Clarification

[Outdoor Writer]

First off, I appreciate all the good wishes and offers of monetary help, but perhaps I should do some clarifying as to my situation.

 

The medical issues facing us are several, the worst of which pertains to my wife Ellen. She was diagnosed with a malignant lump in her left breast about a month ago and has since had two surgeries to remove it and any adjacent cancer cells. That has been done, but she now faces a bunch of radiation sessions to make sure.

 

In the meantime, I have a pain just below my rib cage, which is normally a sign of gall bladder problems. Over the last two months, I have had an ultrasound, CT scan, barium x-ray, an endscopic procedure and just last week a HIDA scan, which takes photos of a radioactive liguid moving through the digestive system. So far NONE of the tests have revealed what is causing the pain. Last week, my GI doc basically threw up his hands and said there is little else he can do other than refer me to a surgeon to look at removing my gall bladder, even though he doesn't really know that's the ptroblem. DUH!.

 

I'm also still being treated for the bacterial lung infection that kept me in the hospital for nine days last Feb. I'll be on the expensive medications for two years and have to visit my pulmonary doc every six weeks.

 

AND...as I mentioned in the first paragraph, over the next month or so, I will undergo cataract surgery in both eyes, which is actually a GOOD medical issue. Once it's done I won't have to wear glasses except for reading. BUT that comes with a price. My insurance will pay for the standard cataract surgery, but because I have astigmatisms in both eyes, I need special lens replacements. The normal lenses would have cost me a co-insurance of $200 per eye. The special lenses are my choice and are an additional $1,600 per eye, which must come out of my pocket. It sure will be nice not to wear glasses after 30 years of doing so.

 

All that said, we are not quite yet destitude and in need of donations. We do have insurance, and although our medical co-pays and co-insurance costs are adding up, at this point we have enough money in savings to take care of them. So if I list something, please buy it because you need it and not for any other reason. Then I can use the money for the bills and leave our savings alone.

 

As for me selling all the gear, it's something I had decided to do a few months back anyway, regardless of the current financial situation. Most of what I'm getting rid are items I don't use, use very little or won't use in the future. IOW, I am keeping some basic need stuff if I decide to continue to hunt or fish.

 

So there you have it the clarification.

[Mocha1545]

Thanks fopr the update/clarification. You and your wife will be in my prayers. Hopefully you will be selling something that I need.

[Jcubed]

Good luck with the upcoming surgeries!

[CJNAZ]

 

I'll keep watching for something I want/need. Well wishes for you and the mrs.

[Non-Typical Solutions]

Tony.....best of luck to you and your wife......that cancer is heal on a person, our prayers are with both of you.

[parrita58]

Prayers for you and your wife Tony.

[Flatlander]

Prayers sent Tony. I will say I am a bit relieved. I have felt the pain of selling my stuff out of need and not choice. I am happy to hear that is not your situation and that we may still see you in the hills.

 

I know we haven't met but I admire the heck out of you.

[Perkele!]

Tony, get well soon.

 

I told Mike Bond that you and your missuz were having health problems and he ordered both of you to get well pronto !

 

Let me know if there is anything I can do. The sooner you two get well the longer we can keep Mike quiet.

[Guest 300ultramag.]

get that gall bladder out for sure-

[CouesWhitetail]

Thanks for all the clarification. I am sorry you guys are facing so much, but we are all praying you both get the best health care and recover well.

[Elkhunter1]

Thanks for all the clarification. I am sorry you guys are facing so much, but we are all praying you both get the best health care and recover well.

We too will pray for your full recovery and many more years together. Hopefully see you in the field!

[Snapshot]

Hey Tony, They shoot old war horses don't they? I feel you. It's tough having to deal with medical stuff. Your a good dude, and I hope things work out for the best.

 

I'm over 50 now, and a lot of body parts are breaking down, and wearing out.....but hey......Obamacare is going to save us all.

[ffm71]

Goodluck sir. Long time reader part time contributer here, but I've always enjoyed reading what you and bill have to say and look forward to hearing more stories in the future... so.. get better.