Dear Family and Friends,

Today the "Roller-Coaster" reached even more lows!

Yesterday we met with the Oncologist Dr. Stokoe. He shared with us the report of our Monday meeting with the two UT/SW Surgeons. The medical terminology was not possible for us "lay" people to follow but the "Game Plan" was clear. We must establish a "Datum" by having a Chest MRI.

We told Dr.S that we had told Portia, Dr K's RN on the 22nd (the day AFTER me met him) that we wanted to have the Chest MRI at Plano Medical; because of "insurance" reasons. She said "OK. I'll send Dr.Stokoe a fax" which he got and in turn told us he had forwarded to "Greg" the scheduler. "I'll have Kathy , my RN call you to confirm". Gisela got another HUG!

Today we decided that with no call we would just "drop-in". So we did. WOW!

First today was Kathy's "Off-Day"; hence no phone call. No problem the receptionist said "I'll call Greg he's the scheduler". Greg came and told us he had got word from Dr.S; he had CHECKED our insurance and had submitted the request to Plano Medical about an hour ago. He gave us their telephone number to call later. We waited ALL OF FIVE MINUTES and called!!

Walt said to Gisela " Yes I got the request, let me check with my supervisor......" " Sorry he /she just told me THERE IS NO POINT IN DOING A CHEST MRI it would NOT show anything?

Dumfounded we returned TO THAT place; the Oncology Centre. They called Stacey and Michael explained (as only Michael CAN!) in GREAT detail; what had happened since Monday at UT/SW until TODAY. Stacey said," leave it with me, I'll call you back"

The MRI scheduler duly called us back. Initially there was some "problem "---------------this is the polite version for general / public consumption!!!

Bottom line Gisela has a May 1st appointment for a Chest MRI.

Praise the LORD!