A Whole New Meaning

Let's backtrack about 10 years ago. Sometime when I first became a first time homeowner, I transferred my auto to the same company I got my homeowners insurance with. I've paid this same company the amount they've asked for each month for 10 years. No problem.

We'll until last Thursday - the day of the accident, I had never had to file a claim. This is an EXCELLENT record. I have a local agent, but the company is based out of another state. Little did I realize the issues this would present when I actually, gasp...had to use my insurance. My agent (who is local) took a statement of the accident from me, got info, etc. etc... said he'd line up my rental car, last Thursday. It wasn't until late Friday I hadn't heard about the rental car I called and got his secretary, who within 30 minutes had it all worked out and I got the car that evening. The actual insurance company called Friday evening and said they'd have an adjuster out to take a look within 3 business days (this is unheard of with local ins. companies, as it usually is the same day or next day). Anyways, I'm currently in 2 days of training for work purposes and have my cell phone off during class. I get out of training and check voicemail this afternoon. Supposedly, my insurance company contracted out with another agency to do the adjusting work. What a mess. So, the lady asks ME to call her with the info about the tow bill that she had looked at my car yesterday - this lady gives me a phone # which is in another part of this state. Now, mind you, the state trooper called and got my car towed off the interstate last week and I didn't pay a cent. All I have is a business card for the tow truck co. And, when that tow truck took it to their lot, another tow truck picked it up to tow to the body shop once my agent had called me and told me he needed to get it to the body shop, etc.. I have no clue how much anything was, but the adjuster thinks I have ALL the info. And, another guy from the insurance co. called to get my statement of the accident yesterday (which, remember, I gave my agent LAST Thursday !). So, anyways, I called the lady back from the contract adjusters office, only to get a fax machine - she had given me the wrong damn phone #. I was livid !!! This is their job to get this stuff straight. I just want to know if they can fix my car or if I need to buy a new one! So, I called the insurance company back and left a voicemail and emailed the lady at the insurance company. I BETTER know about my car tomorrow. You had better believe I'm going to pull my auto insurance AND maybe my homeowners from this company when it's all over with. I just heard that a local HUGE homebuilder had their insurance policies with my agent and changed to another company for this almost same reason.

Anyways - here's a few bullets about my week so far (since it's almost 11 p.m. and I'm heading to bed):

Rob's out of town tonight - so I get the bed to myself. Although, it's awkward without him here...

Ethan's birthday invitations have been made out and will be mailed out by end of this week (he's turning 5 in a few weeks!!)

In 2 days of training for work purposes - but training is being held only 10 minutes from my house. Loving it !

My mom is doing really well - although she lost a lot of weight while in the hospital (nasty hospital food!) and she hasn't even started chemo yet. Please continue to pray !!

Rob and I are nearing our one year anniversary (in May) !!

Car deal - hoping they can fix it and I won't have to deal with getting a new car and wrapping over the remainder of my old loan, and going up on personal property insurance, etc... UGH.

Back is slowly starting to feel better and I'm not having to take the muscle relaxer at night - but, am still having to take the ibuprofen (2400 mg a day)

House - we're still working on landscaping and hope to get some more done this weekend. Yes, I just moved in my house not even a year ago...but, that was just Ethan and I - and it was perfect for just him and I. Having another person's STUFF in this house has made us squish at the seams so to speak. We want something big that we can entertain in...

That's about it for tonight. A few new pictures of Ethan up over at Flickr :)

Sorry for not updating regularly over the last couple weeks.

- I've had bronchitis and finally had x-rays and a flu test. Got an inhaler and that was the cure to a 2 week illness.

- Update on mom: She's been home for a couple weeks now. She had her staples finally taken out 2 days ago, has been to the heart doctor for a post-op checkup, her urology oncologist (who gave her news that after the pathology on her kidney, etc. and said she was doing really well). She also saw another of the surgeon's that was on-call and helped with her operation. Next Friday (29th) she goes to the oncologist who will be treating her with chemo to determine the course of action. They want to wait until it's been 4-6 weeks since her surgery to start anything. Right now it's only been 3 weeks. They are going to send her for another scan next week to see where everything's at and make sure nothing else has popped up since surgery. They weren't able to get a couple of the lymph nodes in the upper chest and she'll need chemo to treat those.

- I had an accident. I ended up going to the doctor later in the day (should have let the ambulance take me to the ER when they wanted to) and diagnosed with a lumbar sprain (and got 3 prescriptions to take ; ibuprofen 800 mg 3 x a day, pain killer and a muscle relaxer to take at night). I'm still sore through the chest from the seat belt and the back hurts. My muscle achiness is slowly going away. I picked up my rental car yesterday - a Ford Focus. My insurance pays up to $600 maximum. So, I got the cheapest thing I could since I'll probably need a rental 3 - 4 weeks at the minimum. The insurance adjuster is scheduled to look at my car by Wednesday this week. Not sure if they'll fix it or mark it as totaled. If it's totaled - I'll end up having to get a new car. But, I owe like $18k on my loan, and the car is only worth like $9k... Ugh. Let me tell you..buy GAP insurance. I've got to call Ford and see if I have that, but I don't think I purchased it. It pays the remainder of your loan if you're in an accident.

- In other news Rob and I have been working on landscaping. We put landscape timbers (even though I had the look !) around the front flower beds, and he worked on putting in terraced steps on the slope my house sits on. We bought more bushes and he planted those today and my tulips Ethan gave me for my birthday last year (the bulbs are already budding!). We're hoping to sell the house in the next month or so, but have to see what happens with my car deal.

What's been happening in YOUR world ?

Well, I'm still sick. I was feeling better and then Thursday morning all went downhill. I woke with a sore throat AGAIN, ears were still 'clogged' and I'm coughing horribly (w/blood - sorry for the TMI). I've been to the doctors two times:

January 30th - had been sick 2 days and didn't want it to progress any further (and I wanted to get in to the hospital to see mom).I was told it was just a cold and I have ear infections. Was given 2000mg of Amoxicillin to take. Move forward.

February 7th - back to the doctor. Still same symptoms, etc. Was told my ears are still infected and I have bronchitis. Great (/end sarcasm). Was given 500 mg of Levaquin to take. Move forward.

February 9th- Rob wants me to go back to the doctor. I'm now coughing the blood up, horrible wheezing and just overall muscle soreness from the 9 days of coughing, etc.

I'm waiting on Rob to get out of the shower so we can go. Between the three of us being sick (Ethan, Rob and myself) we've spent about $200-250 in doctors, prescriptions, over the counter cough medicines, tissues, chapstick, etc. AND, today I get to spend more. And, I have another annual doctor appt this week with a specialist which adds more. It's not that I don't have it - but it gets to a point, you're tired of being sick and spending money on doctors that have no clue what they're doing.

In other news, mom's coming home today most likely...

I'm sorry for not being better at updates this week. With being sick, working full-time, visiting mom 2 nights after work and trying to keep family/friends updated...I'm worn out! It's been an awesome week and so much has happened !!!

MONDAY:
They woke mom up from sedation and removed breathing tube. Dad didn't know until he got there. The doctors hadn't told him. He walked in to her being awake. She said 'I guess you've got to put up with me a little longer'. He called me at work and told me this and I cried for joy. She still has her sense of humor thru all of this.


TUESDAY:
I was determined to get in and see her. I called in through the entry telephone into ICU and asked permission. The nurse said come on in ! We have to wash our hands, put gloves on, special gowns and I have to wear a mask in order to not spread germs. Have to wash our hands when we exit too. First time I saw her since before she was wheeled in to surgery and we said our 'I love you's' and 'goodbye'. She had had a liquid breakfast, lunch and dinner followed by pain medicine which made her talk and act funny. Doctors removed her bandages from the incision sites and said everything is good. Got her up to sit in a chair. She's told she may go home this weekend. This is too unbelievable and scary for us.

WEDNESDAY:
I went to visit again. They had her up in the chair again. She's had stomach issues all day - they're sending samples to test for some gastro issue that can happen to surgical patients in the hospital.(I think this came back fine later). She ate solid foods (roast, carrots, mashed potatoes, angel food cake). The physical therapist worked with her on how to get out of bed without using her arms (due to the incision up her chest). Talk began on sending her to another local hospital to receive in-house therapy. She's not really interested and wants to go home.

TODAY (THURSDAY):
I wasn't planning on visiting - need to catch up on some things at home and not fair to Rob to have him pick up Ethan, feed him and ensure he's ready for bed before I get home like other nights. Mom was already having plenty of visitors today and said she'd be tired anyways. Dad called mid-day at work and told me she will be coming home this weekend. She declined the move to another hospital for therapy and insurance will be paying for therapists to come to the house to work with her on getting strength back to her legs, etc. Doctors still saying she's doing well and her remaining kidney looks good.

We're scared to see her come home as I don't think we think she's really ready or we're ready. But, she's tired of hospitals and doctors at this point and just wants to come home. Remember when she first went in, she had been to the doctor and ran errands in the morning, got a call to come to the emergency room. She never knew when she went to the ER she wouldn't be coming home until after surgery - that was over 2 weeks ago ! I think she'll be okay and dad says he's going to go by her wishes of not wanting to transfer to another hospital and bring her home and take care of her during recovery. We'll all have to ensure she's got someone with her 24/7 for awhile until she's stable on her own feet and can handle doing things on her own. I'm excited for her future, yet scared. I want her recovery to go well, therapy to give her the strength back she'll need for the upcoming road of chemotherapy.

In other news, a lot has happened this week with my father realizing just how good Rob is for Ethan and I. He's made many comments such as 'I don't know what you'd be doing right now without him' (referring to Ethan can't come in the ICU, and if I didn't have Rob to pick him up and watch him while I visited in the hospital, I probably wouldn't be able to come up and visit with mom). He also said 'You better hang onto that one'. Rob is good as gold to Ethan and I and I'm very blessed. I'm looking forward to getting better (I went back to the doctor today...7 days of antibiotics and still feel horrible, now I'm told I still have double ear infections and have touches of bronchitis, so I got another medication), Rob getting better (he has bronchitis as well) in time for Valentines Day next week. Rob and I are taking Ethan to spend a few hours with Rob's parents and brother while we enjoy a dinner out by ourselves at 'The Melting Pot'. We haven't had dinner or a night out by ourselves since we went to Massachussetts last October !

Well- it's 11 p.m. and I'm tired...heading to bed. Hope things are well for all of you !!!

Yes...

I'm still sick. Coughing, blowing my nose, taking my prescription antibiotic and Robitussin. (and Rob's still sleeping on the sofa, in hopes of not getting sick too)

Mom: still has the breathing tube in, they still have her 'under' on sedation and they tested her for MRSA [which she tested positive for](read more on that here), which seems to breed in hospitals. She's nearing her 2nd week in the hospital. I'm guessing the way things are going she'll probably be in most of February. We'll see though. We're taking each day as they come right now.

I'm a little upset that I'm still sick and can't see her. It would help me tremendously to see her for myself. It was extremely difficult Friday morning to say goodbye and I love you, not knowing if she'd make it through and to know she's made it, but you can't see her. Does that even make sense ?

We went to Rob's parents and picked up an oak tea cart they were getting rid of (and matches my kitchen table perfectly). I came home, cleaned it up and then moved things around and cleaned the kitchen. Not something I really felt like doing, but so happy I did and able to organize. And, mopped the kitchen floor. And, started my taxes, but found I'm missing one number which I'll have to call and get tomorrow.... very ambitious and productive today!!! Trying to get a lot of this stuff accomplished now before mom really needs me there to help.

Today...

Grocery shopping.

Came home. I put groceries away and then crashed on the sofa for a few hours. This cold and horrible cough has whipped the heck out of me.

Rob fixed three meals for my sister and dad (mom did all the cooking, so they've been eating out quite a bit and eating frozen stuff you throw in the oven). He fixed: crabcakes and corn hush puppies, lasagna and rolls (which were in our freezer and he thawed out for them) and roasted chicken w/red roasted potatoes and green peas. We had bought separated microwaveable meal containers and he packed them all up and now all they have to do is reheat and eat :)

I got up from the nap and made homemade vegetable soup. They'll get some of that for another meal tomorrow (since it wasn't done before we left for their house). I'm also going to take my Nanny some.


I feel atleast if I'm cooking and helping someone, I'm doing something. I can't go visit mom until I'm fully well. Though I didn't do alot of the work - I came up with the idea and helped pay :) Rob (who has a degree in culinary arts and was a former chef) is a total blessing to me, which I already knew - but, for him to stand a few hours cooking and preparing all of the meals, it made me tear up and made me realize as we near a year anniversary together, it's more apparent every day.


Today's Update on mom: Dad and my sister went to visit this morning and she looks good. Her surgeon (urologist oncologist) called dad and said all her levels are where they should be and her blood pressure, etc. look good. The other doctor visited her and she turned her head to him when she heard him - VERY good sign ! They're already looking at removing her breathing tube tomorrow and taking the sedation away to let her start waking up (she will still have the spinal for pain management). We all actually had a good night's sleep last night - after almost 2 weeks of this hell. My dad tore me up at the hospital yesterday ; but, it's so good to see this softer side of him. I actually know how much he loves my mom. But, I heard him tell her before she was wheeled away for surgery yesterday...that's something I've NEVER in my almost 29 years heard him say outloud to her. After she was wheeled away and we stood their crying, not knowing if we'd see her again, he told me and my sister "I NEED your mom". What a tear jerker, not that we haven't cried enough to fill a river over the last few weeks.


So far, everything's looking good!!! We'll continue to take each day slowly. Please continue w/the prayers, they're working !!!

Update on mom’s surgery from yesterday:


They took her in at about 7 a.m., called us in the waiting room they had started at 8:45 and they were done a little after 2 p.m.


She is now in ICU for 2 days under sedation, on a respirator, etc. and has an epidural in place for pain management now and later. She will remain in step down ICU for 2 weeks after they remove the breathing tubes, drainage tubes and get her breathing on her own, get her to progress and go up steps, etc. before she goes home in a couple weeks. Right now, the doctors said she is in critical care and to take it day by day.


They removed the right kidney, adrenal gland to the right kidney, a few lymph nodes in her abdomen and retrieved the clots from the vena cava. They had to perform the cut to her chest like they would for a bypass patient (through the sternum) and an upside down V cut across her abdomen. She is currently doing as well as can be expected and her ICU nurse and one of the surgeons reports her lungs and heart were very strong through surgery and now. I can’t go back to see her until I get over this upper respiratory cold / cough, so my sister and dad will update me over the next few days until I get well enough to go visit her.


She will also most likely have to follow-up with chemo treatments later.