Graduation

Thursday was the last scheduled radiation therapy. One of the techs gave Dean his 'graduation' certificate, his mask, and a hug. We met with Marcie, a very kind nurse to answer the standard questions: how is he feeling, any complaints, any changes, etc. Dean fussed so much about me not allowing him sweets, that see slipped him a little piece of chocolate on our way out. We met with the on-call doctor rather than the regular doctor. I asked when we would know if the treatment did it's stuff on the tumors and got a non-answer. I will followup with Dr. Hennig.

This was a frustrating day starting with Medicare. Somehow they messed up his records and have disallowed payments for last October and November. I got a 'need to take further action' letter from one clinic and made the fifth call to Medicare, It still isn't straightened out. Each of the first three calls said it was, and that we needed to wait 14 days (each time) before the clinics could rebill. Dean went on Medicare Part B after I retired, but they are saying he was covered by my group Blue Cross during those months (over two years later??). I have explained each time that he hasn't been on Blue Cross for almost three years, and except for those two months, Medicare has been paying all along. I will call one more time next week to the Coordination of Benefits dept. My next call will be to my congressman.

Then what I consider a ludicrous answer from a med tech when I called about Dean's swollen ankles. I looked up the one drug he is on and the only mention of swelling was related to an overdose or too high a dose. I was told the swelling had nothing to do with the drug and to have him decrease his fluid intake down to only what was needed to take his medicine. I was sure I hadn't heard right and ask her to repeat that. Well, I told him to be sure to sit with his feet up anytime he is sitting and continue to give him veg juice and plenty of water.

He said he didn't feel as weak as he did the day before. But I discovered I could drive up to the front door and let him off. Our good friends Paul and Karen were waiting and we had a short visit after his treatment. They stayed with him while I went for the car. His overactive appetite has settled down a good bit and he is more content will little meals and snacks. Though he is asking for peach pie and ice cream...