Thursday, January 28, 2016

Medicare. Part A? Part B? Part D? Now I'm Officially Confused.

So here we are, as Dad's 18 months of COBRA come to an end, and his 2 year period on Social Security Disability approaches- which means Medicare coverage. 

Actually, it means pure confusion. 

COBRA can not be used with Medicare, as they are both federal programs. Ok, that I understand. 

So we drop COBRA and Dad is automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A & B come April 1st. Ok. That sounds fine. 

But apparently with Medicare, you need a supplemental insurance or a secondary insurance. 

And with Medicare there is a Part D- Prescription drug portion. 

So I've got Part A, Part B, Part D, Supplemental....and now my head hurts and I'm beyond confused. 

Dad's treatments are expensive. VERY Expensive.

When you're talking about $25,000 a month (without Insurance), which doesn't include blood work or doctor's appointments, or MRI's- you're talking expenses that just aren't feasible for anyone!

So financially, we are trying to figure out our best option- as us Glenz girls are searching every possible document on Medicare website for information. Have I mentioned that the government does a wonderful job of laying out everything for us?...Yeah. 

AND to make things even more confusing- Dad's chemotherapy is done via oral pills. Which we receive via prescription and they are administered at home. Which you would think would fall under Part D (Prescription Medicine).

Yeah, it's not. Apparently ALL chemotherapy drugs (oral and IV) are considered Part B. 

Ok. So we figured that out. NOW, can you tell me the percentage of payment? Maybe a medical policy document Medicare has, similar to other insurance companies?

I asked this question and the billing ladies at Dad's office just laughed. Sorry, I forgot we are talking about the government here. 

So our next plan is to sit down together, write down what we know, what we are confused on, and what questions we have, and then....I hate to even say it...schedule a meeting with Medicare to figure it all out. 

We are stressed. We are confused. Any and all help that ANYONE has with Medicare (via disability) and supplemental insurance will be GLADLY accepted by our family. At this point, we really need all the help we can get. 

But on a positive note, we have until April 1. We do not have to figure it all out tomorrow or the next day or even next month. We have a little bit of time to make some decisions. 

Here I am, trying to figure it all out- stressing over each and every thing I don't understand, and forgetting to be so thankful in what I do understand about this process and insurance. So thankful that these last 2 years threw me into a "sink or swim" course when it comes to insurance companies and disability. 

So as thankful as I am, at at the same time stressing about it all- I pull out my devotional and how perfect it was:

"Trust is a golden pathway to heaven. When you walk on this path, you live above your circumstances...The low road is circuitous: twisting and turning in agonizing knots. There the air hangs heavy- and dark, ominous clouds predominate. Relying on your own understanding will weigh you down. Trust in Me absolutely, and I will make your path straight."

Trying to take this all one step at a time, TRUSTING in this path (although at times a very confusing path), and reminding myself that it will all work out just fine. 

Still fighting hard to BTHO Brain Cancer- one insurance change at a time!

Dad Update: Dad is finishing up another round of chemotherapy and he had an Avastin treatment on Wednesday. Another MRI is scheduled in a couple of weeks and we continue to be so thankful for how well Dad continues to feel. Thank you all for the continued prayers!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

"I know the plans I have for you, and they are good." Dad Update 1/20/2016

I have to admit, I've been terrible about updating Dad's blog when things seem to be stable - so I apologize. But the good news is, when I don't update often, there is a GOOD chance that it means things are going well. And right now, that couldn't be more accurate. 

After Dad's MRI in November, we were all thrown into this state of confusion, worry and sadness. We were concerned for the next treatment options, praying for Dad to feel better, and right back into the sadness that so many in the fight against cancer feel. We reached out for prayers. We asked anyone and everyone to pray for Dad. To pray for healing and comfort. 

And the power of prayer took over. I can't explain WHY Dad's last MRI appeared better than his one in November, but what I can explain to others is the number of people thinking, praying and lifting us up during this time. When medically something can't be explained, it's always pretty easy for me to find where the real source of healing came from- prayers and a pretty amazing Man watching out for us. 

So it seemed all too perfect today when I pulled out my devotional, which by the way looks as though it's been through a lot- pages are bent, the binding is coming apart, and the edges are worn- which is a pretty good way to describe the path we've been on these last 2 years. We've weathered the storm, but not without a few bruises and bumps along the way- but like they say "Maybe life isn't about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it's about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it." And I think my scars would prove just that.

But as I pulled out my devotional, it was wonderful to read:

"Approach this day with awareness of who is Boss. As you make plans for the day, remember that it is I who orchestrates the events of your life. On days when things go smoothly, according to your plans, you may be unaware of My sovereign Presence. On days when your plans are thwarted, be on the lookout for Me! I may be doing something important in your life, something quite different from what you expected...Don't try to figure out what is happening. Simply trust Me and thank Me in advance for the good that will come out of it all. I know the plans I have for you, and they are good."

As Dad faces another round of chemotherapy and Avastin treatment next week, we continue to hope and pray that it is God's will for Dad to continue to BEAT this cancer. We continue to hope and pray that Dad is able to manage the treatment side effects and is able to have QUALITY of life throughout his fight. We continue to hope and pray that God grants us many more years of QUALITY time with Dad. 

It always astonishes me the number of people who ask me about Dad- many who have known Dad for years, some who have never met "Lar" but know all too well the many stories I've told of him over the years. It makes my heart so incredibly full to know that so many people are thinking and praying for him- we've beat the statistics placed in our hands that day in October 2013, and I continue to pray that we continue to beat these statistics for many more months to come. 

We are not sure what Dad's next MRI will look like, but after spending another holiday season with him, one that we weren't sure we would get to experience, I have to think that everything now is just icing on the cake. Such sweet, sweet time I get to spend with my Dad- and truly appreciate every minute, every birthday, every random Saturday, with the best Dad in the world- a man that I've been lucky enough to have loved my entire life. 

Asking for continued prayers during Dad's next round of treatment- as we pray he continues to feel well and continues to BEAT this disease. And prayers for a good MRI in February. 

Thank you all for your love and support, and thanks for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!

*Run For The Rose is approaching in April, and we would love to have each of you join us on such a special day for our entire family! Please consider joining our team, or making a donation to the foundation which supports so many families just like mine. 
http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer

If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to email me (glenzwhitney@gmail.com) and I would love to answer any questions you may have!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Run For The Rose 2016

We are just 3 short months away from our 3rd trip to the 'Run For The Rose'- a 5k in Houston supporting the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation and brain cancer research.

In our last 2 trips we've helped raise over $16,000 and last year we had over 110 participants on team 'BTHO Brain Cancer- Lar's Fight'. 

The Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation helps to fund research in Houston for many brain cancer patients, just like my Dad. They provide funding for clinical trials, and they provide support to so many families like mine. I've leaned on them numerous times with questions and concerns during Dad's fight- and each time they've provided guidance, comfort and support. I can't say enough wonderful things about the organization. 

The 'Run For The Rose' really has something for everyone! Those of you who enjoy a little 5k, they have a nice course for you to run either timed or non-timed, and for those that want to enjoy a nice walk instead, you can walk the 5k or participate in the family 1k. 

After the run, there is an area for the kids to enjoy food, face painting, and bounce house, and also lots of food and drink vendors for everyone to walk around and enjoy (FREE!). 

The run will take place on April 10, 2016 at NRG Park in Houston. The race beings at 8:00 am with a Survivor Stroll, when the many brain cancer survivors walk as a way to begin the activities for the day. And then the races begin, with the 5k starting at 8:15 am and the 1k at 8:45 am. 

Maybe you're unsure exactly what this event involves? Check out the video from last year's run, you may even see a few members of our team featured in the film:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU_b2XH_w14

If you're interested in joining our team, or making a donation on behalf of our team, please visit our team page:

http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer

As always, we will be ordering more BTHO Brain Cancer t-shirts this year and if you would like to order one please email me at glenzwhitney@gmail.com.

Dad completed another round of chemotherapy and Avastin treatment and managed to handle it all so incredibly well. We have another round of Avastin next week, and then we will be scheduling our next MRI. 

Thank you all for the love and continued support over these last 2 years. I honestly just looked at the calendar and realized it was 1/5/2016- as the 5th of every month has such a special significance, as that is the day in October that Dad had his seizure. This means we are 27 months post diagnosis, a number that still seems unreal to me. We are so incredibly blessed- I really can't say it enough.

Thank you all for the continued prayers, and thanks for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!