I wanted today to reflect on what a mom is. And specifically what mine meant to myself, my siblings and by extension to many of our friends.
From my experience of viewing moms they for the most part are the most giving and patient of anyone to their children and have so much compassion for a child who’s parent is not there for them. I watched my mom reach out and pull in some of my and my siblings friends to help them.
My mom Roberta, Bobbie to her friends was the best mom that I could ever have had. God selected her for my dad. They were told that my mom could not have children. My mom and her grandmother began to visit all of the churches in the area and used to pray for children. Again, the doctors proclaimed one thing no children and God proclaimed another after 5 years of no children my mom was given the news she was pregnant. The doctors were not wrong. God was sovereign over everything. He had a plan for her and my dads faithfulness.
He blessed my mom and dad with five children in 7 years.
They were blessed with a daughter and four sons. My moms last pregnancy was very hard as she developed toxemia and during the delivery my dad was asked to chose who would live. My mom or the baby. My dad thank God did not have to make that decision because before he answered my brother was born alive and well. My mom recouperated and went home to take care of her family. My mom and dad never stopped thanking God for their family. My mom always said each one of her children were different like the fingers of her hand. She knew our strengths and weaknesses and challenged each one of us accordingly. She was love personafied.
My mom showed us what true sacrafice was even as my mom became ill herself with cancer she maintained her strenght for her family. When I was diagnosed with brain cancer she remained strong for me and we prayed as a family. She was always optomistic, she was always prayerful and was God strong. She often told me as she was really bedridden that God has me here to pray for you.
What a gift that was to myself and the entire family. My mom showed us the most important life lesson the way to eternity through Jesus Christ. Amen.
So today on my moms 2nd anniversary of her birthday into Heaven, We miss you and will see you again someday. xo Danny / pizza man . lol ( I was a chubby baby)
One of my moms favorite songs. like her life hopeful, faithful and beautiful. yes, God did make the way and she and my dad lead so their children could proudly follow.
Don’t laugh but this song came to mind from the deepest parts of my memory and this is the way I feel today.
Enjoy:)
Today was a great day. Yesterday was a day of heavy weather and had a beauty of its own. But today was the polar opposite. I got up and got going this morning and my destination was my DADS 🙂 So, we had a bite to eat and spent a few hours talking etc. My moms 2nd anniversary of her passing is this Friday so he spoke about where he is at. He is an amazing man grounded and squarely planted in his faith. He is an exceptional dad. 🙂
After that I stopped at the track and walked it. It was sunny and hot but not too hot because there was little to no humidity. I walked a quarter mile today before I headed home.
Being outside in Gods nature, the sun, clouds, smells and noises has such a healing effect on me. It was me all alone walking . Just the natural environment and myself . There was no music, and no others to talk too. In these moments I totally feel at one with God. I can tell him anything and feel him answer me as I surrender all he relaxes my Spirit and I have a sense of peace and joy even in my deepest struggle.
After prayer like this I have a thankful heart and can begin to pray and advocate for all who need prayer and healings. God knows who you are and what you need. My job as is yours, is to say a little prayer for anything or anyone whether you know them or not.
I HAD TO START TODAYS BLOG POST THIS WAY. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHY SOON!
Smile and enjoy.
I opted to stay in again today. It was clearly to hot for me to walk the track. So, I worked my blog and contacted friends about their health to support them.
When I opened my personal email today I found a message from a dear friend Sue. Sue is in the medical field and explained to me her take on what is going on with my insurance and the timing out of physical therapy. Here’s what Sue thinks….
Hi Dan,
I’m glad that you wrote the letter to your insurance company. It’s not personal that your PT was terminated. Everything is computerized and you hit the audit. Your doctor may have to do a “Peer to peer” consult with the insurance physician pleading your case. It is a common occurrence and most times successful. The insurance company just needs documentation that the treatment is of benefit. Your doctor can provide that. It’s just a bump in the road.
God Bless,
Sue
SO, IF THIS IS WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCING WITH YOUR INSURER TALK TO THEM AND PUT A FACE TO YOUR INSURANCE NUMBER. 🙂
I was so pleased to hear from a third party something that gave me hope.
So, I made my way upstairs to take a shower and when I arrived downstairs I saw the mail sitting on my countertop. my daughter had come home and got it for me.
I noticed a Harvard Pilgram envelope on top and as I picked it up there was another harvard envelope beneath it.
I could not get back to my chair/ docking station FAST ENOUGH 🙂 to see what they were.
The first letter was from Harvards Appeal department and said they had received my letter and were going to have a case professional start the process. they told me that my doctors etc can all add to the appeals process and they would have an answer on my appeal.
The second letter was from my primary Dr. Wong it reads…
click on to enlarge. 🙂
So again, i am happy that I have gone for this appeal and no, I wasn’t angry with my insurer as i have written. I just needed to appeal to them.
I will have my answer in 30 days.
please keep S in your prayers this day.
Also thank you for your prayers Jeanne went to treatment today and got a good report.
God is supremely good.
TURN IT UP AND ENJOY: SMILE, REJOICE IN EVERY MOMENT. 🙂
I guess we will start out with this song. I imagine that God is saying this to us.
We need one another, our prayers are the number one most important thing that we can give one another. Our prayers raise to Heaven and the Miracles happen. Amen.
John Hiatt. Have a little Faith in me.
Hello All, I mentioned yesterday on my Face Book page a need for prayers for Anthony Mitrano.
Anthony is a young man who is fighting and trying to realize his victory over cancer.
I wrote on Face book yesterday afternoon that Anthony was having a bone marrow transplant. his journey has been so very difficult.
last nights marrow transplant was thought to be a 45 minute procedure and it ran 2.5 hours.
I am told that he is very tired and his stomach is bothering him. he has begun to get mouth sores. The doctors say that he will feel sicker before he begin to feel better.
The next 30 days will be a struggle for him.
Please pray for Anthony and his loving family.
We are called to love one another and to support oneanother. so, please pray for Anthony.
please remember in your payers as well…
Anthony bone marrow transplant
Susan who is recovering from a health issue.
for Jenn who is fighting Glio
for Teddy who is fighting Glio
For Karen Bouvier Vital who passed suddenly.
For Bill who was diagnosed with bypolar
For L who is a alcohol treatment center.
for Robin with leg and foot pain.
For Mary recovering from an aputated leg
for jeanne who is fighting cancer.
for paul who is has pancreatic cancer
for christina who has foot issues
for chris who has leukemia.
For all of the sick, homeless and lost.
we pray to the Lord.
Faith, God and Jesus are the answer.
For Anthony. Today, we have your back and your families too. prayers are coming !
THE REASON, I CAN RISE AND ADVOCATE FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS IS CRYSTAL CLEAR TO ME.
HELLO ALL, I HAVE MENTIONED IN THE PAST THE FACT THAT I HAD BEEN TIMED OUT OF MY MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR LEFT SIDE WEAKNESS. AFTER BEING OUT OF THERAPY FOR SOME WEEKS NOW, I CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE. SO, I DECIDED TO GO FORWARD WITH AN APPEAL OF MY CURRENT SITUATION WITH MY INSURURER.
I HAVE CONTACTED MY TWO DOCTORS AS WELL AS MY PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASKING THEM TO SUPPLY A LETEER REQUESTING MY COVERAGE TO CONTINUE FROM THEIR PRESPECTIVE.
IN MY CASE I HOLD NOTHING AGAINST THE INSURER IN REGARDS TO THIS MATTER. I HONESTY HOPE THAT THEY WILL EVALUATE THE CASE AND ALOW ME TO CONTINUE.
IF NOT GODS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF ME ANYWAY. GOD JUST WANTS US TO KEEP MOVING WITH FAITH AND PEACE TOWARDS THE ANSWER.
THE APPEAL PROCESS HAS BEEN TIRING TO ME FOR SURE. wHEN i THOUGHT ABOUT JUST NOT BOTHERING, I SAID HECK NO. i AM ABLE CURRENTLY TO DO WHAT MANY OTHER CANCER PATIENTS CANNOT DO FOR THEMSELVES. ADVOCATE. SHINE A LIGHT ON THE FACT THAT EACH FIGHT IS NOT THE SAME. CANCER AND DESEASE EFFECT EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY. THUS A ONE SIZE FITS ALL APPROACH DOES NOT WORK WELL.
SO, HERE IS A GLIMPSE OF MY WRITING TO MY INSURER. i AM GRATEFUL WHAT THEY HAVE DONE FOR ME AND HOPE THAT THEY CAN STEP BACK THE GUIDELINES TO ACCOMODATE MY NEEDS.
PLEASE SAY A PRAYER THAT THIS WILL BRING A NEEDED CHANGE IN MY NEEDS FOR TREATMENT. GOD BLESS 🙂
THE LETTER THAT I SUBMITTED YESTERDAY READS AS FOLLOWS.
7-27-2015
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this letter pursuant to phone calls made in regards to my treatment that have been made by myself or medical staff to whom I am affiliated with.
My name is Daniel W. Riley, Danny, to my friends. I am writing this letter the way that I would to a friend in simple layman terms. I am not a person adept in medical workings nor am I an individual who works in the insurance industry. So, please forgive my sophomoric approach. 🙂
First off,
I am a husband, a son, a dad to 4 , a friend and a loving human being.
Approximately 3.5 years ago while making breakfast for my family I began dropping things from my left hand. I at the time was thought to be a healthy, non smoker etc.
My Dr/ primary Dr. Raymond Wong of Harvard Burlington thought I had suffered a stroke.
Off to Lahey Burlington I went to see Dr. Russell who scanned my brain, the results showed no stroke. I then underwent tests including a lumbar puncture to check spinal fluids for other neuro diseases. This test was on my birthday April 6th, 2012. I was 50.
Well, I was delivered the news, I was told that I had brain cancer, the next step was the awake surgery. They could not remove the tumor due to it dangerous location. It was hovering over and in my central nervous system.
So, I went through that surgery to get a biopsy of the tumor for gradeing and was told that I had non surgical GlioBlastoma multi form grade 4 cancer with a very short window of life expectancy. I was dieing, that is for sure I was failing very quickly.
I know you have the records of my journey. I also know that in insurance their are general guidelines in place for different types of diagnoses. I am not the typical case in terms of my Glio diagnosis. I am no better than anyone else but I am blessed in this moment to be very stable and I am tumor free. By all standards I am a miracle due to the God of my faith, my doctors, my medicines and machines.
I have clawed my way up a huge hill daily mentally, physically, psychologically , and spiritually to do my part. I talk daily to other cancer patients who hear my story and see the hope that we all can share in the cure.
So, in closing. This is not a letter of complaint because that would show an ungrateful heart. I fully understand how blessed I am in this moment I love and appreciate all my doctors and people who have helped me to get here. They have inspired me as I have inspired them. We are all much stronger and taller when we stand together in a valiant effort fighting this adversary known as cancer.
My wife and employer have paid for our excellent coverage and we have loved having you as our insurer. Dr. Wong is the best.
The problem is this my case does not fit a standard. I am doing extremely well. I will find ways to push my way safely through the day to gain strength. I am not in a wheel chair anymore, I am not on a walker anymore, I am not on a four prong cane anymore, I use a single cane when out for a little added stability. My needs now are these. I am working on my respiratory needs after 3 years of a sedentary life the lungs need to be stretched and worked so I am doing that outside of therapy. I found a new track 2 towns away that allows me the safety of walking with a fence to my right. So, I began to walk it and feel so alive, I walked nearly a half mile yesterday.
What therapy gives me.
First off, I need to be stretched. The stretching I receive to my left side allows me better range of movement of my leg, arm and hand. I have full feeling on the left side. My brain is re-wiring itself back to the left side slowly but surely. One of my doctors called it a slow motion miracle. 🙂
Secondly, but just as important is that my physical therapist has employed various weight types of weight treatments. Whereas my left wrist and left ankle is cuffed to the weight machine allowing my arm and leg to pull the resistance weights and call on the brain to send a response through the muscles.
I am willing to do anything to be the best that I can be not just for me to be perfectly honest but for my doctors and health care providers who are in the trenches everyday and face a hard scenario daily with their Sick patients. I also want to be a beacon of hope to those who are walking their path with an illness.
Lastly, I would like to give a face to this situation. I am not the only Danny out there.
My desire is this, I would like to be allowed to continue my therapy at winchester orthopedics plus with Mr. Matthew Puglia. I don’t know how long I will need this but I know that the healing is in progress if it were not then I would not be typing this correspondence now. 🙂
I hope and pray that you can evaluate my situation and speak to my doctors and allow me to finish what you have allowed me to begin. My total healing.
I woke this morning my wife was running about getting ready for work as were my two daughters who current reside here with me. I had done a lot of physical work here yesterday. I was cleaning out draws my closet and assessing what to give to good will. I do not require all of the clothes from my past life dress shirts ties etc. So, I am offering them to the guys in my life to see if they need them first.
I was going through a draw full of cards that were accumulated over 3.5 years. Some cards I do not even remember seeing but no surprise there given where I was at during that time.
Today, I find myself wiped out. So, the house grew silent as everyone left for work and I thought I have got to get up. Before I did that I turned on the television and decided to watch the Chaplet of Saint Michael on Ewtn. I loved this Chaplet and had not seen it for a short while. I was laying in bed listening, praying and my mind went back to when I first viewed this Chaplet. It was 3.5 years ago after cancer changed my life.
I remember laying on the chair that I am currently sitting on and seeing it for the first time. I had a machine beside me on the table that was hooked up to the telephone line and monitored my pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level and took my weight daily. It sent the stats to the doctor etc. if something was off, or I did not respond I received a call.
On this morning a nurse named Robin was sitting to the right of my chair on the sofa. The Chaplet came on and I watched it. In that moment I was so enveloped in the love of God and his mistery. I have no doubt in the existence of angels and the fact that they are working for good to protect our daily journeys.
I say all the time that I know that I am blessed in this moment to be doing this well. And, yet I from time to time grumble that I want to be physically capable to do everything I want. I want to work. Etc.
It is human nature, it is pride it is a host of different things I suppose.
So, I got up came downstairs had breakfast patted my old pooch who laying by my chair and started to think as I sat here. I am in a much better place on these thoughts and matters today then I was 2 or 3 months ago even. There was a turning point of personal recognition to the reality of my life and what limits there are currently specifically surrounding mobility.
I have shared the ups and downs of my journey with you all to show you that we are all on a common journey. Is not always easy. But, I love life.
The primary reason why I am able to bring myself back from the hard moments of this life is Faith.
Knowing that no matter what happens to me today I am okay.
I am not okay because I am all powerful but because I have faith and hope to set my sights on the possibilities around the next bend in the road.
I do not have faith and hope because I am a wise man either. The Holy Spirit is guiding me back to the foot of the cross daily.
Through prayer, God through the Holy Spirit has stripped back the situtuations in my life and I have learned the lessons from each event. Life becomes very dimensional when you begin to understand what’s happening around us and too us.
We become God strong. 3.5 years ago God declared to me when the doctor was going to tell me your dieing. God said that I had cancer, cancer was not from him, and I did not own this cancer.
God was right, God is holding the disease at bay currently. But, I have not had the easiest time either. And, why shouldn’t I suffer a bit, I have learned some of the most beautiful lessons. Plus, I do believe that we can offer up those sufferings to help another. so, I do.
My illness has shown me such beauty and tenderness from so many others. Lessons I would never have understood or known without my affliction.
The bottom line is this. We all have so much in common. We are all part of a large family.
I BEGAN THIS WRITING ON WENESDAY AND THIS IS WHAT MATERIALIZED.
this is an oldie of a song that depicts my relationship with God.
As you read the lyrics and listen to the music I am sure you will see the common bond that we all share with God. Also, the questions and mysteries surrounding that relationship. we are on a quest, searching for the answers.
And yes, life events and cancer have gotten me here …….
Chicago I have been searching for so long
It’s currently 4:46 p.m. On Wednesday afternoon. I got out of bed over 12 hours ago to get to Dana Farber for my blood draw at 6am. I had an MRI done at 7:00 am and saw Dr. David Reardon at 8:00.
A couple of days before this appointment I was a little down because I could not walk the track it was just too hot for me. So my mind wandered and I prepared for my scan and the results. I thought of both possible scenarios and how they might go.
I was not expecting bad news but, I needed to prepare for that possibility. I needed to organize my mind and emotions surrounding it. I owed it to myself, I owe it to my family particularly to my beautiful wife.
Today. I am joyous at the outcome of that scan and the words that Dr. Reardon and I shared. He said you know what this means? I did not respond, I listened and he said you have been out of treatment two years with not the slightest set back or flare up. He just said remarkable.
I simply said thank you Dr. As I pointed up to the heavens. I said God , his machines, medicines and him helping. I thought as I drove home I was back to the beginning with Dr. Reardon again today. The same words were told to both him and his staff when I got my 2nd opinion with him on diagnosis day.
I have at different seasons in my life had a gift from God to receive direct messages and words of knowledge and I have always just spoken them or written them as I felt called to.
Every word that I am writing is in fact the gospel truth. I have written in the past for my church when compelled to. When I became ill God spoke these words to me…. I had cancer, cancer was not from God and I did not own the cancer. I professed this to the Lahey doctors, I professed it to Dana Fabers doctors and staff, I shared this with Brigham and women’s staff and my oncology radiology doctor. Dr. Alexander.
Each one of these beautiful people teared up when I spoke these words. Perhaps they felt that the cancer was effecting me. I have such peace from God only because he gave it to me. Hope, faith and belief that He alone can do Miracles.
As a matter of fact I wrote to the Catholic Church over and over again that it was the time of Miracles before I even got sick.
I sit here tonight like you all 1 of many of a flock. Each one just as valuable ,just as loved by God no matter what.
We are all Miracles by our birth alone.
And, yes I am a Miracle in this moment with a purpose. God is showing everyone the hope of his love. I was reaching for God for years before I got sick. Because he heard my cry for help as I was being ravaged by cancer he grabbed me and picked me up. He put my feet upon this path one not of sand. He has allowed me to witness his words that it is in fact the time of Miracles. Because he proclaims it to be.
I am just a guy who loves life, love my God, my family and friends. That’s right just like you. No matter what your difficulties are these things that plague us are Powerless over God. He is the healer of everything.
NO MATTER WHAT GOD HAS GOT EVERYTHING COVERED. THE NEXT SONG IS AND HAS BEEN VERY MUCH ONE OF MY ANTHEMS OVER THE LAST 4 TO 5 YEARS.
WE CANNOT CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS TO US IN OUR LIVES ALL THE TIME
THIS SONG WAS POINENT TO ME BECAUSE WHITNEY HOUSTON APPEARED TO HAVE IT ALL. LIFE WAS DIFFICULT FOR HER. SHE WAS HUMAN LIKE US ALL. SO, NO JUDGING IS NECESSARY.
THE ONE THING THAT SHE NEVER LOST WAS GOD AND JESUS CHRIST. HE NEVER LEFT HER AND SHE CONSTANTLY RETREATED TO HIM.
PLEASE PRAY FOR …
sUE. POSSIBLE CANCER OF UTERIS
BILL BYPOLAR.
JENN BRAIN CANCER.
JOE BRAIN CANCER
TEDDY BRAIN CANCER
CHRIS LEUKEMIA.
PAUL PANCREATIC CANCER
L WHO IS IN AN ALCOLHOL TREATMENT CENTER
R WHO IS SUFFERING FROM FOOT AND LEG PROBLEMS.
FOR ME TOMORROW IS DANA FARBER DAY SCAN ETC. NOT WORRYING. GODS GOT IT.
FOR JEANNE WHO IS BATTLING CANCER.
FOR ALL OF US, OUR FAMILIES, THIS COUNTRY , THIS WORLD.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD.
SO, LETS ALL LOOK TO GOD. 🙂
WHITNEY HOUSTON. ( THE WORDS WERE VERY PROPHETIC TO THIS SONG FOR WHITNEY AS IT TURNS OUT. GOD BLESS HER.
Just Danny Speaks 