• "extensive calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon".
• "mild acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease"

According to my Primary Care Physician at the VA, my EKG showed my Heart is enlarged... (he then looked at my Testosterone which was 304.... very low and contributes to a enlarged heart along with being heavy) so I now have to account for this regarding my health.

The doctor limited me to lifting 10 pounds (and not lifting with my right arm due to my shoulder).

Also, my Psychiatrist has diagnosed me with:

• Mood Disorder (296.90)
• PTSD (Provisional)
• Gouty Arthritis, Hypertension

The Attending Physician document she filled out was stated with the following"

• "Has your patient been released to return to work" - "No"
• "If the employer can accommodate the patients limitations, do you support return to work at this time?"- "No"
• "If the employer can accommodate part-time work, do you support return to work at this time?"- "No"

So, essentially.... I am not being allowed to work (despite the need to do so in order to provide for my family). Seeing that in writing really brings the seriousness of our situation to the fore. I am now unable to provide for my family in the manner I have done so for over 30 years, and that is a stunner.

So later this morning, I will be taking Penny to the Social Security Administration office in Woodstock to also apply for SSI (since I am no longer receiving unemployment, she is now in the same situation I am regarding "household income") and to find out if they are still working on her "Res Judicata" SS Disability case from 2005 (that we are still waiting for an answer on).

Penny's Pneumonia/Bronchitis is slowly getting better (14 days of illness so far, very concerning to us), so we continue to pray that it will get better and soon.

We just paid our bills up to February 1st (Car Insurance, Mortgage, Natural Gas, Electric, Medicaid Premium, etc.) so we are now facing the financial cliff. And a larger cliff I haven't seen in all my years on this Earth.

But knowing God is watching over us, I cannot help but take solace in knowing that he has our back (and is watching over us knowing our needs).

As we wouldn't have made it this far, without HIM. =)

CTCA approves Penny's Illinois Medicaid coverage and unemployment ends.

So, with good news also comes the not so good news.

It's official, Cancer Treatment Center of America's "administration department" approved our using Illinois Medicaid regarding Penny's future medical treatment.

This ensures Penny's continued medical treatment. The only thing we have to be careful about now, is what will be allowed by Medicaid and what won't be allowed. We also will be facing the part of being limited to 4 prescriptions per month.

God continues to bless us and we remain so incredibly humbled by it all.

We have been going through a cold snap here in Huntley ( -17 yesterday) and it is presently -2 as the cold moves towards the east coast. A VERY frigid 48 hours to be sure.

Both of our vehicles are stuck in the driveway due to their batteries being depleted due to the frigid temps (they are facing the wind coming from the Northwest) and the wind-chill was at -45 the past 2 nights. I've been trying to get a hold of AAA since 9 am this morning, but to no avail (they are overloaded).

Penny has also been fighting a major cold (101 fever, coughing, throwing up, etc), so we are being very careful regarding her exposure to anything outside the house at the moment.

Unemployment....... has ended (on 12/28/2013). We are now facing our financial cliff. We are not eligible for any cash assistance from DHS as we have not been approved for Social Security (nor are we eligible for food stamps either). So we have run out of options and are depleting the last of the $4,000.00 we raised with the Corvette on Ebay. We are trying to sell the Trailer for $5,500 (we presently have it on sale on Craigslist.org). If we sell the trailer, we can make it until June without any assistance (as our Illinois Hardest Hit lasts until June of 2014).

We could use a few prayers that we are successful in our continued efforts, however... God has blessed us in so many ways (we are truly thankful for everything and we have nothing to complain about at all as we still have a roof over our head, food in our bellies, medical care, and viable transportation).

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28