Current Happenings

This blog has been neglected. It seems like there's so much to say and much of it needs background in order to make sense. I have some things jotted down in drafts - but, haven't edited/posted yet.
Currently, Layne is going to head to Houston this week to start a clinical trial at MD Anderson. We have had issues with insurance that are still being worked on. The team there and at Huntsman are trying to see what other details can be worked out in order to have our health insurance cover as much as possible. That being said, we will still reach our deductible and out of pocket maximums for this year. (We get to start all over again in January.) There are obviously also some travel costs associated with what we're doing. Layne will be there by himself at first and I will join him in time to be there after the infusion. He will probably need some care afterwards. We'll see how it goes and assess needs for future infusions as we go.
Layne feels good about the study scientifically. So, that helps. We'll see how long things last. After the first three infusions being done at MD Anderson he'll be able to switch off every other one with Huntsman. The only thing better would be to have all of the infusions taken care of here in the area instead of traveling. But, at least we can be grateful for an option.
We'll still being doing our usual 'learning' with the kids. They will be hanging out with relatives while we're both gone.
We are so grateful for the continued thoughts and prayers that come our way. Thank you. We have so many people offering to help and we appreciate it.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance will not cover the clinical trial at MD Anderson. There's the out of network factor because it's out of state. There's also the fact that 'ObamaCare' doesn't cover clinical trials. Layne's a little stressed about what to do...how to make things work. He's always so good about figuring these things out. I think in the end we end up paying less for things that some other people might. Well, at least when there are possibilities and options to look into. For example, when he finally finished grad school we had gone years in student housing, had four kids, and all of the school expenses for him. I think we did a thousand dollar loan once (it might have been more than that). We were done paying for all of that not long after he graduated. We also were able to obtain a home with a good credit rating for both of us.

In the case of all the medical expenses lately, Layne's been great about keeping up with all of it. Asking about charges and figuring out the best way to work things like life insurance, health insurance, and how cost of living can all be worked out. 

I'm a little nervous about the whole budget thing when he's gone. I'm involved with what's going on - but, he's always been the one that has figured out the ins and outs. There are things he's worked out that I wouldn't even think of - much less know about how to go doing it.

The issue for the day is how to have the trial covered. Or, maybe we just look for another trial. Hmm. What to do. What to do.

More of the Same

We've been continuing to move forward. Layne is spending a little more time at work. He's also training for a 5K. It seems odd to think of him training for a 5K - he hasn't run in a long time. Back in the day, a 5K was just what he counted as an easy work out for the day. Now it's a big deal. I'm glad. I think he still considers himself a runner.
We're a little back and forth with work. He's working on things and yet they're trying to still make sure they have a space for him. We will need to change our health insurance. We're thinking it'll end up being less coverage for more money. Apparently, that's just how things go.
I'm glad he's been able to do a bit more. But, he still gets tired and doesn't feel so great most of the time. I guess that's what happens when you have a constant supply of chemo in you.