Practicalities

After the phone calls to family, Jason and I sat down to talk. There were so many practical things we needed to discuss. When and how much do we tell the kids? Who else should we bring in to the circle? We don’t have traditional insurance, we belong to a health share co-op. This means up front costs are up to us and we file for qualified reimbursements over a certain amount. Reimbursements can take up to 4-6 months. What do all these tests mean financially? We’re already a couple thousand dollars in and the PET scan is $13,000 dollars according to what we were quoted this morning. We bought Jason a new truck 5 days ago, which meant adding a second car payment for the first time in over 10 years. A week ago we could afford it, but could we still? I know I’m healed, but what will the practical issues around these tests be? When will the tests show the evidence of what God has done? Will it take time? Before I left the doctors office they listed a few more studies the specialist would most likely order. How many tests will they need? What if my healing includes chemo or other treatments? How much does that even cost? Even if the PET scan comes back clear next week, will there be follow ups to “make sure”? Do I need to take extended time off work? I have a mandatory annual training out of town in 4 weeks, what if I can’t go? There are SO many questions. But the thing God keeps bringing back to me is “You are healed. Walking in wisdom doesn’t mean preparing for sickness.”

So when Jason verbalized the first practical question, “Do I need to return the Jeep?”, it was a hard “No!” And a few minutes later when he asked if I needed to take an extended leave from working, I said:

“No! I feel like anything we give up, anything we change because of this report is giving in to defeat. If we believe I’m healed, we don’t need to prepare for things we’re never going to face! We keep doing what we do.”

He looked kind of shocked, but agreed whole-heartedly. He’s usually the outspoken, bold one, but he was giving me the lead here. So, we’re going to follow the doctor’s orders and do whatever tests they want. I will listen to my body and the voice of the Lord and use wisdom in the things I do in the natural. I will rest as needed so my body is at optimal fighting capacity, but we’re not rearranging our life or altering the vision God has given us for a temporary problem. I don’t know how it’s all going to unfold, but I know we are going to stand at the end of this fight together and give all the glory to our Father. So beyond keeping my mind and words aligned with my faith and proceeding with the life He has given us, the rest I’m leaving up to Him.

So, the first step is scheduling the PET scan. I spent hours on the phone and internet today, searching for the answer. The local hospital couldn’t get me in for 3 weeks, which my doctor insisted wasn't an option. After calling facilities in the nearest 4 towns, they settled on scheduling an appointment for me in Lubbock 10 days from now, but really wanted me in somewhere sooner. I was given a copy of the order in case I could find a better option, so that’s what I set out to do. I spoke to 6 hospitals in New Mexico and Texas and researched dozens of places online, including locations in Oklahoma and Arizona. Nothing. Either they don’t have any better appointment availability, don't accept orders from NM doctors or no longer even do PET scans. Prices were ranging anywhere from $2000-$14,500 and I was just about ready to give up and accept the Lubbock appointment next Friday. In a last ditch, exhausted effort, I typed in “New Mexico PET scan“ to Google. The first place that popped up on the list is about 3 hours away and I couldn’t find much info online, so, I made one last phone call. Not only do they have openings THIS WEEK, but it’s only $1425! I’m schedule for this Friday, only two days from now! Victory!!