 |
| my basic philosophy |
I know it's been over a week since I've posted. But despite sheltering at home, we have been busy. It was grandson's birthday Wednesday as well as my first genetic counseling meeting at the hospital. For the birthday, we simply picked up a Raspberry Mousse cake at Central Market (which was fabulous) and the 3 of us had a quiet celebration here at home.
His parents will get together with him this weekend for their own masked quiet celebration at a local park. For those who don't remember, they moved from Hawaii (where they have been living on Oahu for the last 3 years) to Texas a few months ago and settled in a small town about 2 hours from here. She works as a nurse at a local hospital there - which apparently is getting Covid patients shipped in from El Paso and elsewhere.
As for the genetic counseling... this is something my Oncologist recommended as we have quite a lot of cancer in the family -maternal grandmother (Ovarian), father (Gall bladder), sister (Gastric), nephrew (Leukiemia), brother (Pancreatic), and myself (BC).
The consultation was very interesting. The woman who talked with us for about an hour was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I asked a million questions and she was able to answer them all. The reason for getting tested to see if you carry the genes for specific cancers is to give you the chance if you are positive to be monitored more often. It's also to let your kids know that if you are positive, there's a 50% chance that they are also. At my age I'm not sure if I care to know, but do think it might be good for my kids to know while they are still young.
Also a few things happened this week that kept us either on the phone, texting, Skyping, or Zooming. My son-in-law's father died, as did a good friend of my daughter's. My son's stepson has been diagnosed with Covid in Kentucky as has another friend's son here. Two fathers and one mom of my pottery group friends have Covid. Things are getting a bit closer to home. We haven't seen any of these people, but still it affects us. My prayer list is getting longer every day.
With the holidays coming, I'm praying that people will not let down their guard... but I'm afraid that they will. We won't. The 3 of us will celebrate alone - but possibly Skype with other family members. I truly believe that this won't be forever... and when it's all over, we will get together and make up for this lost year.
So... keep the faith! We will get through this. And thank goodness we have these blogs to share our thoughts and feelings. Reading yours and sharing mine is good balm to my soul.
I'm going to leave with just one mention of the election. Someone brought this up somewhere and it made me stop and think. If some consider the voting fraudulent, doesn't that make all the people on the ballot in jeopardy - not just the president? Something to think about...
Have a wonderful weekend! Enjoyed reading everyone's blogs today even if I didn't comment on all. Enjoy reading the comments too!!
Hugs (virtual),
Rian
Genetic counseling is a great idea and I wish it had been available when I was younger and could have avoided some health pitfalls. For you it will help your succeeding generations to beware.
ReplyDeleteGot to admit, the nap is a great escape:))
I agree! Naps are my favorite retirement perk! (and good escape during this pandemic)
DeleteSorry to hear about the passings, this time of year always seems to bring more and this year especially. Sending positive thoughts that those affected by Covid will recover.
ReplyDeleteThese days I'm grateful that my family is small. Christmas will be special though as Eli is now old enough to remember last year and I imagine he'll have us all up at o'dark early!
Take care and stay well!
Hoping you and your family have a good Christmas. Enjoy and stay safe.
DeleteI too notice, even with Covid, this time of year is when so many people die. I too am sorry to hear about the cases of Covid so close to home. I am also praying for this to be over sometime next year. Sending you many blessings and gratitude for every post! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, DJan. Stay well and don't let your guard down. Keeping you and hubby in my prayers.
DeleteDid Medicare cover your genetic counseling and if so do you know under what circumstances they cover it? (I assume they don't cover in every case.) Also, what kind of information did you get from the counselor? Don't they test you for certain genes or markers or something like that? Anyway, would love to know more, and hope you do another post on the topic.
ReplyDeleteYes, we were told that Medicare would cover the genetic testing... not the counseling. We were told that was $100. They put it all through Medicare, and bill you later. As for under what circumstances, I'm not sure. My Oncologist recommended it, that could be a factor. They do test for certain gene markers (and how they do this is fascinating). This particular testing is just for "cancer"... and the counseling is to explain how it works as well as to see if you are a good candidate. I will do another post on it once the results come in.
DeleteYou HAVE been busy. That counseling is a terrific step for you & your family. Medical (anything medical) preventive services is the "in thing" to do, and I agree ... in your case, helping future generations.
ReplyDeleteLoss of friends & family is hard to fathom at times, but I try to find the positive in it...those no longer suffer & we that are left behind hurt but eventually, the memories bring smiles of the good times & laughter shared.
Anni, all you say is true. I'm so glad you are a blogger friend as I love seeing your pics and hearing what you have to say... even though I don't always comment. You are so lucky to live where you do and enjoy all the nature around you.
Deletei know we will be happy that we kept our guard up, i have not really been around anyone, except outdoors. my knitting group, we all wore masks and stayed six feet apart!!
ReplyDeletei agree about the genetic testing, it will be helpful to others in the family!!
it will be just the 3 of us for thanksgiving, my son works from home and has not been in contact with others. i am just so excited to see him, i have not seen him since last christmas!!!
It is so great that you will have your son with you for Thanksgiving. Our 3 children and their spouses all work outside the home and 2 of them in hospitals so we don't get to see them during this craziness. But I keep telling myself that it won't be forever.
DeleteHi Rian! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment! You have a wonderful blog and I LOVE all your cat pictures! I am a big cat lover. Your genetic counseling is very interesting. I will look forward to hearing more about it as there has been a lot of cancer in my family. Take care!
ReplyDeleteWell, we are definitely 'cat people' who have had cats our whole married life (52 years). At one time, we had 8, but most of the time 3. However, we lost our last cat (the gray on the bottom right) not long ago. She was 15 and had genetic kidney problems. It is so strange not to have a cat in the house, but we have several feral ones outside that we supply food, water, and sanctuary.
Delete