August 24, 2011
I think days of meetings can be more exhausting than days of tests. Today we met with the financial advisor, the social worker, the psychiatrist and Dr. Kareem with Mary. (I also got a three shots and blood drawn for an HIV test, which was kind of easy.) We learned that our health insurance is really good in what it covers for a transplant; however we also learned that the rider which covers lodging, food, travel costs, etc. has an issue related to UPMC not being in its Center of Excellence program, so we aren't eligible for it. Funny thing is there is no small bowel 'Center' so we are going to have to appeal that ruling.
We also figured out that I probably won't be home for some time.....which is really less than ideal, but what we have to do, no one said this would be easy. So trying to get the details together for the next few weeks followed by ensuring that we have a care giver and subs was an item for today. Brainstorming and starting to call/email people asking them to give up their time was overwhelming. I think we quickly came to realize we are fortunate to come up with names to ask, but humbled by the fact that we have to. We really feel blessed to be part of a great support network.
The other thing we realized is that we will probably need to do some 'fundraising' due to the insurance issue and amount of travel that's going to be involved over the next few months. And then we started trying to find a place to stay. When we started doing some math, the Family House (Ronald McDonald House for adults/families at UPMC) while nice is going to cost $1500 month with lots of rules and less privacy than we'd like. So Amy and I started researching furnished apartments and what they cost. Looks like we can do something for a similar amount.
And then there was figuring out the best way to tell the children about the need for surgery and my needing to be in Pittsburgh for a long time. Thinking about that is difficult, and tiring. And no matter how we do it - it's going to break hearts. Mine, Amy's, and the kids.
Amy shared a really good analogy today. It's like basic training in the armed forces. They break you down before building you up. Today was a break down day, with glimmers of hope when we heard from our family and friends. Your emails of support were great. We know we are loved.
Count on us at the big Q to help in any way we can. My heart is breaking for all of you, yet in sharing emails with Amy I am so grateful to continue to hear her humor. So glad Ezra and Greta are going to be here at Quincy with us. We'll be lovin em up and spoiling them. We love you guys, all four of you. Praying....always praying......
ReplyDeleteWe are here on the block willing to do anything to help! We mow, we rake, we'll love and care for your kiddos, we'll cook (but it won't be good), we'll carpool...the list goes on. Love you guys- hugs and prayers from the Zeller's!!
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