tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48425619797617289382024-03-04T20:29:54.266-08:00Chemo-SabeYou Can't Stop The Signal!L. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722093559149392395noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-24639200468565134832020-07-25T12:03:00.001-07:002020-07-25T12:03:08.205-07:0006/2020 Updates!Call from the Doc came back, no further evidence of disease. I am due for follow-up imaging in December/January.<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-46999047621500503362020-03-15T21:16:00.000-07:002020-03-15T21:16:45.617-07:0003/2020 Updates!Remarkable notes from surgery report:<br />
<blockquote>Thyroid:<br />
Papillary carcinoma<br />
Thyroid removal<br />
Tumors:<br />
Two focal points<br />
Left lobe, inferior<br />
1.7cm & 0.5mm<br />
Beningn colloid nodules<br />
Marginal areas negative for invasive carcinoma<br />
<br />
Lymph nodes:<br />
6 involved, 9 examined<br />
Node 1:<br />
Malignant carcinoma<br />
Inferior, pretracheal<br />
2.2cm<br />
Node 2:<br />
Malignant carcinoma<br />
Left inferior, paratracheal<br />
2.0cm<br />
Nodes 3:<br />
Malignant carcinoma (2/4 nodes)<br />
Largest at 1.5cm<br />
</blockquote>I'm on thyroid replacement pills for life. I'm on calcium supplements until that gets back in order.<br />
<br />
I'm returning to work on 3/16 just in time for Spring Break to start the following week.<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-40389882961238854512020-01-18T22:50:00.001-08:002020-01-18T22:50:39.348-08:0001/2020 Updates!I'm not feeling very eloquent at the moment. I had a CT Scan done for followup to my testicular cancer. That checked out fine in regards to what they were looking for. There was a spot in my neck that they wanted to investigate further. Went in for an ultrasound. There was more definition of what they saw earlier on the CT Scan and some objects met minimum size requirements for biopsy. Went in for the biopsy. Got called back a couple days later informing me that surgery would be needed to remove what they found.<br />
Turns out that I have thyroid cancer in the left portion of my thyroid gland. They say it's unrelated to the testicular cancer. The initial surgical team said that if the nearby lymph nodes look suspicious that they'd take those out too. If anything has spread to the other portions of the thyroid gland, they'd just take out the whole thing while they're in there.<br />
<br />
If I was going to get cancer, at least these are the ones to get as they have a rather high success rate. These and melanoma.<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-71953311268781603402019-10-30T00:08:00.004-07:002019-11-07T00:40:23.215-08:00A Journey into the Mind of a Struggling Son, Husband & FatherSince our son was born, I've been able to do some more thinking about other aspects of my health and have learned that my mental health has been taking quite a toll and I haven't been able to really work well on its status until recently.<br />
I grew up with inattentiveness to things that didn't interest me, inability to effectively communicate with others (especially in groups) and my parents attempted to find resources and services to assist with these issues but they didn't quite hit the mark.<br />
I was a depressed teen, like several other of my contemporaries, and had a short run with a mental health provider as provided by my father's insurance. I was prescribed two different anti-depressants to see if they'd work and while they may have, it was not a lasting effect.<br />
I hyperfocus on things and frequently it makes it difficult to see other perspectives.<br />
I'm not great at managing my own emotions, identifying emotions of others, nor being able to help comfort emotions of those that I have affected negatively.<br />
<br />
So, with all that in mind, I have started up a journey of sorts to try to get that sorted out. I've got effects that can point to all kinds of things including anxiety, attention difficulty, motivation difficulty, difficulty with interpersonal skills, and a handful of other things.<br />
<br />
Through my own insurance now I have been able to start up an individual-style mental health provider system and I've been recommended to an assessment to better identify what I'm working with.<br />
The theme has been "I'm not looking for a fix, I'm looking for labels of what I've got so that I can investigate resources to be able to assist with those things."<br />
<br />
Here's the kicker. My main medical/mental health insurance outsourced me to a provider that works on Saturdays (thus enabling me to attend without anxiety of missed work/pay) and they've outsourced me back to my main insurance for an assessment (which had a 6-month wait list) and they've outsourced me to another provider who has many specialities including these assessments.<br />
In order to maximize take-home pay from my job, the medical plan we've selected has some caveats.<br />
Where's Adam Conover when you need him? I'm sure he's got amazing material on Medical Insurance Providers and why the system needs an overhaul.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I've spoken with the provider for the assessment and they have a two-step process.<br />
One: Have an interview to determine whether or not the assessment is for me. (I spoke with her on the phone yesterday and she still recommends the assessment, but we'll definitely re-evaluate during the interview).<br />
Two: Have a 3-4 hour assessment to determine what kinds of difficulties I have and which concepts they translate to and what kinds of resources are available for those concepts.<br />
The hard part: The interview is $150 and the assessment is $1500, out-of-pocket, because of how our insurance plan works.<br />
The harder part: Coming up with $1650 for all of it.<br />
The intended result: Learning what I'm working with so that I can increase my quality of life and the quality of the lives around me since I'm identifying that I've been struggling with these unlabelled things for quite some time and I'm really hoping for some insight.<br />
<br />
If you're in a position to assist, any value is appreciated. You can get your assistance to me via PayPal at miketrethewey@gmail.com , or via <a href="http://paypal.me/miketrethewey">this link</a>.<br />
If you're unable to assist directly. please share this post with your friends!<br />
Thank you.<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-18782783456438713782019-10-29T23:46:00.002-07:002019-10-29T23:46:32.852-07:002019 Updates!It's been just over 8 years since I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Metastatic Testicular Cancer.<br />
<br />
In the last two, I've still been focusing on work and still unpacking in our house, in a couple more ways than one.<br />
<br />
On August 29, 2018, our son, John William, was born. He was definitely a shock to a lot of us since I was told that I was going to be sterile for the rest of my life. Turns out, after some testing done, my counts for the remaining equipment was better than that of a normal functioning pair. Huh.<br />
<br />
In December 2018, I found a new opportunity driving for the local Community College instead of continuing at the school district.<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-4141909446500291982017-07-25T14:03:00.001-07:002017-07-25T14:03:27.629-07:0007/25/2017 Updates!It's been almost 6 years since I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Metastatic Testicular Cancer.<br />
<br />
In the last two, I've been focusing on work and getting settled in a new house with my wife and mother-in-law. I had some blood work done during the week of 6/25. Results were unremarkable. I had a CT Scan done during the week of 7/9. Results were unremarkable. I had my renewal of my Department of Transportation Physical Exam during the week of 7/16. Results were unremarkable.<br />
<br />
So! I'm unremarkable. This is a good thing as nothing strange stood out on any of the results. My oncologist is very happy with my progress and we'll be moving to a non-annual plan for observation testing.<br />
<br />
I'm preparing to renew my drivers' license which is going to be a larger expense, but we'll make it work.<br />
<br />
We'll be taking a short getaway to the Oregon coastline for a few days in August. Shortly thereafter I have a class for policy refreshing for work at the bus yard.<br />
<br />
It looks like the pre-season meetings start on 8/28 and the first day of instruction will be 9/5. True to form, my birthday will be within the first two weeks of school. Oh boy!<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-61052548358314818702015-08-11T16:58:00.000-07:002015-08-11T17:01:22.977-07:008/11 Updates!It's been 4 years to the day since I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Metastatic Testicular Cancer.<br />
<br />
In those four years I've had 4 surgeries, many CT scans, many xrays, many blood draws, many pokes with needles for 2.5 months of chemotherapy. I've gotten married, got a second (new to me, old to Laura) cat, I'm in my third job, and we've moved to a house. My oncologist has given me a clean bill of health and would like to continue periodic checkups to monitor my current state.<br />
<br />
I went and did my Oregon Department of Transportation physical exam to prove that I'm able-bodied enough to perform the duties of a commercial vehicle driver. I've been given the standard two years of certification instead of the one year of certification that I received last year due to not having sufficient evidence of my great condition. I've sent off the paperwork to renew my certificate that states I'm able-bodied enough to perform the duties of a school bus driver.<br />
<br />
Preparation for the school year starts on 8/31 and school starts on 9/8. Here's to my 3rd full school year as a school bus driver and to my 32nd year of life!<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-91230354221948624942015-07-30T02:47:00.003-07:002015-07-30T02:47:47.178-07:007/29 Updates!Went in for the CT scan and everything checked out fine. I have a letter from my doctor stating that my current condition has no impact on my ability to operate commercial vehicles. Tomorrow I'll set up my physical exam for my Department of Transportation qualifications and everything should be sorted by the time I return to work for the 2015-16 school year!<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-61710021523134733952015-07-02T22:11:00.001-07:002015-07-30T02:48:23.432-07:007/2 Updates!Went to the doctor. Talked about our further plan to keep checking that I'm fine and got some blood work done today.<br />
<br />
Plan is to get another round of blood work done and a chest xray sometime in early January. Then I'll have a follow-up shortly after with my oncologist to discuss the results.<br />
<br />
He said that they monitor progress for generally up to 5 years after the initial surgeries. So, I had my first surgery in 08/2011 and that would mean that by 08/2016 if everything's checking out that I'll be as out of the woods as current medicine can determine.<br />
<br />
Woo!<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-36646107234168212302014-11-24T17:47:00.000-08:002014-11-24T17:47:41.523-08:00A Silver LiningWell, we have updates that are good and updates that are not so good.<br />
<br />
I went to my primary care physician, my oncologist, and then back to the doctor who performed my physical exam for the Oregon Departments of Education and Transportation. The blood work and the CT scan that were performed were "unremarkable" and "showed no further evidence of disease." This is awesome news. My oncologist developed a plan where I will return in 6 months for more blood tests and 6 months after that for the same blood tests and a chest x-ray to further make sure that everything is in order.<br />
<br />
I was able to get a letter stating as such and submitted it to the doctor who performed my physical exam. She has approved me for 1 year (9 months after the previous expiration that only provided 3 months). The maximum is 2 years but because of my recent medical history we're sitting at 1 year, which is better than what I had (which expired at the end of this week).<br />
<br />
All I'm waiting on here now is taking a copy of my new physical card to the DMV so that they have a copy and update their records, and then my recertification with the Department of Education to extend my ability to transport students.<br />
<br />
The story about the not so good updates may or may not occur later.<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-71616819406260572882014-10-09T16:56:00.002-07:002014-10-09T16:56:53.207-07:00Holy crap, we're still here!Mike found work at First Student as a school bus driver in Portland, transferred to Lake Oswego, quit and is now driving for the Hillsboro School District.<br />
<br />
We were able to sign up for benefits and became eligible at the beginning of October 2014. We continued medical coverage through Kaiser Permanente to keep records consistent and readily available to care providers. Mike went to the doctor today (10/9) to see what he could see. His new primary care physician approved of a referral back to Kaiser's Oncology department as we started this whole shindig. A blood test was performed, a chest x-ray has been ordered, and we're waiting to hear back from Oncology regarding setting up an appointment.<br />
<br />
We're also going to look into Mike's tinnitus to see if that can be improved.<br />
<br />
Yay for progress!<br />
Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-14515148903309941572012-04-27T14:03:00.001-07:002012-04-27T14:16:03.331-07:004/26 Updates!I think I'm out of bunny rabbits for hat tricks... Do you have any?<br />
<br />
Mike is doing pretty well considering he's been through 3 major surgeries in the last 2 1/2 months. This last abdominal surgery was quite the doosy. He's got an incision going from the tip of his sternum going all the way down to the bottom of his tummy. It "v"s around his belly button, with dozens of perfect little stitches holding both sides together. Talk about battle scars. Also, while they were rooting around behind his tummy, they decided to fix that pesky hernia! Thank You Virginia Mason!<br />
<br />
He goes in for follow up appointments early to mid May. Mostly to remove stitches, and take lots of pictures. But so far as it stands...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebURMHYRTmZqkOL2WhBimrE0_49tLnJbsXK4aDRTIOUye1ZmTNVdCvqGM7YUcvCFwrUH-huGhxhROmu73rF1-RMOaz6I7V7jBDEjEsq6tjV7HlMrpP-nqUiYBlIrGYf8mQcMd8t2bd2w/s1600/mikejello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebURMHYRTmZqkOL2WhBimrE0_49tLnJbsXK4aDRTIOUye1ZmTNVdCvqGM7YUcvCFwrUH-huGhxhROmu73rF1-RMOaz6I7V7jBDEjEsq6tjV7HlMrpP-nqUiYBlIrGYf8mQcMd8t2bd2w/s320/mikejello.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Surgery, Jello tongue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
MIKE IS NOW IN REMISSION! (insert lots of happy dancing here)<br />
<br />
But now its time for that final hat trick. From the very start there was absolutely astonishing generosity, and that got us pretty darned far, <a href="http://helpsavemike.blogspot.com/p/wall-of-awesome.html">Thank You</a>.<br />
<br />
I plan on going back to work as soon as humanly possible, but its hard to do that from a different state. Its going to be a couple more months before that's possible for Mike. My unemployment has run out (it hasn't expired or anything, they're simply out of money to give us) and its going to be a good month or two before I make enough money from whatever job I get to pay any of the bills. So far we've got a pretty mixed bag. Mike is healthy, but our bank accounts have little cobwebs in them, and its a very odd place to be. (Healthy or financially stable, we can seem to bridge both yet.)<br />
<br />
We are always re-checking any resources. Calling all those foundations and associations <a href="http://helpsavemike.blogspot.com/p/test.html#list_of_orgs">we have contacted</a>, and some more (there's always someone we haven't called.) But we keep running into those same walls. We still have the same reasons for not qualifying, and their policies haven't changed. So please, I hate to ask again, I simply can't squeeze any more frugality into our budget. We still need your help. We still need to spread the word. We are so close to getting beyond this. I would dearly love to make sure Mike has a home to come back to.<br />
<br />
As always, all our love, thanks and hope,<br />
Mike and Laura Trethewey<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com<br />
<a href="http://glam-jam.blogspot.com/" style="font-size: 2em;">Art for Mike!</a><br />
<a href="http://helpsavemike.blogspot.com/p/origami-for-mike.html" style="font-size: 2em;">Origami for Mike!</a></div>L. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722093559149392395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-52154347804435397142012-04-12T01:08:00.000-07:002015-07-02T22:07:22.492-07:004/12 Updates!So for a few days Mike and I have been chilling back at home in our apartment mostly enjoying time with our kitty of whom has been spending time with the parents. We've also had a chance to take stock of bills, check the mail and really enjoy sleeping in our own bed. But a couple of things have come up.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/553278_3447214706631_1458589138_32999799_1127498823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/394127_2935290913335_646193508_n.jpg?oh=1b2c899aa249f89b0e930894c6b8b1da&oe=563411D1" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nova</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Firstly, since I am not all-knowing and cannot predict the future, we've been dealing with this medical craziness for about 2 months longer than I had originally hoped. It looks like Mike and I won't be able to go back to work until closer to late May. Granted, the awesomely generous donations got us very far. All of the love, support and continued following of our story is just amazing and I feel like it's not enough for a simple <a href="http://helpsavemike.blogspot.com/p/wall-of-awesome.html">Thank You</a> but it looks like we need a little more help. Bills still need to be paid along with the rent and living up in Seattle for spotty weeks at a time isn't nearly as cheap as I was hoping we could make it. We still have two or so more surgeries coming up with lots of healing time in between and the Oregon government is still not providing any assistance.<br />
<br />
If you've been wanting to help, then this would be an awesome time especially to share this story. It's imperative that we get as many people as possible in the know about this situation. Virginia Mason Medical Center is doing a wonderful job with Mike and helping in any way they can. However, they can't pay the rent and we do have to come home to somewhere.<br />
<br />
Mike's abdominal surgery happens on the 19th and it's going to be one of the more difficult ones. It's the last surgery for the tumors and the doctors are estimating closer to a couple of weeks for recovery in addition to the monitored recovery for about a week in the hospital. After that we're hoping that they will also help with the hernia which will also take more time.<br />
<br />
Otherwise so far Mike is doing pretty well. He's healing quickly from the surgeries and he's excited to be healthy again. We've been keeping a close eye on the job market so we can jump back in as soon as we can.<br />
<br />
Again and always Mike and I cannot simply <a href="http://helpsavemike.blogspot.com/p/wall-of-awesome.html">Thank You</a> enough for your compassion and help. It is a blessing beyond measure.<br />
<br />
--With love from the Trethewey Family<br />
<hr /><div style="text-align: center;"><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" /><input name="return" type="hidden" value="http://miketrethewey.blogspot.com/p/wall-of-awesome.html" /><input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="457RPYE8XUWS6" /><input alt="PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com" border="0" height="47" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" title="PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com" type="image" width="147" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" style="-moz-box-shadow: 0 0 0 !important; -webkit-box-shadow: 0 0 0 !important; border: 0 !important; box-shadow: 0 0 0 !important; height: 1px !important; padding: 0 !important; width: 1px !important;" width="1" /></form>PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com</div>Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-22474001204942696482012-03-28T10:41:00.000-07:002012-03-29T17:53:19.614-07:003/28 Updates!So when this all started back in August we originally went into the emergency room because Mike had some pain in his scrotum. Four or five years ago he was told it was a small hernia. Mike didn't have insurance at the time and decided to put off the hernia surgery until he had the insurance to cover it. Fast forward to now, same niggling pain every time he coughs. The irony of it all? He really did have a hernia the entire time. >.<<br />
<br />
That being said, right now Mike is in surgery for the right side lung They're going to remove the smaller lesion at the bottom of the lung and go after some of the lymph nodes over by his windpipe, near his heart. The test results for the first tumor removed came back relatively benign but there was still a fair bit of teratoma. This basically all translates to "It's not really scary stuff at this point but it does need to be removed cause it can become scary stuff." After this, we remove the one in his "tummy" area. More specifically, it is really over by his kidneys. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-1D1UnPvBALwlgKXJ_6qPflLPuWq6iTvMayI7WKY9VTeIKhRqlbp91VtHUdrKAs5eDKc0yB5hjWr5M8iHWXRn5ClRBpyBrj3z4E6HMLe07O6YjfyEU945vcKbjjHi_X82j-WyiJaPxk/s1600/tumorskeleton.jpg" width="413" height="472" /></td></tr>
</table>This is Bill. He will be our skeleton today demonstrating the location of Mike's "trouble spots." Let's all have a round of applause for Bill the Skeleton!<br />
<br />
Mike is in surgery while I'm writing this, I will post again soon with results.<br />
As always, we cannot say <a href="http://helpsavemike.blogspot.com/p/wall-of-awesome.html">Thank You</a> enough to all who are following our story, helping out, or being an available ear.<br />
<br />
All our love,<br />
M & L Trethewey<div style="text-align:center;"><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" /><input name="return" type="hidden" value="http://miketrethewey.blogspot.com/p/wall-of-awesome.html" /><input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="457RPYE8XUWS6" /><input alt="PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com" border="0" height="47" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" title="PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com" type="image" width="147" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" style="-moz-box-shadow: 0 0 0 !important; -webkit-box-shadow: 0 0 0 !important; border: 0 !important; box-shadow: 0 0 0 !important; height: 1px !important; padding: 0 !important; width: 1px !important;" width="1" /></form>PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com</div>L. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722093559149392395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-11828760328449857142012-03-16T15:51:00.000-07:002012-03-17T13:19:58.546-07:003/16 Updates!So the surgery to remove one of the tumors was performed on March 14th and it went perfectly! Dr. Koehler, the surgeon, was very pleased with how well it went. The tumor that was removed has been sent out for biopsy and we should get the results sometime next week.<br />
<br />
The surgery was performed with a little camera and a mini staple gun. There are three incisions: One for the camera, one for the staple gun/scalpel device, and one for the chest tube.<br />
<br />
The nurses and doctors have been absolutely amazing. I wish I could name them all, but in short, I simply cannot find anything bad to say about the wonderful people that work at Virginia Mason, especially all the folks on floor 16. Their kindness, patience and big hearts are simply indescribable, and it's nice to have Mike in the care of such experts.<br />
<br />
We've been up in Seattle about a week longer than planned. Originally the surgery was scheduled for March 7th but Mike had a bit of a cold and a small fever that morning, so we got rescheduled for the 14th. That being said, all is well so far up here. We would also like to thank our readers for their patience with the gap in posts.<br />
<br />
Your prayers and well-wishes are being heard all the way up here on floor 16, and the view is great :)<br />
<br />
Love, Mike and Laura<br />
<br />
P.S.: After the time of this posting, Mike was released from the hospital and authorized to stay in town.<hr /><div style="text-align:center;">You can do something more to help us out and get more awareness in the world. Check out the "SHARE!" box in the sidebar to the right. Repost to services that you have accounts with, get the word out there.<br />
<br />
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<tr><th><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4xq9qIISu8RlZoydnzev-phQkfLcd1gRuVJULnYZ8ryyh_tX41ACgtoXcGh0BiZ5JB92IdmZ85Cn66aMtf8grxooCPDDozF-RaPKw8uyWiBqUsDwZVEQEOD-ZBL0tcvUXPGfrCIXMnPS/s24/gplusone.png" /></th><th>-></th><th><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWuMZ73iYdMnhqnp8MNIxa5xFDkiYU-xcj1fZuRyJx84T7NkyYcKgQqKgawFIIf4L_jboh_aPqAPDy1mXBxavH1jazOgvP7NvITGHyyqqf9_KIvanK004nndOQm13__XhnuwXhRMsFTlC/s24/gplusoned.png" /></th></tr>
</table></div>Mike A. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15613260143605951998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-58300564392656753032012-02-29T06:52:00.000-08:002012-02-29T07:19:50.542-08:002/29 Updates!Pretty much good news, and more good news! Mike's first surgery (and if the biopsy comes back clean, only surgery) is on Wednesday the 7th! We of course will be sure to let all you awesome people how it goes.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfvmn10BxgMORY9akJBDcD_c2bREWzPNgPx__wmTWUlDFE5SdxzZ2b8D8jMOEuFlADQyrSV19DoVgJF_GT17TVWOWb3KJaOT-m0esBUK8GJLNdoCOxMEPTU44iLZ-XJd8IRR_HI39AoI/s1600/novaandmikesmilesbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfvmn10BxgMORY9akJBDcD_c2bREWzPNgPx__wmTWUlDFE5SdxzZ2b8D8jMOEuFlADQyrSV19DoVgJF_GT17TVWOWb3KJaOT-m0esBUK8GJLNdoCOxMEPTU44iLZ-XJd8IRR_HI39AoI/s200/novaandmikesmilesbed.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike and Nova </td></tr>
</tbody></table>On a slightly different track, some strange awesomeness has been happening. But before I get into it too far, I must make something <i>very</i> clear. Our fundraising was cut short of the $5,000 goal, because at $4,500 is bare minimum required to make sure Mike would have a roof over his head, reliable transportation, food, and other necessities. Also any medications that may need to be purchased out of pocket, and transportation costs from here to Seattle on what will be a somewhat regular basis. We simply can not <a href="http://helpsavemike.blogspot.com/p/wall-of-awesome.html">Thank You</a> all enough for the help, sanity, peace of mind and having the tools available to save Mike's life. :)<br />
That being said, for some inexplicably generous reason, some of our readers feel that is is still prudent to donate <i>even</i> more. Granted, we could use a little more, but I feel that it is unrealistic to ask for more than the bare minimum. Everyone works very hard for their income, and although Mike and I are in a bizarre situation of need, I feel that it's important to respect that. Especially now that the financial barrier between Mike surviving this has been crossed. We still have <i>lots</i> of old medical bills and other debts to friends and family that we would dearly love to pay off. However Mike and I plan on doing the bulk of that when we can get back to work. This is the expectation that I feel is more than reasonable. It's not fair by any means that this has happened to Mike, however he will survive this, and I am more than satisfied with this. I believe we all can be.<br />
<br />
So, we will be putting the PayPal buttons back up, because, frankly it's terrible to look a gift horse in the mouth. Unless you specify it is for Mike and I to go enjoy some sushi for the first time in forever, it will still go towards old medical bills, and related debts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://helpsavemike.blogspot.com/p/wall-of-awesome.html">Thank You</a> all for your hope, compassion, heart-stopping generosity, time, and love.<br />
<br />
♥,<br />
Mike & Laura Trethewey<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">You can do something more to help us out and get more awareness in the world. Check out the "SHARE!" box in the sidebar to the right. Repost to services that you have accounts with, get the word out there.<br />
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" /><input name="return" type="hidden" value="http://miketrethewey.blogspot.com/p/wall-of-awesome.html" /><input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="457RPYE8XUWS6" /><input alt="PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com" border="0" height="47" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" title="PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com" type="image" width="147" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" style="-moz-box-shadow: 0 0 0 !important; -webkit-box-shadow: 0 0 0 !important; border: 0 !important; box-shadow: 0 0 0 !important; height: 1px !important; padding: 0 !important; width: 1px !important;" width="1" /></form>PayPal to miketrethewey@gmail.com</div>L. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722093559149392395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-59018263158633659662012-02-24T05:57:00.000-08:002012-02-24T05:57:06.433-08:002/24 UpdatesOn the 21st Mike and I went to <a href="http://www.virginiamason.org/">Virginia Mason Medical Center</a> (VMMC) in downtown Seattle for a full day of appointments. Mike got poked a lot and we got to meet all of the amazing people who are going to be working with him. It was also very cool to meet Sam, the Testicular Cancer RN Specialist that put a lot of this into motion for us. <br />
<br />
They will perform the surgery and keep an eye on him for the next six months. We're still waiting for scheduling of the next appointments.<br />
<br />
The stuff up in the air right now is what kind of surgery we want to go for.<br />
The options are:<ol><li>Go in for the easy-to-get-at tumor (also shorter recovery) and run a biopsy. If it has <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/cgi/mesh/2011/MB_cgi?field=uid&term=D018242">Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors</a> (PNET) go in and get anything else.<br />
If we do go in for everything else, there will be a much longer recovery, but VMMC will cover it.</li>
<li>The doctors decide to go in for all of the tumors anyway because PNET was in the original tumor that was removed before chemotherapy.</li>
<li>The doctors decide on something not mentioned here.</li>
</ol>Either way, we are waiting to hear back. We will hear back from the doctors in about a week and the surgery should be shortly after that. We will definitely keep you all posted!<br />
<br />
Thanks for all your love and awesomeness!<br />
<br />
♥,<br />
Mr. & Mrs. TL. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722093559149392395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-40936744960850580902012-02-17T03:54:00.000-08:002012-02-17T04:18:13.023-08:002/16 Updates<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecOhqi7_kYjAQAgNFcKKJF2q0r7dBvlI7nsu-my_-T1n5DrqJyNtqcl934X3YwmJxj1OQbOhWMMmnwBVT2T3DQ0nmOnUBbk1nKitQcjh6JYI-WIR7jaS8nCYbnny0ck-I3yAwmR7XTmk/s1600/smile+cute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecOhqi7_kYjAQAgNFcKKJF2q0r7dBvlI7nsu-my_-T1n5DrqJyNtqcl934X3YwmJxj1OQbOhWMMmnwBVT2T3DQ0nmOnUBbk1nKitQcjh6JYI-WIR7jaS8nCYbnny0ck-I3yAwmR7XTmk/s200/smile+cute.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding 9/9/11</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Wow, where to even begin?<br />
<br />
At this time we have finally reached something resembling a resolution for immediate care. Our appreciation and thankfulness cannot be adequately expressed for everyone's donations.<br />
<br />
Virginia Mason Medical Center has finished processing our application (after two months) for financial assistance and, even though we are out of state, has accepted Mike for medical assistance, namely the surgery. Granted, before we jump out of seats and shout (trust me, I did) this is just the beginning of the journey. We are in Beaverton, Oregon and they are in Seattle Washington. Travel and tons of other expenses are going to crop up. So do not worry, any hard-earned money sent our way is still very much going to go towards saving Mike's life and his continued health. After the surgery, there are still lots of follow-up appointments and various testing to make sure he's still okay. <br />
<br />
One hurdle jumped and feeling primed and ready for a hundred more! The emails containing your kindness, support and sharing of your stories are simply worth their weight in gold. Not to mention, the ability to keep a roof over this guy's head is simply priceless.<br />
<br />
We have removed the PayPal button for now because as far as I (the wife) can tell, what we have raised so far should be enough to get us beyond the other 99 hurdles ahead of us. If more chemotherapy or surgery is needed, I'm sure we can come back and re-assess the situation, but everyone's overwhelming generosity has simply been flooring, and we thank you all for that.<br />
<br />
♥,<br />
<br />
Mike & Laura<br />
<br />L. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722093559149392395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842561979761728938.post-79813778849803800052012-02-10T21:51:00.000-08:002012-02-17T03:37:41.071-08:00Intro<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEQIxR4iStPt59ncThRHcvtCZ-caLdgdYIdB4cVgtH5fV57Ui9tTNrb9-yWjKb9qogqr11VbXi1zoD3AXyslId9xlWlLglwCZqWWFvvggWQJQh7XyQOMBjlr5xgji9kTWR5mGQKB9Lfg/s1600/111106_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEQIxR4iStPt59ncThRHcvtCZ-caLdgdYIdB4cVgtH5fV57Ui9tTNrb9-yWjKb9qogqr11VbXi1zoD3AXyslId9xlWlLglwCZqWWFvvggWQJQh7XyQOMBjlr5xgji9kTWR5mGQKB9Lfg/s200/111106_0001.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike During Chemotherapy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mike is currently battling cancer, and will become terminal without immediate care. At this time he is uninsured and not receiving care, we are trying to fix this.<br />
<br />
In August of 2011 Mike was diagnosed with stage two, <a href="http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/AdvancedCancer/DetailedGuide/advanced-cancer-what-is-metastatic-cancer">metastatic</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testicular_cancer">testicular cancer</a>. And although we were able to finish three rounds of chemotherapy, we were unable to get a life-saving surgery before our insurance ran out. We lost Kaiser Permanente insurance because we could not afford the monthly premiums. Kaiser won't take him back without making him jump through almost as many hoops as Disability does. <br />
<br />
The problem is that we do not have-- adequately available to us --the government resources that were originally thought available. Mike and I live in the state of Oregon, the first resource for insurance after we lost <a href="http://www.kp.org/">Kaiser Permanente</a> coverage, was the <a href="http://www.oregon.gov/OHA/healthplan/">Oregon Health Plan</a> (OHP). We applied several times and were denied. It wasn't until after I (the wife) called <a href="http://www.merkley.senate.gov/">Senator Jeff Merkley's</a> office that the <a href="http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/">Department of Human Services</a> (they manage OHP, and other services) finally called us and told us why we didn't qualify. OHP has not been covering patients with healthcare since 2004, and unless you were pregnant or terminal they had to refer you elsewhere.<br />
<br />
So we called the <a href="http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spwpd/offices.shtml#washington">Department for Disability and Seniors</a>, which in short, we don't qualify for, for a number of silly reasons. We've been told to apply anyway and appeal any denial of services. This process I was told can take a minimum of a year. Frankly we don't have that kind of time, our Doctor has made this very clear. We have applied, we haven't heard back yet. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBc0ILyslwGMwZzyQxYUrqstOv0WydsIF_lbfGE1CcHBGHF_CzdTlMbPeRG7t3RiHFry9uLaQKJbfEZO4eJh4Xpf_9SdCZ5uA9g4gyvlHRJ2Og4xH6jAUNxbiyxI0Suh_Ahe45uzoA-4/s1600/protmancancerhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBc0ILyslwGMwZzyQxYUrqstOv0WydsIF_lbfGE1CcHBGHF_CzdTlMbPeRG7t3RiHFry9uLaQKJbfEZO4eJh4Xpf_9SdCZ5uA9g4gyvlHRJ2Og4xH6jAUNxbiyxI0Suh_Ahe45uzoA-4/s200/protmancancerhat.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike is My Hero!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mike, at this time, is not terminal. He is still very curable and can still live a very long, full, and happy life IF we can get him insurance as soon as possible. <br />
<br />
Navigating this financial/health-care maze has been trying, and very confusing at the best of times. But with enough patience and hard work Mike will be okay. Currently Our best option is FMIP (Federal Medical Insurance Pool) for out of pocket coverage. This is what the fundraising is for.<br />
<br />
Thank you for you time and compassion if you would like to help please refer to the <a href="http://helpsavemike.blogspot.com/p/timeline.html">How Can I Help?</a> page.L. Tretheweyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722093559149392395noreply@blogger.com1