| YES! We called our insurance company today and they confirmed that we ARE
APPROVED for surgery at OSU next week! I breath a big SIGH. I worried a lot that I did not
have any 'legitimate' reason to go outside our HMO network for care. After all, this is a
'routine' brain tumor - if there is such a thing. But, in the end, it was no big deal. OSU
asked for approval and HMP said OK! One more bite out of that elephant. Abi told me this story a few weeks ago from her Mary Kay training. "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer, "One bite at a time." At times my brain tumor seems like an elephant. It is big, huge 'thing' that I am handling one thing at a time. The metaphor works for me. To help us get more prospective, Abi and I went to talk to Jeff Stoko (or some such spelling) who provides our Employee Assistance services. Through this meeting, we realized how the crazy events around us are consuming us. Everything is URGENT, IMPORTANT and TIME CRITICAL. The more we see our world that way, the more our problems appear this way. It is circular problem. Mostly, though, I realized how much I was missing Abi and she was missing me. We have spent much more time together - yet we are caught in these details and we are not very available. Jeff also helped in one other way. He said when someone offers to help and says, "let me know if there is anything I can do," ask them what that means. Will they do your laundry? Mow the lawn? Shop for you? Ask about the limits so we can feel comfortable making requests. I feel okay with this advice - except....Well, I kind of feel like I am pushing a person's generosity to ask 'well, what does that include?' On the other hand, how else will we know? --------------------- Today I did something else to prepare. Alan and I took a picture of me with the digital camera and used a program to remove all my hair. I wanted to see what I looked like without hair since I will be shaven just before the operation. Okay it's a little weird - but I think I looks okay. When I showed it to Abi, she made a face and a disapproving sound. "I like your hair," she added. Both Hana and Zachary thought the picture was funny. Hana tried to eat it. ------------------------------- Today I was struck again by the number of people reading my updates and getting something from my sharing. I want to cry. I don't know what to say. I want reach out and give everyone a hug. I want you to know you are making a difference in my life by participating in this way and by thinking such kind thoughts about us. Abi will be sending an update to this Notice Board when we have some news (Tuesday or Wednesday). I'll let you know how I am doing one more time. And, of course, Friday will be my last day at work for a few weeks. But - as always - I keep in touch. Dan's dad and I wrote this message to send to everyone. Thank you all so much for doing so much for aus and for allof your love. Love, Abi |