Barb's Journey Thru Age and Retirement

 

      It has been a rough year for my bride.  After her 'bucket list' trip to Ireland and spending our first 'over winter' here in the past 13 years in NW Michigan.......she has had her battles with Kidney Stones, a torn Rotator Cuff, and the discovery of a carcinoma in her breast.  

     My wife is a tough, self-reliant woman.  She had to be, it has never been easy for her.  She has successfully navigated her way since we first met in the US Air Force, Civilian Fuels Contractor, and a good career with the US Postal Service.  We both fully retired in 2013 and have enjoyed the past 13 years on the road, traveling and doing virtually anything and everything we wanted to experience:  2 trips to Alaska and Mexico, one to Ireland, and thousands of miles RVing across the country.  We will visit Alaska a 3rd time next year.  

      Life is forever changing and as such age does take its toll.  The kidney stone episode in January was tackled and healed via the resources of the great folks at Munson Health Care in Traverse City.  The rotator cuff tear was, thankfully, small and cured with meds, rest, and several weeks of painful P/T at Kalkaska MHC.  

      Barb has always been diligent with her female preventative care both USAF and since.  The diagnosis in May did surprise both of us, but I worked hard to try to help alleviate her fears.  Not an easy thing to do.  She has received very good care thru the VA throughout in conjunction thru the University of Michigan.  

      We had several visits to the University of Michigan facility in Brighton, MI, first for a consult and then for the surgery July 15th.  The procedure was a complete success as it was discovered very early and Stage 1.  In fact, her surgeon and oncologist at UM decided chemotherapy was not necessary and that several brief radiation treatments would suffice.  

      All the coordination with the VA, UM, and Munson Traverse City has been a time-consuming daisy chain at times.  All care provided has been outstanding, but the time considerations have been 'piece meal'.  Maybe we're catching up with the rest of the country with health care SNAFUs.  

      On August 26 Barb was able to contact her VA rep to approve the radiation procedures thru Munson Traverse City @ Cowell Family Center.  She was scheduled for her radiation therapy beginning September 29th.  Additionally, she had a bone density scan September 24th and subsequent appointment on October 16th for her post-meds.  

      Radiation therapy requires some dietary changes after.  Therapy is 5 treatments every other day and eating properly in between is crucial, but not often voluntary.  Protein is KEY to help replenish that lost in therapy.  I stocked up on oatmeal, chicken, lean beef and fish as well as 5 different Progresso Hi Protein Soups.       

       She finished her treatments and subsequent Oncologist appointments on October 16th.  We depart for our winter sojourn on the 18th. So far, so good.  Prayers for the future.      

"Time may be a cruel mistress, but my wife is a tough bitch and fights hard every day to live her best life"

Rich Hilts