Wednesday, June 24, 2009

6/24/09

It seems all of my angst with MetLife recently will be for not. Today after a very early appointment with my doctor, I came home and started matching up what MetLife thinks they paid me to what they actually paid me. One huge problem solved. Internet banking is a godsend. I'm just waiting for them to call me back and I can close the book on an exhaustive situation.

My appointment went well with Dr. Damek. The blood draw, months of the year backwards, and walking all came back A-O.K. I will need to continue to take a pill to boost my immune system. My protein came back at the very low end of normal again and my next MRI is June 22nd.

I realized I had no prescriptions to fill today. Which equals a couple more bucks back in the Stanley household budget. Fewer miles to drive and a couple extra days this week with more energy. All are cause for celebration.

I continue to enjoy my volunteer time with Meals on Wheels and the YMCA. Both are still letting me show up and help out. Whew! Lets face it; Every girl needs a purpose and other than the Today show in the morning the rest of day-time television stinks.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

6/18/09

Random Thoughts by Jen Stanley

I would like to know how it is possible for a bird to poop on the front bumper of my car. It's so low to the ground there would have to be other evidence on the hood or some crazy form of physics performed. One of life's little mystery's.

I went to the pharmacy today and found out that "My Guy" Daniel has moved to AZ. Bummer. He was fantastic and will be missed.

The cherries are starting to turn red on our tree out back. Should I put the nets up and make cherry pie or let the birds and squirrels make another mess this year? I'm leaning toward letting the birds and squirrels having them. It would provide more entertainment for me to watch Cora and Peanut chase them.

I'm beginning to think the water drinking thing is a myth. (Not to worry I do know better). I had my blood drawn yesterday in 1 poke. And I was very behind on my H2O intake.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

6/16/09

Let's call this blog Customer Service.

A person really doesn't know excellent customer service until after they have a really bad experience. We've all had them. The guy behind the counter who communicates poorly, the sales person who comes on a little to strong, the insurance agent who clearly doesn't understand your question. I'll admit I've probably been wrong in a couple instances and have always apologized and taken responsibility immediately. However, this doesn't seem to be a reciprocal type of action based on some of my experiences.

I can not tolerate a service representative insulting my intelligence or my honesty. For example I was at a pharmacy looking to fix a prescription charge. (Not Walgreens). The pharmacist had told me previously that I could pay for the scrip in full and then bring back the receipt and get my money minus the co-pay. When I brought back the receipt the same pharmacist told me I was wrong and he couldn't do anything to help me and here is the kicker... He told me "I'm not saying your lying"... at which point I turned around and walked away. I may misunderstand some things but I don't make things up when it comes to money.

I had another experience when a customer service rep told me to "do the math". This time I lost it. As I am not an uneducated, barefooted, hillbilly, I told him not to insult my intelligence. I would have gone further expect it didn't seem wright to attack him for being an obtuse idiot.

Who is training these people? Did they grow up under a rock? If they hate their jobs there are other options. Actually I don't care what their problems are. Their job, while on the clock, is to take care of the customer. What bothers me the most is that I have lost quality time out of my life being upset with these yahoo's. It is sooooo not worth it.

Friday, June 12, 2009

6/12/09

I was cleaning the table today and found an old bookmark.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

When I have food, help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work, help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a warm home, help me to remember the homeless;
When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer;
And remembering, help me to destroy my complacency and stir my compassion.
Make me concerned enough to help, by work and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted.

by Samuel F. Pugh

I'm getting stronger every day. For example today I volunteered for 4.5 hours, went for a short bike ride and then went for a short swim. I'm still awake and I feel really good. I'm betting I'll sleep really well tonight.

Monday, June 1, 2009

06/01/09 I made it!

I made it through treatment. One year and seven weeks. It's Done, Finished, Fin, Over, Finalized, and The End!

It's bitter sweet news. I love the idea of having finished my chemo, at the same time I'm a bit nervous about chemo being over. Argh! My nurse said this was perfectly normal and in a few months my confidence would be stronger.

I'll visit my oncologist again next month to make sure everything is good. Then my visits will happen every 3 months and will include an MRI.

A toast. To fewer drives down to Denver, to fewer blood draws at hospitals, and to the end of a treatment that has been accomplished. May "Fred" have suffered and died from the radiation and chemotherapy and never come back. Cheers.