Sunday, April 5, 2009

Emotional round 12 at Mayo

Friday was my last official chemo treatment at Mayo Clinic. My insurance company had allowed a GAP exception for me to even be treated at Mayo (since they are "out of network") when this whole thing started but only for 6 months. I had to say goodbye to some of my favorite chemo nurses. There were tears, hugs and some laughs. Deron and I have really come to love all of our nurses. They have been so wonderful to us. My scans will actually be completed the day after Easter and get our results that Friday the 17th with our Oncologist at Mayo. That will be our last time at Mayo. Since my treatment is available at other "in network" facilities we will have to continue care at an "in network" provider...you've got to love insurance companies! We are looking into the Cancer Treatment Centers of America which is 5 minutes from the house and also the Palo Verde group has come highly recommended to us as well. They have an office in the neighboring city, Avondale, which is about 10 minutes away. Given the sensitive nature of my liver surgery and the fact that there are only a handful of liver specialists in the country, my insurance company will allow me to have my surgeries at Mayo. We have heard many wonderful things about Dr. Zafar at the Palo Verde group and my Aunt Kathy has met him and really liked him. So if we didn't have enough stress this past week, which we over came...we now have another hurtle to over come this next week. We will be praying that God sends us in the right direction on who to trust my life with. Please be praying with us.

Kim

4 comments:

Heidi said...

Kim,
I just wanted to let you know that I am still thinking of you check in on you to see how you are doing. I am Susan Mortensen's sister-n-law. I also taught school with Pam Mayberry out in Desert Hills. Anyways, I will certainly keep you in our prayers, escpecially with the big decisions that lie ahead of you (doctors, surgery, etc.) Thanks for sharing the Cancer Etiguette thing, that was very informative. Take it easy and I pray God will continue to comfort and strengthen you and your family during this trial. Much love.
Heidi

Trina Hautala said...

Kim-

It was so nice to finally meet you in person, although I already feel like I know you. Please know that we are still praying for you and a speedy recovery. You are truly an amazing woman, so strong and so determined!! You are such an inspiration!

gloriaisis1 said...

Hi Kim,

You are always in our thoughts & prayers. This week is an important week for you & will keep you on all the prayer lists. May God continue to guide, protect you and keep you in his care now & always. You are a blessing and an inspiration to all who come in contact with you. Hope you, Deron & the kids had a Blessed Easter:-)

Blessings,
Gloria & Patrick & Katharine Lee

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim - My name is Michelle Hastings, and I believe I met you and your family at the Undy 5000 last year. I was the one "walking" in the wheelchair. My family was there to support me, and I remember meeting and being so inspired by you. I met your friend Jill yesterday at the McDonald's in Surprise, and as soon as she sent me your blog information, I was stunned.
I am so glad to be back in touch with you, and to have a connection with you. I made it through my chemo and am no in remission (I have a drs appt this week to get the results of my first post-chemo blood work).
I wanted to let you know that I am with Palo Verde, and I loved loved loved them. The chemo nurses there are fantastic. I am with Dr Ondreyco, but all of the drs there are wonderful. Very knowledgable. And, the nurses - true angels on earth. No doubt.
I wanted to let you know that I am here for you, and thinking of you. If you need anything (meals, support, someone to talk to), please let me know. My blog is michellewillwin.blogspot.com. I am so inspired by you and your story. It's God's will that we are back in touch - no doubt. He has amazing ways, and there's a reason you have come into my life. Blessings on you and your family.
Hugs from Surprise,
Michelle