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08/12/09 01:10 PM

#1812

Margaret Dubois (Ammons)

Most doctors think that the natual way of medicine is a bunch of hogwash. I worked for a chiropractor for a couple of years and she taught me a lot about the natural healing and about diabetic care. Hl stopped taking all the supplements because it just got too much for him to swallow all of those along with the RX meds.
He would get physically sick from taking all those pills.

08/12/09 03:45 PM

#1813

Jd Barnett:

Margaret: $130/visit x 12 visits/hr=$1560/hr. Wow! The doc made $910 in the 35 minutes HL waited. Cool. Is it too late to switch majors? ;-)

I can't complain about my docs. After much searching I have (I think) great docs. The better the climate and standard of living where you are, the better the available medical care. Durango, Colorado had great orthopedists. (I needed that when I lived there) This place has wonderful docs. My cardiologist rides bikes too so we can always find common ground to talk about. My family doctor is a cute Latina and I flirt with her shamelessly. She's cool and pretends to flirt back. And since my town is small, I see them at the grocery store. It is kind of like seeing Dr. Johnson when I was a little kid. He'd rub me on my burr cut and ask me if the stitches in my foot had fallen out yet.

One good thing about the rise of HMOs is that it put the doctor and the patient on the same side of the fence, united against the insurance provider. It sure isn't a very efficient system, though. The hospitals mark things up like crazy and then apply an "insurance discount" which means the insurance company has told them "You're crazy...I'm not paying that much." and because they are huge they can get away with it.

Joe Schmo without insurance, on the other hand, can't fight with the hospital so he has to pay $350 to rent a bedpan overnight and $500 for those little booties they make you wear and a gown your ass falls out of. Joe Schmo doesn't get a discount. A 2007 American Journal of Medicine study said that medical bills were a factor in 62% of personal bankruptcy filings in the US. This isn't a system we can be very proud of.

08/12/09 05:21 PM

#1814

Winona Hebert (Spinks)

I've been wondering how all this will affect the medical benefits John earned from 20 years in the Air Force. The last time I went to the base to pick up his meds, I was told we would have to complete a form identifying our insurance carrier so they (USAF) could file against our insurance (with no co-pay to us). That seems only fair because we're paying insurance premiums and the base is providing 3-month supplies of 8 meds at no cost.
We only use the base for RXs--all other medical is provided by our HMO with $20 co-pay for office visits.

08/12/09 09:45 PM	#1815
Joe Ballard For all in the southeastern part of Texas I see on the radar ya'll are getting some much needed rain!! Unlike Woodstock '69.....more rain! more rain!

08/12/09 09:53 PM

#1816

Margaret Dubois (Ammons)

Joe-we got a very little bit down here. I wish we had gotten more. Even the weeds are wilting with the heat and dryness.

08/12/09 10:08 PM	#1817
Joe Ballard Darn girl, well maybe some much needed rain come your way. My mom has told me how dry it is. I do not remember our grass turning brown when I was there ever...seems like we always got rain even in the summer.

08/12/09 10:15 PM

#1818

Margaret Dubois (Ammons)

The only good thing that can come out of this high over our area is that it tends to steer tropical weather (I refuse to use the H word) away from here. I'm tired of the hassle of storms. Some day, we will move away from the coast. I don't want to be 80 and evacuating.

08/13/09 08:37 AM

#1819

Joy Garrett (Chessher)

Thank you Gary Jim, Margaret, Joe for all in information about our healthcare system...we can all learn from each other!!!
Randy and I had a great insurance company, but it probably helped being the owners of the company insured. I truly believe that we need reform and accountability not just in health care, but the whole government!!!

Iam getting so excited to see everyone at the reunion! I haven't been since I was in my late 20's!!! I have talked with many from the 1968 class, and they had a great time!! YIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEE!!!

Oh...Margaret I hope you didn't think I was being rude about Blackie...just teasing you!!! I sure couldn't eat Bojangles or Monroe when they went to deer heaven...! I sure won't be able to eat Barneo either! He is my favorite...and wags his tail at me!!! We will do the DNA testing soon on the other fawns...hoping for some huge bucks!!! I am doing a wall of pictures of all of my "babies" at the ranch!!! I will put them on our website when I get them done!!!

Have a great day!!!!

GOD Bless, and love to all,
JOY!!!!! :0)

08/13/09 05:09 PM

#1820

Michael Poehl

Just got back from seeing my Ear, Nose, Throat ( ENT ) specialist - Dr. Russell Briggs and he thinks I have a mucoepidermoid carcinoma located in my left parotid salivary gland. It appears to be fully contained in the parotid salivary gland. He showed me some minor spidering, but doesn't think it has left the parotid gland, and there was one very small cell the pathologist had noticed - but it didn't excite Dr. Briggs. Most likely case is removing the parotid gland will be all that is necessary. If it has spread to the lymph glands - and no signs in the CT scan of this or by his feeling my neck - he would go ahead and scrape the lymph gland. The scraping would extend the cut line down the neck, as well as extending the surgery by another 1 to 1.5 hours. Surgery will probably be 3.5 hours due to all the facial nerves around the parotid gland. If I end up with only a scar and facial indention - YEAH BABY !!

All systems are go for surgery - 0700 next Tuesday 8/18 at Cedar Park Regional Hospital, with an overnight stay if it is just the removal of the parotid gland.

This is a rather rare form of cancer, and if you want to research it here is a link –
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1289616-overview

and a few details of the type of surgery can be found at:
http://www.ghorayeb.com/ParotidectomyFAQ.html

So, if you have some room on prayer list add me to it as I tried to call Mike Strickland’s cell phone to seek advice from the wise one in the class –
and of course he has a non – working cell number.
Don’t know who Boss Lady Carrol thought she chatted with recently on the number Stickland published on his profile ?

Here are the Top Five reasons I need your support for successful surgery, and the tumor being a low grade tumor; since Strickland was unable to provide me with his life wisdom.

5. With all the excitement building up for the reunion I wanted to see some of our classmates, especially if any of them can still be recognized at age 58 + ….

4. Who would lead the white man dance on Saturday night if I don’t make the reunion ?

3. Don’t want to have any excuses in case Tommy Dye, Tommy Palmer or John Devens beat me in the golf tournament.

2. My saint of a wife Kathy still has some honey dos on my to do list, and I don’t think I get them done by Tuesday.

1.Boss Lady Carrol Reneau Jeffers just might have to postpone the reunion as who else could she get to be a helper to both Alan Weddell and Cyndie Chrystal Williams at the registration both on Friday night.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.

08/13/09 05:31 PM	#1821
Jd Barnett: Good luck, Michael. It's a scary thing but it looks like you'll come out fine. We'll be sending good and healing thoughts your way.

08/13/09 05:39 PM

#1822

Gary Vance

Michael,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Having had a couple of surgeries in the last six months myself, I fully relate to the anxiety that goes with it. My prayer for you...

Father, I ask you to draw near to Michael and his family in this time of trial. I ask you to grant him peace that passes understanding...I pray that the attending physicians would be granted steady hands and divine wisdom in their care. May the pathology reveal a best case scenario and his prognosis be excellent for quick and total recovery. May the healing virtue of Jesus flow into your body Michael and restore you to perfect health. In His Name I pray...Amen.

God bless you brother...hope to see you looking and feeling great at the reunion.

Gary

08/13/09 07:34 PM

#1823

Mark McBurnett

Amen, brother Garo, Michael my family's prayers join Gary's. I've had my share of surgeries and I for one know where true healing comes from. May God restore you to full health and peace of mind. Love ya, Mark
======================================================
Mark, we would love to see you at the reunion. Don't you think you could try to come? If not, you will be truly missed!!!! Alice Day Smith

08/13/09 08:06 PM	#1824
Joe Ballard Michael I am in agreement with my brothers in the Lord. Ask "anything" in prayer "believing" and it shall be done.

08/13/09 08:21 PM

#1825

Margaret Dubois (Ammons)

Amen and Amen.

08/13/09 08:24 PM

#1826

Marian Sahr (Bullard)

Michael, I spoke with my oldest daughter, Missy, and she reminded me that the surgery you are going to have is one she had almost two years ago (she has had two in the last two years). It was Thanksgiving and we rented this beautiful three story home in the hills of Borne. She was in severe pain but would not tell anyone. About the second night there, my granddaughter woke me up saying they were headed home to take Missy to the hospital. I immediately got up and we headed back to Lake Jackson. She had a parotidectomy inwhich they had to remove the parotid gland due to the presence of a tumor. Yes, she has a scar but she gives praise to God everyday for it was benign. Please know we will all be praying for you. Blessings, Marian

08/13/09 08:29 PM	#1827
Sam Sutherland (Sutherland) You won't be going into surgery alone, Michael. We'll all be with you.

08/13/09 08:51 PM

#1828

Judy Teague (Crenshaw)

I had 2 paragraphs typed and they disappeared somewhere.

I just wanted to let you know Michael that we will be praying for complete recovery and speedy enough for you to not miss a beat of the reunion.

I also wanted to tell you "manly men" that you get me teary-eyeed when I hear you talking about praying for your brother. You big ole teddy bears. God not only heals but he softens big, tough, manly hearts!

I love you guys! ( my husband said I could say that.)

08/13/09 10:04 PM	#1829
Jacque Webster (Andrews) Michael, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this surgery. Also, for your precious wife to have peace and strength.

08/14/09 03:37 AM

#1830

Joy Garrett (Chessher)

Hi Michael...so sorry to hear you will have surgery, but I believe that GOD will heal you "good as new" for the reunion!!

Your are in my prayers...Dear LORD... I believe LORD JESUS YOU are the ONE and ONlY TRUE HEALER. I ask in YOUR GREAT NAME JESUS CHRIST that you will be right there with Michael guiding the hand of the surgeon to remove the tumor, and all cancerous cells. I have GREAT FAITH LORD that you will heal Michael. Thank you DEAR LORD from the bottom of my heart!

Michael...if you and Kathy need anything...you can call on me!
GOD bless you and yours,
JOY!!:0)

08/14/09 06:38 AM

#1831

Carrol Reneau (Jeffers)

Please understand I've been praying for Michael & Kathy for a couple of weeks now so his latest news is kind of an improvement, huh, Michael? (I say this only so you understand the following IS NOT disrespectful) And am thrilled the surgery got moved up! Of course you have a rare cancer, we would expect no less from a man as extraordinary as you, Drover. We also know God is NOT through with you and His plan is at work here. We all just need to do our part.

My question is - HOW DID MIKE STRICKLAND BECOME THE WISE ONE IN THE CLASS? WHAT'S THE BASIS FOR THAT??? WHAT HAVE WE COME TO? (And, that is his correct cell #- he said so.)

Kathy, when Michael is a bit obstinate in the recovery process, remind him that if he doesn't follow doctor's orders, he might not feel up to the reunion. HOWEVER, you, Saint Killebrew-Poehl, are WELCOME & EXPECTED here in Exporterland in Drover's absence. Oh, and Drover, you are right, NO REFUND. It behooves you to be a perfect patient before & after and BE HERE. The golfers don't intend to show any leniency so no whining or they'll make you drive the cart & deliver beer and there is a nickname for that, right?

I would invite anyone to fast and pray next Monday evening through Tuesday. Don't let dietary restrictions be a concern - if you are unable to fast from food, it is okay to fast from something else -- the key is sacrificially setting our needs and desires aside in order to spend focused time in prayer for Michael's swift recovery. Michael & Kathy, we love y'all and more importantly, God loves you. Its going to be okay.

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

08/14/09 07:30 AM

#1832

Michael Poehl

Boss Lady Carrol –

Strickland’s odyssey as class kingpin of wisdom started with our senior picture. He was the only male member to know when they were going to snap the picture, so he was able to give some secret sign with his hand; hence Mr. Slade had it blacked out ! If you haven’t seen the pic, check out Diane Dorman Allen’s profile. ( There seems to be a blond who looks like you that also seemed to know when the shutter was going to snap ….) Are you sure Strickland and you are not twins, separated at birth ? Strickland has only added to this vault of wisdom over the years.

And my medical news is encouraging, especially if the tumor is contained in the parotid salivary gland that is coming out on Tuesday. Cyndie Chrystal Williams’ husband Gayle has read my CT scan, and sent it to some of his fellow doctors in San Antonio – an oncologist and ENT – and all seem to think it is contained in the salivary gland. Such wide spread agreement certainly has helped our understanding and approach to surgery. Cyndie made a great life choice as a partner, but what else would we expect from such a nice person as Cyndie. They have both been a tremendous help during this ordeal.

My plans are to be at the reunion to show off my new scar. And the interruption in my training for the BHS reunion golf tourney will only make it more competitive. Remember though that Tiger Woods came back from his knew surgery, so I am not conceding yet.
I did have four birdies on Thursday after chatting with Cyndie’s husband, and ended up shooting 73 at Barton Creek, even though we were playing the old man tees it was a good last round before surgery.

Thanks for your prayers, as well as all the other awesome prayers and support from our classmates. It provides a tremendous lift to have such great friends when you need them the most. I am a very lucky man !

Drover – your humble servant.

08/14/09 07:57 AM	#1833
Mike Strickland Poehl- My wisdom peaked the day the class picture was taken. In the wisdom category, I started off slow, and then tapered off. My daughter had similar surgery 3 years ago. She came through fine and was given a clean bill of health with her last followup 18 months ago. I am sure you will have the same results.

08/14/09 09:49 AM

#1834

Judy Burkes McGough (Pinkard)

Michael, I ditto the prayers that have been said for you on this website. I know that you are anxious due to the surgery, may God give you a calming peace of mind beginning now and that even before the surgeon begins the surgery that you already feel the healing begin. As someone else said, you are not alone in this. God the Father will be with you and love, compassion and prayers from all that know you will be lifting your name to Jesus as you complete surgery and the recovery process. I pray your precious wife will feel this same peace as you enjoy the weekend together and that she will feel the love coming her way as well.

08/14/09 09:53 AM

#1835

Kathy Harkreader (Jones)

Michael, I am also praying for complete healing for you...and thanking God that He has such a good plan for your life.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

08/14/09 10:23 AM

#1836

Kathy Harkreader (Jones)

Way to go, Dawn and Joe Ballard, for figuring out a way to help yourself w/ supplements!

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