Doctor Report

Terry had his visit with the doctor to learn the results of the bone marrow aspiration done a couple weeks ago.  Well, not all of the results were in, so we only learned part of them - and they are mixed (some things slightly better and some things slightly worse), which to me means all of the treatments for the last several months might have been a waste.  Is "slightly" worth it? 

I wonder if our insurance thinks it's a waste too, because they have had a bit of a hiccup wanting to pay for these treatments.  Good thing that the clinic has in writing the fact that insurance pre-approved them.  We just received our second bill for just over $74,000.00.  We've talked with those in the billing department and they tell us not to pay it, that the insurance is going to.  What the hold up is, we just don't know!

I suppose that this hiccup with the insurance could help us consider our next options. First thing we know to do for sure is to get it in writing ... no matter what we do. 



Image from Google Images

What are our options?  Well, we still don't know for sure.  Doesn't that sound familiar?  When we get the final results back we will know a bit more on what those options are, but for now we have a couple things to consider.  Of course, depending on what we learn, the most likely option at this point is an oral medication - Revlimid.  Revlimid is a pill, taken daily, for the rest of his life -today's price is around $5000.00 per month.  I wanna say ... Really?  Where's the cure?  But I can't come up with a cure either ..., so ..., I suppose we take what we can get!
Revlimid is treatment for the MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) - you might recall, that is Terry's newest disease.  He does still have the CLL/SLL..., but I suppose we are going to learn more about what we do for that after the final results come back.

The side affects are always a concern, but then so are the symptoms of the disease itself, so I suppose one just has to choose the lesser evil ..., just like with all the other treatments he has had over the past 7 1/2  years. 

After the final results are in we will learn if a DLI or Transplant is suggested treatment.  Taking Revlimid would then be put on hold.  We'll do some praying and studying, and praying and pondering, and praying and ... praying to help us make a decision and then go with what feels right.  The Lord will help us know, just like He has in the past.  I do so hope that we are learning what He wants us to learn as we go where He wants us to go in life.  I'd hate to be doing it for nothing!  I suppose I'd better step it up a notch.

Oh! ... no lab work today - so we don't have any blood counts to share.

I guess I should have just said - we don't know anything yet - wait for the final results!
We'll post again when we hear something for sure.

Shout Out!

Happy Birthday Thomas!
We Love You!

Shout Out!

Happy Birthday Tawny!
We Love You!

Medical Update

Terry had an appointment today - a big day.
First was blood draw -
WBC = 2.6(L)
RBC = 3.91(L)
Platelet Count = 35(L) yip, pretty low, we'll watch for "bruising and anything new".
Absolute Neutrophils = 1.0(L)
ALT = 48 NORMAL!!!
AST = 52(H)

Next was cat scan.
- things look much like the last scan ... of course they do!

Then visit with the doctor while prepping for bone marrow biopsy.
- of course we'll wait for the results from Seattle - those results will be back in a couple weeks.

Then the bone marrow biopsy.
- remember, we have a two week wait for the results, so ... we are waiting ... next appointment is Aug. 14th.

Rodeback Family Reunion

Some of us (Elaine, BrittanyJo, Anthony, Tawnee, Dana, Akleigh, and Auger) were able to attend the Rodeback Family Reunion last weekend and had a great time.  Brandon and Megan were able to join us too. 
The guys (Terry, Connor, Michael and Thomas) had to stay home for hay harvest. That crazy rain and hail we had the week before set us back. We missed them.

Out of the 90 people in the Ronald and Gelene Rodeback Family we had about 60 people there. We enjoyed visiting with those that were there, but missed seeing those that were unable to attend.  We already look forward to next year! :)

Here are some of the activities we enjoyed and photos to go with them -
As usual, I wish I had more photos ... but I always look forward to others sharing their photos with us ... I love it when others take pictures too, cause I can't be everywhere and do everything at one time - no matter how hard I wish. And, the photos I do get are not always good photos ... my bad!

Swimming at the school pool -

Auger

Auger, Dana and Akleigh, Pam and Phoebe and Pficher, Katelyn and Carlee, Tawnee, and Megan.

Brandon, Levi, Jeremy, Trevor, Keenan, Anthony, Zach, Brian.

Pam and her twins.

 Cookie Contest -

Judges = Darryl, Brian, Brian, Thaoe, Shawn, Trevor, Brandon, Jacob, Ron.

The youngest judge - Ellie

We Won!  We made Skookies.  Yip! They are The Best!    Auger and Elaine

Dana, Megan, Brandon, Elaine making Skookies

Um, ya!  We ate them too!  Mmmm Good!

 Basketball fun -

Dana, Trevor, Jacob, Brandon, Megan

 Making Italian Sodas -

Elaine, Amber, Tawnee, Hailey

 Picture Scavenger Hunt

Our group - our feet!

Levi - in a tree!

Auger - in a tree!  (I really am lovin' these trees with the holes in them)

 Playing volleyball -

BJo in black, Anthony in yellow, Megan in pink, Brandon in dark blue, and others :)

 Finger knitting bracelets -

Tracianne, Tawnee, Anthony, BJo, Dustin sitting, Katelyn, Zach in back, Levi, Keenan, Hailey and Brooklyn painting nails

 Cooking and Eating -

Darryl, Christopher, Shawn, Mitch, Brandon, and Jenny.

Harper and Akleigh

 Playing Games -

Spray shaving cream on head ... toss Cheetos onto shaving cream ...

Auger, Dana, Kendal

 

Ronald

 Dying T-shirts

Anthony, Zach, Akleigh, BrittanyJo, Jenny

Crafting -

Tawnee, Katelyn, Amber, Makaela, Shawn making Altoids tin scrapbooks

Friend, Amber, Dana, baby, Ben

A finished product - one idea!

m&m toss just before we left -

Traveling home -

Akleigh is having some fun 

Mission News

We received a letter from Chase's mission president last week, that included these great photos.

President and Sister Hermansen with Elder Chase Hebdon

Elders Sohkanen and Hebdon (companions)

President informed us that Chase had arrived and to send letters to the mission office to be forwared to him the next day.  We share that address with you in hopes that some might wish to write to him.  He'd love to hear from you!!

Elder Chase Hebdon

Nevada Reno Mission

1146 Prater Way

Sparks, NV 89431

Chase also emailed us Monday.  He sounds good and is happy to be serving the Lord in this capacity.