Friday, September 5, 2008

September 5, 2008 (Friday)

Well, after an early morning at the hospital (we were there at 6:15AM), Gracie had the port-a-cath inserted. They gave us pain medication for her as they said that she would be in pain. However, typical Gracie seemed as perky as ever throughout the day and tried to be just as active as always. She is suppose to be careful after the procedure for a couple of weeks but it is hard to tell a little girl to ease up on her playing. She did crash at supper time and slept for a bit. That is not helping tonight as she has no desire to go to bed now. Everything seems to have gone fine with the procedure and the hearing tests showed that she has great hearing at present. We are lined up for the kidney tests next Tuesday and Chemotherapy starting on Wednesday through Friday.
We also got a call to schedule our other children for EUAs. It is quite frustrating to hear how much things like that will cost. As I have said previously, it is important that everything needful is done to ensure our children's health and so the costs are secondary. However, because of the diagnosis of retinoblastoma all of the other children must undergo testing as a preventative measure. However the way health-care and insurance providers function these procedures are for different children so, at least for our policy, are subject to new deductibles and new maximum limits for the year. Given the necessity to use hospital facilities and anesthesiologist, this becomes quite costly. I will stop my rant about the health care system but suffice it to say, while some things are not as important, they can add to the pressure one feels in these situations.
I recognize that we have been extremely blessed to have the insurance coverage and resources to take care of Gracie. I am truly grateful for that and find peace in knowing that things will work out. Gracie is doing wonderfully and is going into chemotherapy very strong. We are excited to push forward with treatments. It is difficult to get back into your normal life when little seems normal anymore. However, everyday I am amazed at how many reach out in friendship to do all they can to help my family. We are very blessed and appreciate your kindness.

1 comment:

robinbonner said...

Dear James and Stephanie,
I contacted Jennifer Anderson to find out how I can help without contacting Stephanie at home and found out that she has had difficulty contacting you. I want to do something, many things for your family. Bishop Croft told me that e-mail is the best way to get in touch so I will see if I can get your e-mail. Know that we are all thinking of you constantly. Our seminary class has a picture of Gracie (from this blog) that we put up every morning and the students are praying for her in class too.
Much love!!
Robin Bonner