Good Morning World!

Where do I begin?  Just to give you a little idea as to the schedule that we have so far, Harriet is scheduled for her PET scan this coming Saturday, September 13.   (They moved it up from the 18th because I went down and complained) But the oncologist can't see her until September 23.  Over the years we've been pleased with the service at Kaiser, but during this important time when we really need them, they're too busy to make this a priority.

I am going down to Member Services, and complain.  I talked about doing it yesterday, but Harriet received a call from her primary physician and it was in response to one of my emails, probably one I sent last week as opposed to yesterday morning (see previous blog posting.  "Time Warp").  He was concerned about the swelling that started in her ankles and is all the way up her legs now.   Concerned she might have a blood clot.  He wanted her to go down to emergency and have a ultra scan.  We just did this last Monday.  The co-pay for emergency is $250.  Harriet told the doctor, can we arrange some other appointment so that the price is not so high.  He had his nurse make call and she had the same ultra scan done for $40.  It showed negative, for a blood clot.  It is obvious that the lymph system is not working properly and she's retaining fluids.

Harriet's primary physician is a really nice guy.  It's just that Kaiser is moving at glacial speed.  Our good friend Joan, who goes to our church, also works for some doctors that happen to be oncologist.  She gave me their card last night at Bible study and I'm going to give them a call because Joan said that they will get her in right away to be seen.  It is complicated because our insurance is through Kaiser and we've been paying $9000 a year in premiums  (this is only for Harriet) just to allow us to have the privilege of going there for treatment.  I'm going down to the Member Services to have them outsource to an oncologist that is available today.  At the rate of swelling, Harriet cannot wait to the 23rd to be seen.

I will let you know how this turns out.  Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes.  It means a lot to both Harriet and myself.

Maranatha,

Frank & Harriet