On my feet...

Finally, I am back on my financial feet again. It was a long and difficult summer, financially speaking. My husband Jim only received 50% of his June short-term disability check, due to calendar dates. Then his payments switched from short-term disability to long-term disability. I soon found out that Jim’s short-term paid at the front end of the month, and long-term paid at the end of the month. Jim had no disability check at all for July, or for August. I only work during the school year, so I had no income at all during the summer. I had to manage the entire summer on half of one month’s payment. I went the entire summer on a wing and a prayer, on credit cards, and on the kindness of others. Jim had already emptied his entire savings account and I had nothing left to fall back on. It was scary. It was humbling. It was hard.

It was a difficult time for me, financially speaking. It was also a difficult time for me, emotionally speaking. It was difficult to tell my son that he could not participate in various activities. My daughter did not participate in any extra activities. We were unable to go visit adult children. It was difficult to do activities with my family that required money. It was difficult to ask for help. 

I am now happy to say that this month I am back on track. I was able to meet our financial obligations once again. I had to tell my son that he could not participate in football this year, but sports are a luxury that I cannot justify right now. There is no savings account yet and there are no extra funds, but our obligations/bills are paid. 

I am thankful to friends that have helped us along the way. I have received gifts from gardens, gifts from kitchens, gifts of money, gifts of clothing, gifts of school supplies, gifts of camping, and gifts of time. I will one day to pay it forward. 

6 month goal...

Today is 12Aug2013. My husband Jim is now 6 months post-pneumonectomy! This was a calendar goal for us. Next calendar goal is March 12, 2014. Woot! Jim is having a lot of side effects from the radiation and new chemo, but he is hanging in there. Go Jim! 

I wish I had time today for a longer post about this, but I can't today. Sorry. 

Blizzard of Oz...

internet photo

 Kansas had a big snowfall (second on record) lovingly named "The Blizzard of Oz", followed two days later by another snowfall; 21” in total which is a new record for us! Our kids were out of school on Thursday and Friday, then again on Monday and Tuesday, six consecutive days out of school!

We were very blessed to have everything we needed during the storms so we did not have to venture out. Our home had electricity the entire time. Our internet never faltered. I did get some exercise while moving snow. I was very thankful to our neighbor; he helped me shovel our drive and walkway, twice! Our 11 year old son Matt cleared the snow today, thankfully without my help because moving snow made me pretty sore and stiff.

This snowfall has caused some chaos with doctor appointments. Our appointment on Thursday 21Feb13 was bumped to Friday 22Feb13. Friday’s appointment triggered four new appointments that cannot be scheduled yet due to doctor offices and facilities being closed due to the storms. Jim tried calling for appointments several times today, but only received answering machines. We are afraid that these storms have added another week to his recovery mission.

My husband Jim is continuing to make healing progress. His pain is now being managed well, after some initial setbacks. His endurance continues to improve, but is not yet where he wants it to be. Jim’s body is recovering at a slow but steady pace, which is exactly what the doctors have told us to expect. Jim walked a short distance in the snow packed street today. He is already tired of being cooped up. Perhaps the weather that caused the appointment delays will be a blessing in disguise because it has allowed Jim an extra week to heal and recover.  Jim continues to keep a positive attitude. As a friend of mine has stated, Jim’s funny bone was not removed. 

beginning, middle, end of Blizzard of Oz 25-26Feb2013

2.13.13

The first night after the pneumonectomy was a long one. I'm glad that I stayed at the hospital overnight; but I really needed a nap at that point.

5:00a was the halfway point of Jim's first 24 hours. I was encouraged by Jim's improvement throughout the night. The doctors are pleased with Jim's progress so far, considering the task before him.

Jim began to have some of the various tubes and monitors removed. Jim was beginning to be lucid for longer periods of time. Jim was able to stand for a few minutes in the morning. Later Jim walked down the hallway, twice!

Jim's first two nurses were wonderful, caring people. Jim's nurse on 13th was not. There's often one bad apple. 

Jim was told the details of his surgery, and his challenges that he will be facing in the next few weeks. Jim is strong. I know he and I can fight this together.

I am in awe of my friends and family. Their support means the world to me, and to Jim. Some of my acquaintances have became friends and a huge source of support. Many of my friends have stepped in to help us, too. My family is being supportive as well.

The 13th started rocky, then went extraordinary well, but the day ended pretty rough.

I wonder how the 14th will go.