Most of you have a favorite time of year, mine happens to be spring. There is nothing quite like waking up to 40 degree tempatures then driving home from work to a warming 70 degree breeze! Among the many things I love about the spring, the beginning Reds baseball happens to be my favorite. I know.. the Reds are almost always dissapointing but I am truely not a fair weather fan. My Dad instilled a love for the Reds in me when I was just a little boy and that passion continues today. I remember in 1990 (the last time the Reds won the world series) my Dad out in the front yard screaming at the top of his lungs after that final pitch verse the Oakland A's. I remember my favorite players; the like of Chris Sabo, Billy Hatcher, Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, and who can forget the Nasty Boys. I use to love driving up with my brother and Dad to the games and coming over the hill in Cincinnati to see Riverfront Stadium and big city. To me, that was the greatest time. I remember walking across the bridge from Newport and looking down into the water and wondering whether the Reds would pull off the win. I remember always taking in my baseball glove in the hopes of catching a foul ball. I remember driving home after the game with Dad as he listened to 700 WLW and soothing sounds of Marty Brennamen and Joe Nuxhall analyze yet another Reds victory (or loss). I remember the crack of the bat during batting practice and the smell of hot dogs wafting through the air. yes, those indeed where simpilier times. There was no thoughts of Lupus, chemotherapy, kidney disease, and worries about how long I would live. There was no morning sickness from the scores of pills that I have to take, no afternoon lupus fog that impairs my thinking. There was no worrying that I may never find the women Im suppose to be with or whether or not I will ever have a family. Yes, simplier times.
Yet, through everything, this spring season gives me hope. Hope that I can live it to its fullest and enjoy the smells and sounds of the ballpark once again; the hope that I can enjoy a brisk walk on the golf course as I try and keep up with the forever long drives of my brother Adam, the hope that one day I will find that person I am suppose to be with. Through everything, God is faithful and Good. He provides in unimaginable ways and I know if I remain faithful to him, he will make sure that I have everything I need (not necessarily everything I want).
Today, I encourage each of you to exam what God had done in your life and to look forward to this spring for all the good things it brings.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Healthcare Reform.. or as some people call it "Obamacare"
Ok so the point of the blog is not to write on political ideology or opinions but since I do mainly focus on my health when I write, it is necessary to give my thoughts on the sweeping healthcare reform signed by President Obama on Tuesday.
First, let me say this; no matter what your political affiliation or ideology is, it is a widely acccepted fact that our health care system in the United States is severly broken. The only question or conflict is how to fix it. I believe our fundamental flaws with the current system can be summed up in about 3 points.
1. Over-inflated cost of healthcare.
This seems to be obvious. Has anyone gotten a bill from a hospital lately or from a doctor's office after after having a procedure? The cost of care is out of this word. As an example, I had a simple CT Scan with contrast performed about a month ago. The total cost of the scan and the room I occupied at UK hospital for 4 hours was over $3,000! Another example, I had a lung function test around the same time period and was billed $2,400 for that procedure. Now I won't have to pay that entire amount because thankfully I have insurance that will cover a big chunk of the cost but think about people who do not have this privilage. I have even recieved bills for tylenol that I recieved during impatient care that totaled $100 or more for just a few doses!
2. The cost of Mal-Practice Insurance Coverage
This one coincides with my previous point. One of the main reasons that health care is so expensive is because doctors must carry mal-practice insurance with premiums that skyrocket in the tens of thousand per year. This is because many patients sue doctors over unfavorable outcomes during treatments or surgeries that they knew were risky to begin with. Tort reform in this area making it more difficult to sue doctors is a necessary step to decreasing the cost of care.
3. Insurance Company Polices
Finally, the largest disfunction in our system is the Insurance companies. Currently, a company can cap your lifetime benefit leaving someone with a terminal illness with medical bills that must be paid by the estate or by loved ones simply because the care that was paid for by the insurance company exceeded the limit. Another flaw of the insurance companies is exluding people based on pre-existing conditions.
The reform signed by our President will allow people to get the medical coverage they deserve at a price that is reasonable. Still, much work needs to be done with revamping tort reform and the skyrocketing cost of medical care. Luckily, I have good insurance that takes care of my needs. Even with my insurance I am faced with very high out of pocket costs that I still am not sure how I am going to pay. I know that God will provide a way, he always does but think of the people who must file bankruptcy because they were unlucky enough to be diagnosed with a horrible condition? This is unexcusable.
Ok, I think I am done with the political stuff for now. Again, my blog will never be about politics and will mainly focus on my health but I did want to address this.
On another note, Im still feeling well although I have been having trouble sleeping recently (probably from the crazy high doses of steroids im on). Please continue to keep me in your prayers, as I will keep you all in mine.
Kyle
First, let me say this; no matter what your political affiliation or ideology is, it is a widely acccepted fact that our health care system in the United States is severly broken. The only question or conflict is how to fix it. I believe our fundamental flaws with the current system can be summed up in about 3 points.
1. Over-inflated cost of healthcare.
This seems to be obvious. Has anyone gotten a bill from a hospital lately or from a doctor's office after after having a procedure? The cost of care is out of this word. As an example, I had a simple CT Scan with contrast performed about a month ago. The total cost of the scan and the room I occupied at UK hospital for 4 hours was over $3,000! Another example, I had a lung function test around the same time period and was billed $2,400 for that procedure. Now I won't have to pay that entire amount because thankfully I have insurance that will cover a big chunk of the cost but think about people who do not have this privilage. I have even recieved bills for tylenol that I recieved during impatient care that totaled $100 or more for just a few doses!
2. The cost of Mal-Practice Insurance Coverage
This one coincides with my previous point. One of the main reasons that health care is so expensive is because doctors must carry mal-practice insurance with premiums that skyrocket in the tens of thousand per year. This is because many patients sue doctors over unfavorable outcomes during treatments or surgeries that they knew were risky to begin with. Tort reform in this area making it more difficult to sue doctors is a necessary step to decreasing the cost of care.
3. Insurance Company Polices
Finally, the largest disfunction in our system is the Insurance companies. Currently, a company can cap your lifetime benefit leaving someone with a terminal illness with medical bills that must be paid by the estate or by loved ones simply because the care that was paid for by the insurance company exceeded the limit. Another flaw of the insurance companies is exluding people based on pre-existing conditions.
The reform signed by our President will allow people to get the medical coverage they deserve at a price that is reasonable. Still, much work needs to be done with revamping tort reform and the skyrocketing cost of medical care. Luckily, I have good insurance that takes care of my needs. Even with my insurance I am faced with very high out of pocket costs that I still am not sure how I am going to pay. I know that God will provide a way, he always does but think of the people who must file bankruptcy because they were unlucky enough to be diagnosed with a horrible condition? This is unexcusable.
Ok, I think I am done with the political stuff for now. Again, my blog will never be about politics and will mainly focus on my health but I did want to address this.
On another note, Im still feeling well although I have been having trouble sleeping recently (probably from the crazy high doses of steroids im on). Please continue to keep me in your prayers, as I will keep you all in mine.
Kyle
Friday, March 19, 2010
A good week, beautiful weather..
Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know what was going on this week. I have felt very good this week in terms of my health and I credit that to high doses of prednisone. At least I have no pain but I stayed wired all the time! This week went by pretty slow at the Bank due to the basketball tournaments going on. Sweet Sixteen and the NCAA's (no one cares about the NIT) so I was glad that Friday rolled around. Get this, I even left a little early today and walked a 9 hole practice round of golf (yeah I actually walked). I think that is a very good sign that my lungs are getting a little better. Tomorrow I am looking foward to no work and playing golf with Adam and his group at Woodford Hills Country Club. Of course, no Saturday morning would be complete without cheese and eggs at waffle house!
Thank you everyone for continuing to read my blog, it proves to be quite theraputic to write. Have a great weekend and I will catch up with you next week.
Kyle
Thank you everyone for continuing to read my blog, it proves to be quite theraputic to write. Have a great weekend and I will catch up with you next week.
Kyle
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Feeling Much better, thankfully..../Thankful for Nurses
Hey everyone, just wanted to give you all an update on post chemotherapy. This past weekend was quite rough. I was very nauseated and fatigued from my third round of chemo that I had on Thursday. This was expected because it has happened the last two times. Thankfully I had the weekend to recover. Yesterday I woke up and felt great! No joint pain, No Nausea, No Fatigue. I put in a full day in the office and was actually productive so I am definately thankful. My doctor says that the intent of this chemo is to get me into a full remission and I confident that it will do so. Thank you everyone who called, texted, emailed during the last few days offering enouragement. It truely helps even though I rarely respond with much. (sorry, when Im sick I dont have alot of energy to respond to texts, emails, and calls). But I still enjoy and appreciate getting them.
Thinking back on my experience so far with chemotherapy, I would be remiss to not mention a great influence in my treatment. There is a Markey Cancer Center nurse named Deborah who has been my primary infusion nurse during my treatments. Let me tell you, she is awesome. From giving the I.V. to explaining chemo side effects, she is an exceptional health care provider. My last treatment, she wasn't actually the nurse who did the infusion but she knew I was in the unit that day. She took the time to come in my room and talk to me for roughly 30 minutes about how I was doing and to go over some lab results. I wasn't even her case but she came in anyway to just to see how I was and offer support. I learned something in addition that day, she is also a cancer survivor who has gone through the same cytoxan treatment. Come to think about it, every side effect she told me about came true, even the timing of the side effects. I guess she would know. Now in my course of treatment, I have seen alot of nurses, but she is by far the most caring individual I have come into contact with. The very first treatment, she took the time to sit with me and go over in detail everything about the chemo. This took about an hour even though she had other patients in the unit. During treatment, she always makes sure I am comfortable with plenty of drinks, blankets, etc. Plus, she treats my family as important and attends to their needs as well. I will be writing a letter to the Markey Cancer Center commending Deborah and even though I am going through a tough chemo process, she makes things alot easier.
Sorry to ramble but its been on my mind to mention her in my blog. I am so thankful for her and for every person who is a nurse. They deal with so much and when it comes to patient care, they are at the forefront. I saw this day in and day out with Amber and how she attended to the preemie babies in the UK NICU. Im not sure how she gathered the strength each day to help these babies live in their earliest days while keeping it together emotionally. If you have a nurse in your life, please thank them and let them know that what they do doesn't go unnoticed. In my opinion, the real thanks goes to nurses, not doctors.
Thinking back on my experience so far with chemotherapy, I would be remiss to not mention a great influence in my treatment. There is a Markey Cancer Center nurse named Deborah who has been my primary infusion nurse during my treatments. Let me tell you, she is awesome. From giving the I.V. to explaining chemo side effects, she is an exceptional health care provider. My last treatment, she wasn't actually the nurse who did the infusion but she knew I was in the unit that day. She took the time to come in my room and talk to me for roughly 30 minutes about how I was doing and to go over some lab results. I wasn't even her case but she came in anyway to just to see how I was and offer support. I learned something in addition that day, she is also a cancer survivor who has gone through the same cytoxan treatment. Come to think about it, every side effect she told me about came true, even the timing of the side effects. I guess she would know. Now in my course of treatment, I have seen alot of nurses, but she is by far the most caring individual I have come into contact with. The very first treatment, she took the time to sit with me and go over in detail everything about the chemo. This took about an hour even though she had other patients in the unit. During treatment, she always makes sure I am comfortable with plenty of drinks, blankets, etc. Plus, she treats my family as important and attends to their needs as well. I will be writing a letter to the Markey Cancer Center commending Deborah and even though I am going through a tough chemo process, she makes things alot easier.
Sorry to ramble but its been on my mind to mention her in my blog. I am so thankful for her and for every person who is a nurse. They deal with so much and when it comes to patient care, they are at the forefront. I saw this day in and day out with Amber and how she attended to the preemie babies in the UK NICU. Im not sure how she gathered the strength each day to help these babies live in their earliest days while keeping it together emotionally. If you have a nurse in your life, please thank them and let them know that what they do doesn't go unnoticed. In my opinion, the real thanks goes to nurses, not doctors.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Chemotherapy... a long day...
Yesterday I had my third chemo treatment. I arrived at Uk hospital at 8 am which is when my treatment starts but after getting in my room the doctor called and said to wait unitl the biopsy results of the lymp nodes came back (they were suppose to be back on Wednesday.) The results came back as negative for lymphoma so I was very happy with that. The chemo then started around 2 P.M. Fortunately, I was still able to make my 6:30 Walk for Lupus Now meeting.
During the treatment, my doctor came to visit and we talked at length about my condition. She said that only 73 cases have ever been reported for the Shrinking Lung Syndrome so it is very rare. In a couple of weeks I will be starting a clinical trial for this condition that is aimed at better understanding the phenomenon. Basically, I will wear a magnetic device on my sternum and back that track the signals between my lungs and diaphram (which is what causes the breathlessness). Now, what this will help will be nothing but it will help doctors better understand what his happening in this complication of Lupus and how to treat it.
I have also been starting to plan a trip to the Cleveland Clinic for futher evaluation of my lupus and to determine if the treatment I am currently on is the best for me. I will give you more updates as that develops.
In other news, I can't wait for the game today. Unfortunately I have to work but the Bank will be putting the game on all in-branch T.V.s so I wont miss a thing! This is one of my favorite times of year because of March Madness, the warming of the weather, and the new season of the Cincinnati Reds!
Until Next time, thanks for reading my blog
Kyle
During the treatment, my doctor came to visit and we talked at length about my condition. She said that only 73 cases have ever been reported for the Shrinking Lung Syndrome so it is very rare. In a couple of weeks I will be starting a clinical trial for this condition that is aimed at better understanding the phenomenon. Basically, I will wear a magnetic device on my sternum and back that track the signals between my lungs and diaphram (which is what causes the breathlessness). Now, what this will help will be nothing but it will help doctors better understand what his happening in this complication of Lupus and how to treat it.
I have also been starting to plan a trip to the Cleveland Clinic for futher evaluation of my lupus and to determine if the treatment I am currently on is the best for me. I will give you more updates as that develops.
In other news, I can't wait for the game today. Unfortunately I have to work but the Bank will be putting the game on all in-branch T.V.s so I wont miss a thing! This is one of my favorite times of year because of March Madness, the warming of the weather, and the new season of the Cincinnati Reds!
Until Next time, thanks for reading my blog
Kyle
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Preliminary Biopsy Results
Last Thursday I had a biopsy on my lymph nodes under my arms. They were found to be enlarged on a chest xray I had so my doctors wanted to make sure I had not developed Lymphoma. The preliminary biopsy reports showed no abnormalities or malignicies but we are still waiting on the final report to come out on Wednesday. Still, very good news.
Based on the biopsy, my doctor decided to push back my 3rd chemo treatment to this Thursday to allow the biopsy site to heal and to get a final report. My breathing is still shallow and we are still determining the best course of action to treat the shrinking lung syndrome.
I was able to play golf on both Saturday and Sunday of last weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful weather and the excellent company. I have found that the best medicine for a broken heart is the company of good friends who don't dwell on the past but help you look forward to the future. (many of you know what has gone on in my life this past week with a relationship but I would rather no elaborate on my blog.) It felt good to enjoy the sites and sounds of the golf course and to get my mind of things I cant control. I hope you all have a great week and I will let you know once I get the biopsy results.
God Bless
Kyle
Based on the biopsy, my doctor decided to push back my 3rd chemo treatment to this Thursday to allow the biopsy site to heal and to get a final report. My breathing is still shallow and we are still determining the best course of action to treat the shrinking lung syndrome.
I was able to play golf on both Saturday and Sunday of last weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful weather and the excellent company. I have found that the best medicine for a broken heart is the company of good friends who don't dwell on the past but help you look forward to the future. (many of you know what has gone on in my life this past week with a relationship but I would rather no elaborate on my blog.) It felt good to enjoy the sites and sounds of the golf course and to get my mind of things I cant control. I hope you all have a great week and I will let you know once I get the biopsy results.
God Bless
Kyle
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The amazing shrinking lung!
Hey everyone, its been a few days since my last post but I wanted to give you all an update about my diagnosis. As posted earlier, I have had several tests to try and come up with a diagnosis for the shortness of breath. My doctors have now diagnosed me with Shrinking Lung Syndrome, which is a complication of systemic lupus (sle). Basically what happens is that lungs become inflammed from inflammation and shrink in size and volume and ability to hold air. There is no cure for this complication, just treatment aimed at stopping the progression of the disease and gaining back a little of the lost function. Right now, I am at about 70 percent function. (so no plans on running a marathon). The treatment is corticosteroids and pulmonary therapy. My doctors had thought about delaying the next chemotherapy treatment because of this but as of right now, we are scheduled for this Tuesday. The chemo is suppose to help. Through all this, I am positive I will get better and I thank each of you for your support and for reading my blog.
In other news, I am going to attempt to play golf today with Adam! Of course I will have to ride in a cart which Im not a huge fan of because I believe walking a golf course is not only good exercise but also helps you concentrate on your game. Oh well, at least I am going to get out and enjoy the weather this weekend. I hope each of you get out enjoy the weather with your family and friends. God is good!
Kyle L. Norsworthy
In other news, I am going to attempt to play golf today with Adam! Of course I will have to ride in a cart which Im not a huge fan of because I believe walking a golf course is not only good exercise but also helps you concentrate on your game. Oh well, at least I am going to get out and enjoy the weather this weekend. I hope each of you get out enjoy the weather with your family and friends. God is good!
Kyle L. Norsworthy
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
More Tests!
This week I feel like am going to be a human lab rat! haha. As stated in earlier posts, my breathing problems are still trying to be figured out. We have already ruled out the blood clot in the lung so that is definately a blessing. Today I am going for a echocardiogram to check for blood vessel inflammation between the lungs and heart then I am seeing a lung doctor. On Thursday, I go for a lymph node biopsy under my arms. On the CT scan they found the enlarged nodes and just want to make sure nothing is going on there. I am confident that my team of doctors will figure this mess out. I am so blessed to have friends and family who support me through my deal. I appreciate each of you reading my blog because it makes me feel like someone out there cares plus it allows me to vent my frustrations.
These situations remind me of one of my favorite bible verses, Phillipians 4:8. "8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
My brother Adam gave me this verse during a really difficult time in my life a few years back and it has stuck to my memory during rough times. Basically, the verse says through all your trials, focus on things that are good in your life, and I have much to be thankful for. Even though I have many struggles with my health, my life is very very good. I am blessed with a wonderful family, excellent job, amazing girlfriend and most of all, a gracious and loving God. God has never let me down, even in my darkest of situations and I have to daily focus my mind on trusting him. Sometimes its not easy but he has never let me down.
I would encourage you to think about Phillipians 4:8 if you are going through some struggles in your life and focus on the good things as opposed to the bad. Know that no matter what, God will never leave you. This rings especially true in my life.
Until next time
Kyle
These situations remind me of one of my favorite bible verses, Phillipians 4:8. "8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
My brother Adam gave me this verse during a really difficult time in my life a few years back and it has stuck to my memory during rough times. Basically, the verse says through all your trials, focus on things that are good in your life, and I have much to be thankful for. Even though I have many struggles with my health, my life is very very good. I am blessed with a wonderful family, excellent job, amazing girlfriend and most of all, a gracious and loving God. God has never let me down, even in my darkest of situations and I have to daily focus my mind on trusting him. Sometimes its not easy but he has never let me down.
I would encourage you to think about Phillipians 4:8 if you are going through some struggles in your life and focus on the good things as opposed to the bad. Know that no matter what, God will never leave you. This rings especially true in my life.
Until next time
Kyle
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
