Almost Home

My Dad is scheduled for a CT scan today to take a closer look at swelling he has had through his mid-section into his ankles. For some reason he is collecting fluids, especially in his ankles. It certainly would be nice to discover the cause.

But regardless, the word on the street is that the nursing facility is going to give their blessing to have my father discharged my mid-week next week. The family has been very supportive of this move. We all feel that the nursing facility has served its purpose, and we are thankful. But it is past time for him to come home, home to the house he built, the home he knows, the place where he is most comfortable.

I can relate to his desire to leave the nursing facility. When I had my surgery I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital. It was impossible to relax. There was constantly people coming into my room, whether it be a janitor or a nurse checking my vital signs. There was constant "beeps" and "bonks" and "buzzes."

When my surgeon visited me I told him, "You know the hospital is a terrible place for sick people." I was surprised to see him so quickly agree. He told me after his father-in-law's surgery he took all the equipment and his father-in-law home.

I can already picture my Dad relaxed, enjoying the view from his home, and playing with Noel, their energetic three-legged dog. And I can already picture his smile.

Home is where he should be.

I wish I was in better shape to be more help. This is the time of my life where I should be offering help to my parents, and Barb's parents, not the other way around. I'm much more used to, and comfortable with, giving than receiving. It's definitely one thing about this cancer that does bother me sometimes. I always expected to be the strong guy who would pitch in and help other people out. I never expected to be in the position I'm in, so weak, so needy. All I can do is humbly feel thankful for all of the support that has circled around me.

All the reservations are set for our trip to Memorial Sloan-Kettering. We're scheduled to meet a kidney cancer specialist at 3:45 p.m. Monday, and I've been told to expect to be there for three-hours.

At this point the only possible kink could be my insurance company (big surprise there!). My family physician was having some problems getting a referral through Aetna since this NYC doctor might not be considered "in-network." I'm not going to let that get in the way of plans. With or without the insurance company on board, we're going.

I have always understood that my HMO requires a referral from my family doctor. The "in-network" stuff is news to me. I don't understand any significance to that other than another inane reason for the insurance company not to cover care. If my family doctor wants me to see this specialist then who is Aetna to deny it? Or what possible logical reason could they have to deny it?

It's not like I'm going to see a herbalist in Guatemala!

Susan is generously heading our way this morning to take me for my injection and then for bloodwork. First they'll inject some stuff into me, then they'll take some blood out.

You'd think there would be a way to do that all in one stick. (shrugging shoulders)