Last week I "tweeted" about the beautiful weather while in Hilton Head for the RBC Heritage Classic; this week was spent waiting with my brother and sister for any tidbit of information we could learn about why this strong, proud man is experiencing intolerable pain.
There are only the three of us, Thom isn't married and Kathy is widowed so we depend upon each other for support. Thom and Kat are fortunate to live in the small town where we grew up. They are both very special people who shoot straight and have strong relationships with friends and extended family - the Rodney Atkins song "These are my People" comes to mind - particularly the chorus:
"These are my people
This is where I come from
Were givin' this life everything we got and then some
It ain't always pretty
But its real
It's the way we were made
Wouldn't have it any other way
These are my people"
Our people have been visiting Thom in droves at the hospital and I am sure this will continue when he comes home - believe me every call, visit, and prayer is appreciated.
Thom is dying from cancer that went untreated due to no health care and his extremely high tolerance for and ability to deal with great pain. When he could stand it no longer; he sought treatment at an urgent care center who diagnosed him with muscle pain and sent him home with a prescription for muscle relaxers - IDIOTS! No insurance, no tests, give them a band aid and send them home. Thom went to the hospital and the real doctor who treated him and sent him to the other real doctors at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga for treatment have been an answer to prayer.
Thom has a very advanced insidious form of agressive cancer that has spread throughout his body. He worked a construction job through all of this until a couple of weeks ago. I can't imagine the intestinal fortitude and sheer guts and determination of my brother. We come from strong stock but I didn't know just how strong.
We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.
Thom is not alone there are others in his same or similar situation throughout the country. It is time we remember it and do something about it.
This blog was started when I thought I should be a writer. I no longer think that so this blog is just my little page of thoughts, photos, and the occasional painting.
Dee, I am so saddened to read this. I will call you to talk on the phone in a few days. Right now I wanted to know if you or Thom knows if he contracted his cancer thru his work environment? My husband is a long shore expert in addition to being an expert in the field of workers comp. We would be happy to advise you and/or Thom if needed. Love you my sweet, dear friend! Lynn
ReplyDeleteDee, I am so sorry for your family's pain. You are the third friend who recently has been affected either directly or indirectly by the lack of health care. It breaks my heart. While trying to find a health care provider for another friend just last week, someone turned me on to medi-share.org. I'm posting the site in hopes they can help anyone else out there. Take care! Diane
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry about your brother and for your tight-knit family. The love shines through this post and touches me deeply. I will keep him and you and your sister in my prayers, and I do so with deep admiration for the way you are all handling the diagnosis and the struggle ahead.
ReplyDeleteWithout getting too political here, I will add that doing something about this important issue is one of the most important aspects of the upcoming Presidential election.....
I use AVERAGEBLOND as my handle online. Tripped upon your blog. Very sorry to hear about your brother's struggle. Keep loving each other and try to forgive when at all possible. Every moment we have on this earth is precious so make each one count. I come from a humble midwest kind of place. We had our own family trials, that we survived. I won't get into all that but I do wish someone had gently pointed us to what is most important. Anger can be a powerful motivator. Hugs to you and I agree, this upcoming election may mean life and death for huge numbers.
ReplyDelete