Thanks be for rollover minutes.

I don't use my phone as an actually phone much these days, but since I got the diagnosis last Friday my phone has been in use nearly constantly. I'm burning through my AT&T rollover minutes in a hurry. I still have a bunch left, but still.

Today I've been feeling the push-pull of different people who want me to make decisions, ASAP -- and balancing that with lack of information. I finally talked to Mayo directly and am making progress towards getting in to the the guy that I want to see.

It appears that if I stay with Healthpartners, they wouldn't cover any of the cost of mayo -- 100% out of pocket. But apparently UCare would cover Mayo fully with only a miniscule copay -- including hospitalizations, etc. I missed the window to talk to the MinnesotaCare colks today to see about changing my provider. I feel that they might make me wait until the end of the month for it to be effective, or perhaps longer. The good news is that UCare also covers my primary care physician (Dr. Larry) and the original Urologist, Dr. Ungawa (not his real name), who h is apparently one of the top men in his field, but definitely lack some in the communicating-with-patients department.

Tomorrow I go back for another day of teaching at Big Box Driving School. I taught today and I love the curriculum, the students, my new boss is great and very understanding. It keeps me focused and from feeling useless, which otherwise I'm sure I would do. Too much time off, as I know well, can be very toxic.

I was reflecting today that this is not my first major life changing medical event. My motorcycle crashes in 1991 and 2005 were significant. My diverticulosis episode is still a recent memory. So While some may say that I have a grey cloud hanging over my head or 10d6 of Unluck, at least I'm better than most (I flatter myself) at dealing with catastrophes. I'm good at compartmentalizing things, mentally shelving things until the next day and taking it -- to use a well-worn phrase -- one day at a time.

I've had so much support from family and friends that I am feeling that I may never be able to repay this debt of gratitude. Everyone has been hugely helpful, most noteworthy my mother and brother, R, J, G, the McMasterson's.

I really appreciate all the little notes too. It means a huge amount just to get the texts and FB notes that say "hang in there" or what have you. Its easy to feel alone in this time and everyone has been very good at keeping in touch and distracting me.