Four To Six Months To Live

Wedding Fall 2008

There is definitely something wrong with having the words 'energetic 48 year old women' and '4 - 6 months to live' in used in one sentence. The beginning of this story started 6 months ago with a very painful abscessed tooth. The Dentist went through his regular procedure of extracting the tooth; however, the pain increased. He sent her home with antibiotics, which were not very helpful. The pain became so bad that she decided to go to her own doctor. His recommendation was to go to United Hospital to run some tests. She seen three different doctors and none were able to determine a diagnosis. My Brother knew that he had to get his wife another opinion, but who could thy trust and where should they go?

Feeling somewhat helpless and unable to do anything for her, I remembered the Health Works Card I received at the Union Insurance meeting that I attended last year. So I called and spoke with Laird Miller. He said he would be willing to talk to my Brother and Sister-In-Law about going down to Rochester Mayo for tests. With one phone call Tammy had an appointment at Mayo. It was at the Mayo however, the cancerous tumors were detected and they told her to go home and call Hospice. I do not know about you, but at age 48 you don't go home and crawl into bed and hope just to live for the six months. Tammy was recommended to an Oncologist who is renowned in the field of cancer treatment. Laird called to followed-up with them and told them that the doctor that was recommended was good and that they are in good hands. They still are fighting a deadly disease but they have now found a doctor that they can trust. Thanks to Laird Miller and Health Systems Management for pointing them in the right direction.

Here is a photo of my Brother and Sister-In-Law at their wedding last fall (2008).