Thursday, March 25, 2010

Can >Can't

Evenin',


Healthcare Reform will be done by the people, of the people for the people.
Legislation Helps, Actions Heal.
We are all Stakeholders; some are Shareholders whose interest is greater?
Compare Healthcare Cost Increases to Warfare Cost increases.
Listen to the story
"Army Specialist and Humboldt Park resident Tchad Roberts recently returned from a deployment in Port-au-Prince. He worked with a psychological operations team that delivered aid and disseminated information to Haitians. He arrived in the capital two weeks after the quake."
http://www.wbez.org/graphics/slideshows/Chad_chubby.png
The resistance to Health, Education, Job Creation is based in refusal to let others participate in Life.


 In their own words.
Meanwhile,


Sing with us





Thanx,


Peter



Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Under Revisement

Evenin'

Well,
                                 Well, 
Well,



 What next 






A Healthy Educated Workforce is Fiscally Generative therefore Globally Competitive. Bank on it.
America is poised to rebound with the World. Tough Times Never last, But Tough People do
Ka-Ching,

Peter Lott Heppner,

Monday, March 22, 2010

All those opposed........ NEXT!!!

Afternoon,


100 years ago Healthcare Reform  began,100 years from now where should be? Fortunately The Healthcare Bill includes provisions for Education.
Here's what else was voted for yesterday and Saturday

From Representative George Miller Chairman of the Committee on Education & Labor

From Committee of Rules Chairwoman Louise M. Slaughter


http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/18/section.analysis.pdf 


Foment began Flying as soon as Republican Leader John Boehner castigated the House repeatedly with the word "Shame"


  
This morning received a GOPAC e-mail from a family member 
Only the states can defeat Obamacare now; will your state opt out?

From GOPAC
So I asked, "Opting out of Health & Education?"


Up Next, Banking & Finance,  Energy Eventually, Jobs anyway you look at it will be created

Stay Physically, Mentally & Spiritually Strong

Leave this campsite better than We found
It.

Chit with Ya'

Peter

P.S.http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/03/22/what-change-looks



Sunday, March 21, 2010

Here to help the Healers

Mornin', 


The House votes today and collective conscientiously speaking may it vote UP.  Every Generation has it's obligation to Leave this Campsite Better than it found it.


Today is our Day and Thank GOD, there are others who know this too,


Here they are




A copy of HR 3962
 http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3962:


A link to speak to your Representative
http://advocacy.barackobama.com/healthcare/campaigns/18/call_scripts/59/call_sessions/new


Illinois 5th District Quigley
http://quigley.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8


Office of the Majority Leader Steny Hoyer with info about Reconciliation Vote Today
http://www.majorityleader.gov/members/health_care.cfm


Office of the Minority Leader John Boehner
http://gopleader.gov/contact/


 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
http://www.speaker.gov/contact/

May Todays' Healthcare Reconciliation vote UP for Reform,
http://www.helpothers.org/story.php?sid=18799



Sincerely,


Chit with Ya',


Peter Lott Heppner
Alley Patron
Chicago Illinois 5th District

P.S.http://www.truthout.org/racism-homophobia-dominates-tea-party-protest-over-health-care-bill57855


P.S.For reflections tomorrow to compare Facts versus Fiction, Innuendo & Nuance
http://cspan.org/Watch/C-SPAN.aspx

Saturday, March 20, 2010

50's, 60 years later

Afternoon,


Healthcare Reform in America begun one hundred years ago, and resuscitated from time to time since then, of providence for the past year resembles the struggle against slavery, equal rights for women, civil rights for the black vote south of the Mason Dixon line in the 1940's, 50's, & 60's. Efforts to integrate common sense with progress obstructed by the same tactics of division as can be described in Have No Fear, The Charles Evers Story.  While one can open the book to any page and find corollary to current strategies used by the Opponents of Obama during the 2008 Campaign, & concurrent Presidency, the Moral Ability to know the difference between right and wrong does matter.


 Courage requires honesty, depth of character and perseverance against deception. Fortitude a word from the 12th century common era is resilience requisite to brush back recalcitrance that has 2500 years of patriarchal homage. It's proponents number a portion of 535 relegating the fate of the fluctuating population of 6.5 Billion humanoids. Given the choice between voting Up or Down with Healthcare Reform tomorrow, Fear is not allowed. Voting Up for Reform supplies solutions to the collective conscience that needs healing.


As the World Economy heals from the plunder by derivatives, The Work will be done by  Labor that is physically , mentally and spiritually strong.


The next time someone yells America is the Greatest Country on Earth they had better say so in deeds not deceit. Deem and Pass will do fine. Whatever it takes to move forward like time,
instead of  being herded between a Stonewall and a Log Cabin which is where we are now.


Abortion is a Women's Healthcare Choice


Tomorrow'shealthcare vote Schedule

today's cartoon
From the Cartoonist Group.
View more cartoons in the archive.


Chit with ya'


Peter Lott Heppner
Chicago




P.S. http://www.truthout.org/the-new-jim-crow-how-war-drugs-gave-birth-a-permanent-american-undercaste57462







Friday, March 19, 2010

Everyday Everywhere

Afternoon,


First this

Ministering at a Youth Explosion at Assemblies of God in Fayetteville, NC.


A week ago,as I mozied to the Bagel Shop for some coffee  and WiFi, another disheveled scruffy faced guy, told me "folks are gonna be surprised when they meet  GOD, cuz he ain't blonde haired blue eyed, dark skinned with curly hair, or ya' see GOD ain't none of that!!"
I replied that I agreed with him and that GOD for me was everything everywhere and has been and will be in  constant contact with all. He told me in his imbibed friendliness that if I needed a place to live, there were places across the street for $50 a month, he'd help me get one. His name is Cal he's in room 311 he'll see me 'round.


He's right, folk who scream from the bible condemning healthcare reform are gonna be surprised.



Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Spirit to heal Why?

Afternoon,


Before my Anaplastic Astrocytoma Adventure began, my handyman/painter  customers were repeat friends. This is the bonus of our rapport. Despite my decline in skill set, their understanding coupled with generosity have provided opportune To-Do Lists. It is Occupational Therapy with  Entrepreneurial  Nature; Symbiosis, Synergy.


One Sunday, my favorite OB-GYN, (private joke enjoy) John, picked me up for that weeks' list, and he began telling me a brief story that validated his enthusiasm for his profession. As I write this a chill crawls up my back from the memory of his few sentences. They are vibrant compelling inspirational chills that each of us will feel at some time in our lives, May we all have these feelings on constant rewind, to assist us during times that ask us WHY?


I told John if no-one would print his story, I would.  Well here is a copy printed in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Vol.115, No. 2, Part 2, p. 479-481, February 2010 via Dr. Wetzner's site:http://www.jweitzner.com/press.html




After the Turmoil, Peace of Mind

My nurse alerted me that our waiting room was filling up with patients, but one patient's appointment was too crucial to cut short. I had finally convinced her to come in for her prenatal visit after several weeks without seeing her. 

Over the past few years, I had been seeing Diane for routine gynecologic care. A friendly, down-to- earth person, her sincerity and warmth made her very likeable. When she told me her news, I was delighted for her. 

"Doctor, I met a wonderful man. He's an attorney, 28, the same age as me. We're getting married 
this summer. Hey, you never know - you may be delivering our baby someday." Her big smile and bright eyes reflected her happiness. 

Diane and Scott were married in July 1996, and their lives were moving forward positively. With two successful careers, a strong and loving relationship, and everything ahead of them, they seemed destined to enjoy a long and happy life together. 

Married only 7 months, the young couple's picture changed drastically when Scott was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, stage IV. The prognosis was not favorable, Diane told me when she called. Devastated, the couple wondered, How could this be happening to them? Their dreams were evaporating rapidly. 

When they came to see me soon after our phone conversation, they did not look like the same couple I had come to know. The strain of the diagnosis was so evident. A subdued mood replaced the one I had usually associated with them. 

"We were going to wait to have kids, but now we want to get pregnant as soon as possible," Diane told me. "Once Scott starts his chemotherapy next month, his sperm will be affected." 

They said they had evaluated all of their options and considered their decision carefully. They were certain that the choice was the right one for them, even though he might never get to see his child. I raised a number of issues, particularly my worry that she could experience difficulty being a single mother with a full-time job. She assured me that she possessed a strong support system, including parents and a sister who lived close to her. 

"If we are successful, I realize that I'll be raising our child as a single parent, but at least a part of Scott will live on. When I look in my child's eyes, I will be reminded of Scott," she told me in a soft voice. Her husband was solemn as he assured me that he wanted this baby too. Tears welled up in their eyes as they spoke. 

I found myself identifying with Scott. I was reminded of my own mortality and the realization 
that we are only here on earth for a short time. The continuum of life seemed particularly clear to me: as loved ones die, new loved ones are born. It seemed fitting that as the couple came to terms with Scott's death, they were thinking about a new life. I could see why he would want this pregnancy. I would, too. However, if I had been in his position, I am not sure I would have arrived at the same brave choice. It takes an unusual couple to forge this idea. I might have thought that in having a baby alone, my young wife would carry too heavy a burden. Conversely, I could imagine that if I were going to die at such a young age, I might want to try to perpetuate my life by having a baby. 

During this month, Diane would ovulate only once, allowing but one chance for conception to take place naturally. We discussed ovulation prediction and intercourse timing. It was their dream to conceive on their own, but as a secondary plan, they decided to store Scott's sperm before the chemotherapy began. The stored sperm was never used. 

On the very day that Scott started chemotherapy, Diane came in for a pregnancy test. I could barely contain my excitement as I told them, "Your pregnancy test came back positive." They were thrilled. They had conceived naturally. 

Diane's pregnancy was progressing well, but after 6 weeks of chemotherapy, Scott's condition was worsening as the cancer spread. It was a harsh contrast to see him growing weaker while his baby grew stronger. Diane maintained a vigil at his bedside. To be with him, she was neglecting to come in for her prenatal visits. Her devotion to him was fierce. When I tried to reach her to persuade her to come in, she called me back on my cell phone. "I don't want to leave him. He doesn't have much time left." (Like many of my patients, Diane had my cell phone number. I worry about my patients if they miss or cancel appointments, and I want them to know they can contact me if they need me.) 

Her family urged her to see a more conveniently located obstetrician - gynecologist, but she refused. Although my office was an hour's drive away, she did not want to make any changes. She felt her life was in too much turmoil already. 

Worried that she was not getting the prenatal care she needed, I promised her that if she came in for a checkup, I would perform an ultrasonogram of her fetus and make a video that she and Scott could watch together. She made an appointment, cancelled it, then made another, and cancelled it yet again. At 19 weeks of gestation, she finally came in, accompanied by her sister. 

Diane almost cancelled this appointment too. Scott had been discharged from the hospital to spend his remaining time at home. "What if I get back and he's gone?" she asked. On reflection, I realized she believed that if she left his side, he would die - and she couldn't bear not to be there with him when he died. Although I understood how she felt, I reminded her that she and their unborn child needed care as well. I was also concerned about the extraordinary stress this difficult scenario was causing. 

At our appointment, we discussed his feelings - his fear of death, his pain, his sadness. They had not explored these tender issues openly. "Talk about his prognosis," I advised. "Expressing yourselves freely lets you share the pain completely and brings you closer." (I am accustomed to offering this type of guidance, as couples so often avoid addressing "the elephant in the room.") She agreed that it would be important to initiate this type of dialogue with her husband. 

After we talked, I performed the ultrasound examination, which is one of the things I enjoy most in my practice. Diane and I spent a long time looking at the baby's face, the beating heart, the little legs kicking, and the tiny hands and feet. At one point she exclaimed, "The baby is praying!" And there was no doubt about it; the hands were poised, hand to hand, in a prayerful position. 

She took the video home with her and played it for Scott that same evening. The next day, she called to thank me. 

"I took your advice and had a heart-to-heart talk with Scott last night. Then we watched the video together. My sister, my mother, and Scott's mother were there, too," she began. 

"He has been in so much of a daze the past several weeks that focusing long enough even to read a simple greeting card has been too difficult for him. But he watched the video, all 35 minutes of it, and was completely entranced. He couldn't take his eyes away from it. He kept saying how beautiful our baby was and how lucky he was that he could see our child before his own death. We were together as a family - father, mother, and baby. I feel that Scott truly achieved peace of mind." 

She paused, crying. I cried too when she said, "and then in the middle of the night, Scott died." 
I cry rather easily, so I was not surprised at my own tears. I was relieved to release my emotions in that way. I was overcome with sadness, because her loss was also my own. I was awed, and even felt a physical chill, when I realized he had died just hours after watching the video of his baby. 

Sometimes, when patients are suffering from a terminal disease, they may be holding on for a reassuring event or a sign of some kind. After that occurs, they can let go and die with a peaceful heart. That is what I feel happened when Scott died shortly after watching the video. The significance here, for me, was that the video, which was my idea and something that I had made, had a major effect on this family. 

I was touched by his death for a very simple reason. We are all vulnerable to experiencing the pain of the death of someone else because we are all mortal. When someone dies, at some level we realize that it could just as easily have been us - or someone we love dearly - and although I consider all of my patients to be like family, perhaps the ones who endure more tragedy become even closer to me. Dana was born 17 weeks later, on December 21, 1997. I am in frequent contact with Diane, and she remains my patient. She recently told me that, in addition to the videotape, I had given her some still pictures from the ultrasonogram. One of these, a picture of the fetus' hands together, was so meaningful to her that she displayed it at her husband's wake and placed it in the casket. Diane also placed a copy of this picture in their baby's room, where it has remained ever since. 

About 3 years ago, I received great news from Diane. She had been lucky enough to meet another wonderful man. I met Andy when Diane came in for an office visit. I was impressed with how attentive and caring he was toward her. When they married, in September 2006, I felt unexpectedly relieved. I realized that I had been carrying the weight of worrying about her, simply because she and her daughter had become so special to me. 

Her daughter had longed for a sibling for many years. During a visit to my office, Diane and Andy revealed to Dana that she would finally be getting a brother or sister. She was almost 10 years old at the time and reacted with delight, with a big smile, and said, "Mommy, you're pregnant!" as she saw the ultrasonogram of her sibling-to-be on the monitor and saw the embryo's heart beating. In May 2008, Diane gave birth to a boy, and now Dana has a little brother, 
Matthew. 

Scott's family was found to have an altered gene, which was responsible for the colon cancer. This will have a continued effect on my relationship with Diane and Dana as we closely monitor Dana's health as she grows. 

Although it has been 12 years since Scott's death, Diane and Scott's story remains vivid. The experience of knowing them, and being privileged to accompany them on their journey, still evokes gratitude in me. I believe I became an obstetrician, in part, to help this family. As a result of knowing them, I started taking a deeper look at the big picture, at the role I play in the lives of my patients. 

A case like this one emphasizes the importance of the personal relationship between doctor and patient. The message for all of us as physicians is that you gain a great deal if you allow yourself to become involved, to be touched by the people you care for.

Obstetrics & Gynecology. Vol.115, No. 2, Part 2, p. 479-481, February 2010 

John S. Weitzner, MD, FACOG
 1725 West Harrison Street, Suite 838, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 421-2010 Fax: (312) 421-2012 Email: info@jweitzner.com

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Ambidextrous 101

Afternoon,

General Washington is off to the left commanding the first shot of Yorktown. The cannon Muzzles' alignment appears as if it fired the rugby ball in the scrim to the right.  The pictures are hung over the file cabinets symmetrically, there is a quiver of weakness, a spasm of poor responsiveness in my lower back as I crawl back onto the ladder. It is enough of an 'oh shit' moment that gravity, quickly renders a fracture to my right radius.  Wrists don't bend like that  soo, with mechanical inclination  it crackles back into place. Docs say later 'nice alignment' (Wish I coulda' done the same with my left radius 26 months ago)

'Bummer' is the general consensus because for 6-8 weeks it's miracle money revolving retainer time. The Phase II Sutent clinical study is postponed due to healing drug complications, my fault. Let's continue through,  the brain cancer  needs attention, the arm will heal on its' own, my request.  We'll know more tomorrow, Read Write Rest Today.

Learning Left handed-ness is the side effect



 So far my legibility is 2 year old clumsy.

Ambidextrous 101,

Later,

Peter

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Important as Breathing


Evenin',

Healthcare, 
Communication, 
Connection, 
inexorably Linked

Sunday, March 7, 2010
You are reading from the book Today's Gift
He who distributes the milk of human kindness cannot help but spill a little on himself.—James Barrie
We like ourselves best when we like those around us. When we smile at them, they smile back; when we ask them, they tell us about themselves. When we scowl at people, they'll frown back; when we ignore them, they'll walk away.

It's true that we get back what we put into things, whether it's work, play, love, or gardening. We decide by the extent of our commitment how valuable or enjoyable or depressing an experience can be for us.

Our actions toward others come right back to us. When we smile at people, they smile back, and we feel good. Sometimes feeling good about ourselves depends on feeling good about others. When we send out that smile of ours, those who get it pass it on, and we have added power to the happiness of the world.

What can I do to show my fondness for others today?
From Today's Gift: Daily Meditations for Families ©1985, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.


Spill a little
Breathe better

Peter



Friday, March 5, 2010

R words.

Evenin',


It's Friday  "R"words?!


The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
The Med Menace
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show
Full Episodes
Political HumorHealth Care Reform




And once you watch, please add your name to the growing list of volunteers committing to working with the President during the final march for reform.
http://my.barackobama.com/



Organizing for America
Laterrrrr


Peterrrrr Lott Heppnerrrrrr

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Let's Get it Done



Today the President made it exceedingly clear that he intends to move forward on reform to put Americans in control of their health care, and explained once again why:




With ya' Mr President.


Peter Lott Heppner
Chicago


P.S.




Don't Let "Socialism" Save You

Americans overwhelmingly think that lawmakers in Washington should keep trying to pass acomprehensive health care reform plan instead of giving up. Amen to that.
today's cartoon


From the Cartoonist Group.
View more cartoons in the archive.


&




www.truthout.org
In addition to mandatory private health insurance premiums, we may soon be hit with a "mandatory savings" tax and other belt-tightening measures urged by the president's new budget task force. These radical austerity measures are not only unnecessary, but will actually make matters worse. ...
Time for....
...
Calm...

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Real Reel from the Road




Raw Footage from the Road: The President at Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House Restaurant

If there's one thing better than meeting new folks on the road, it's meeting new folks out on the road and having them cook you up some of the best food in the country.  So it was when the President sat down with some of the regulars at the famous Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House restaurant in Savannah, Georgia today.  They were polite enough to offer not to ask him any questions so he could relax, an offer he jokingly declined: "How often you gonna have lunch with the President? Might as well ask some questions."