For those interested and concerned. I was rushed back to the hospital Christmas Eve morning. Both kidneys were failing. They were able to get things under control. My potassium was so high, they were afraid of heart damage but it seems they caught things in time. I am still in the hospital now. I'm doing OK except for my spirits. It's becoming quite taxing. Yesterday, I was well enough to receive my second dose of Rituximab. That was my second dose of a medicine I must have or will not make it. Luckily, I have very good insurance. Those two doses alone cost over $25,000, and I will be needing more, possibly many more. Without good insurance, the wife and I would surely lose our home. As hard as it may be to cough up the money for good insurance every month, just do it. Hopefully it will always be a fool's errand, but when things go South, you will praise God that you have it. This isn't even figuring in other drugs I must have, all the doctors, specialist, and just the hospital stay time. I don't know what's going to happen here. The doctors have a different story every day, They say that this disease is progressing quickly, and it's kind of a race at the moment to see if the medicine will take effect or if I will be going on dialysis. Obviously that will have its own measure of danger added on to this mess. I'm trying to stay optimistic. However, there has been very little good news, which is why I haven't posted. I'm not sure if I'm going to make it out of this one.. I ask for your continued prayers and to ask God to give me the strength. Thanks-Finster.

Been wondering how you're doing Finster. Wrote you down on my prayer list. Been praying for you Sir. Thanks for the update.

Thats rough, hope it all works out for you....

Dang man. That's scary. We're all rooting for you Finster. Hang in there!

Prayers sent. Keep fighting

Harness any good spirit you can as I firmly believe a positive attitude can help more than many believe. You are surely in the prayers of your Trapperman brethren! Happy trapping! ScottW

Prayers sent. Hopefully tomorrow will bring good news and you can get better soon!

That all sounds very scary.... but remember you only need one good kidney to live. A friend, family member, or random donor could supply one to keep you off a life of dialysis.

You have been iny prayers and they'll continue. When I'm feeling down I always play some JGB. Jerry's smiling face when he played with his band always lifts my spirit. Hopefully it'll lift yours. Take care and God bless

Prayers Finster

Prayers

Prayers your way.

Hang tough Finster!

Dear Heavenly Father we lift up Finster to you this morning. We pray that you would heal and strengthen his body and that you would lift his spirits as he battles this disease. We pray that You would be with the staff treating him and that You would give them wisdom and discernment to treat his disease effectively. We pray for his family and friends to have peace and comfort as he goes through this trial.

In Jesus name, Amen

Dang...sounds like a tough situation...thoughts and prayers sent out to you.

Prayers sent

sending prayers, stay positive, and I agree with you on insurance, I pay 500+ a month but I don't get a bill from anyone, wishing you well

Prayers sent....

Prayers sent,