My son, Ian, called me at work about noon to give me a report on the doctors visit for Don. He says the doctor thinks it is a benign tumor, but it could be malignant. Most of the tumors in this area of the brain are benign. They are going to watch it for 8 weeks and then make a decision as to what needs to be done. Don is travelling home from Birmingham now, and I will get more details when he gets here. My smart son, the one who I birthed, who learned at my knee for many years, who takes after me in so many ways….recorded the visit and will send me a copy of the recording. So, I can hear the whole thing for myself. Yes…he’s a smart one, a real keeper. I feel real good knowing he is using that way too expensive recording device that he just HAD to have to stay current in all his classes. And, truth be told, he knows I would ask way too many questions that he would have to answer, so this is a much easier and more efficient way.

I’ll fill you in when I have more info. Thanks for caring and praying!

Somebody stop me…quick! I have just eaten 2 (TWO) nutty buddy ice cream bars and I want another one. Doesn’t sound as if I am stressed or anything, does it? Not that I have anything to be stressed about. And haven’t you heard that “stressed” is “desserts” spelled backwords. Coincidence , you say? I think not! I know…KNOW…KNOW that I do not need to eat another one. O.K. (deep breath)…I’m fine…just a little minor setback…I can handle this. I’m really not hungry…I just THINK I want another ice cream…I really don’t….that’s just the stress talking. What I REALLY want…… the calm and collected, sane me….. is …a big piece of Godiva Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory that does not live in my town, but is all I have been thinking about since Tracey brought it up! I knew it was going to be like this today when before I went to work I had to stop in at Walgreen’s and buy Afrin Nasal Spray and a bag of Dove Dark Chocolates and a large Diet Dr. Pepper. HELP!!!!! What makes these Nutty Buddy’s so good is they are made with PEANUT BUTTER ice cream with a center of CHOCOLATE…and waaaaay down at the bottom of the delicious sugar cone…the bottom 1/3 is also filled with chocolate! YES…You read me right. A delight for the taste buds…don’t ya think? NO, No, No…I do NOT want another ice cream….I know it’s not good for me or my hips….so, there is only 1 thing to do to stop this insanity….I’ve got to get my mind out of the refrigerator! O.K….all together now…what is the only solution to this problem of mine?…..YEAH!!! I hear you talking…I KNEW I could count on you girls to help a friend out…see ya later…I’ll show you my new shoes when I get back!!!

Just a quik note to let you know we finally got an appointment for Don in Birmingham. The young lady, Kara, who was so helpful during my meltdown with the office here, called me around noon yesterday to tell me that they still did not have an appt., but she was working on it and would get back to me soon. And she did. About an hour later, she called with an appt. — Wednesday morning at 9:oo. So Don and a very dear family friend are leaving this afternoon and will spend the night in Birmingham and be ready for the appt. on Wed. My youngest son, Ian, will be able to go to the appt. with them.

Because this came up so fast, I will not be able to go. This is program week at my school and I have programs Tue., Wed., and Thur. mornings. This is fine with Don, he knows I would be there if I could.

I may not be going…but I am sending a list of questions. Men…they never ask the right questions…or any questions at all sometimes.

So, please think of us in the morning and ask for God’s grace and mercy and healing power. I thank you again for your concerns. Will post as soon as I hear anything. Blessings….

Yes, I finally did get through to someone in charge yesterday…but not without a fight. I called their office at 8:03 . “This is Beverly, may I help you?” “I’d like to speak to your Office Manager, please.” “Can I help you?” “No, thank-you, I’d like to talk to your O.M.” “She is busy right now, I’ll have to take a message.” “No, I’ll wait to speak to her, please.” Cue music…1, 2, 3, 4, minutes. “Hello, may I help you?” Yes, I would like to speak with the O.M.” “She’s not in today.” “Well, I’ve been on hold for her for 5 minutes.” “Oh, well, let me check.” Cue Music…1,2, minutes. “No,mam, she’s not here.” “O.K. then let me speak with Beverly.”
“This is Beverly, may I help you?” “Hi, Beverly, this is Mrs.—–again. Remember, when you put me on hold for 5 minutes waiting for your O.M….now I’m told she is not there. What’s up, Bev?” ” Well, actually, we don’t even have an O.M.” “Oh, well, who was I holding for?” “I was just looking for someone who could help you.” “Did you find someone?” “No, I’m still looking.” I PROMISE I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP!!!!! “Beverly, is there anyone in charge, there?” “Well, I guess it would just be the doctors, but none of them are here now.” “Just let me speak to someone who is in a position of authority,PLEASE”. “Hold, please.” Cue music…1,2,3,4,”This is Kara, may I help you?” Kara, are YOU the office manager?” “No, but I am the scheduling supervisor.” “Well, let me tell you a story….”
She was extremely nice and helpful. She took all the info down, and said she would check on it and call back within 10 minutes…she called in 5. She found out that the holdup is in B’ham, because they did not have enough info from the office here. She faxed it to them yesterday and since they closed at noon on Friday…we should hear on Monday. She gave me her personal number, so I wouldn’t have to deal with the clowns in the office. So…we’re still waiting. I bet those girls were mad in that office, but I don’t care. Mistakes I can forgive, but just inefficency and a lack of attention to important matters is inexcusable when you are dealing with someone’s health.