DOWNEY RANCH, Inc.
Registered & Commercial Angus Cattle in Wamego, KS
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Finally, I'm back online!

1/9/2015

6 Comments

 
                Joe & I arrived here to start treatment on Jan. 5.  Since then, all the treatment stuff has gone fine, but the internet access has taken 20 years off my life, thus, no blog posts.  Those that know me know I can ramble on, so in order to cut myself off at the pass, I’m just going to make a list:

  • Wireless stick problems – I should have listened to that little voice that said, “It doesn’t say anything about Windows 8 compatible,” instead of listening to the tech guy telling me it’ll be fine.  It wasn’t and caused me many days and lots of swearing.
  • Windows 8 wireless stick problems – Apparently uninstalling the previous drivers wasn’t sufficient and something had been written to my system that wasn’t undone.  KLA CEO Matt Teagarden suggested a system restore point.  He is brilliant.
  • System restore problems – Needed to go back further than the bad stick install either that or Windows decided some of that code should remain anyways.  Didn’t figure out that gem until tonight, 2 days after the first restore.
  • Internet hogs at BOHICA – Apparently, folks set HUGE files to download so they can watch them later at their leisure.  These folks are the same ones who go through a potluck line, come to a plate with 2 dozen deviled eggs and seeing 50 people in attendance proceed to grab 6 because they know there won’t be any seconds.  Mostly because they already took them all.  Well, they take all the bandwidth.  Tried to download a scanned bill tonight and it took 5 full minutes.
  • US Cellular doesn’t really mean free roaming – When using data outside the home area, they limit you to 200MB, which is nothing if you navigate, look at FB or check you appointments at MDAnderson.org.  I found out that when I determined trying to do anything on the BOHICA wifi was futile and I wanted to use my phone for a hotspot.  In addition, their system automatically throttles you down (their term) and can cut me completely off with no notice.  There is no option to flag your account and beg for mercy because you’re getting cancer treatments outside of their network.  Again, Grrrr.
  • Wifi hotspot debacles – These suckers are just like phone plans; the devil (and lots of hidden charges) are in the details.  My friend Debbie did some quick research online while I was at the store and helped me figure out which to get.  But then, because I still hadn’t figured out that a second system restore was needed, I went round and round with the new hotspot and ended up with tech support (somewhere in India) 2x.  I did stuff on my end, hung out with tech support and he finally told me there were hardware issues and take it back for an exchange.  Fortunately, I did something he told me not to do (in fact he got very short with me) after I hung up and my hotspot is working!  Victory is mine, 5 days later!
  • Chase, in an effort to protect me from fraudulent charges, shut down my CC accounts.  Never mind that I’d been proactive and entered my travel dates and locations before I left home.  I found this out after waiting in a huge line at Target to purchase the 2nd wireless stick.  Denied.  Whipped out the ranch card.  Denied.  Was escorted to the side to see if I wanted to take it up with my CC company.  Heck yes I did!  They apologized and told me it was cleared and I was good to go.  Waited in line a 2nd time.  Denied.  Called again and while I was working my way through the Chase system, the store manager was called over.  Great.  This time they really truly promised it would clear and I made the manager run it while I held Chase hostage.  Too many tries – denied.  AAARRGGGGHHHHH!  She ended up selling me a gift card which was approved thank goodness and my head was saved from exploding.
  • Chase, in further efforts to protect me did the SAME THING to me at WalMart 2 nights later when we were trying to purchase the wifi hotspot.  No way!  This time, I called, explained the situation to the rep in my best hyper calm you are about to die voice (it’s pretty good) and told her I would now be immediately connected to a manager.  She begged to let me get the transaction finished, so Joe got back into another long line so they could run it again.  It ran.  We got out of there but I still had Chase on the phone.  The CS manager got an earful.  I would be done with them but am not in a position to be at this time.  Grrrrrr.
  • It should be noted that Chase approved a whole lot of other transactions, including Starbucks, gas, propane, office copays and my chemo prescription which was $3800.  Let me let that sink in - $3800.  That’s just my share.  I had an alternative.  I could wear a pump about 12x6x6 in a pack for the next 6 weeks that would feed the chemo in 24 hours/day.  This BC/BS would consider part of my treatment, but not if I swallow it 2x/day.  This they only pay at 50%.  Joe and I decided the $3800 was worth it.  That charge went through just fine.  I guess I shouldn’t complain – they’ll be paying a lot over the next year or two.  Can’t wait to see what it’ll do to my rates next year.

Well, I still rambled, but that’s why you’ve not heard from me in several days.  I will catch you up over the next few days on the trip down, the treatments and other assorted things that wander into my mind.  Thanks to all the support while we’ve tried to figure this all out.  As always, your thoughts, prayers, comments keep my spirits up!

Picture
The bunk bedroom has been converted to my stand up office, Houston division.
6 Comments
Buzzard
1/9/2015 01:25:42 pm

so sorry you had those difficulties. Hope everything is going well in the battle plan to kick the little bastard's ass. Thinking of you often!

Reply
GeorgeniA Bowling
1/9/2015 01:39:16 pm

Please don't stress your immune system and body over " things". Like the computers! Or Blogs! I believe the less stress in the body the better healing "Thingy's" can work! You are a very strong woman and let your strength be devoted to healing! We don't know each other but have a mutual friend. Continue to be strong not Angrey and I pray God's grace be with you every day and he gives you those big girl panties strength dAily!!!

Reply
Jo Beth Rood
1/9/2015 01:53:35 pm

Oh Barb!! What a nightmare of problems just getting all this set up. I am super impressed, because quite frankly, I was struggling just to read your technical jargon!! Sure have been thinking of you this week and had a feeling you were struggling to get your office set up. I hope and pray this part of the "learning" experience is drawing to a close. You are a tough one and I hope you will be encouraged knowing I'm praying for you and all those working hard to help keep your operations going, take care of your girls with extra hugs and oh yeah, beat this thing! Go MD Anderson team! Lots of love - Jo B

Reply
Meghan Corvin
1/9/2015 03:06:19 pm

Barb- my mom just went thru breast cancer. Everyday that she felt well enough was spent on phone with insurance company fighting. They overcharged, underestimate what she paid and demanded she need to pay more before reaching deductible. It took 8 months and 20 calls and a visit to managers office to get reimbursed for overcharge. Her recommendation is keep track of everything and only pay minimum amount required for treatment bc you will never see money again if you over pay.

Reply
kim mertz
1/10/2015 04:16:58 am

Hi Barb and Joe,
Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts constantly. If we can do anything for you or your girls please let us know. (I'm thinking the girls are here and not in TX.) If the girls need anything we are a phone call away or a 4 minute 'pedal to the metal' truck drive to your back door. Any time day or night we are available to help. And Daniel and Abram are even closer to your back door and would help in a heart beat, too.
You will undoubtedly be in all of our Mertz hearts and minds going forward.

Reply
Kris
1/10/2015 10:44:24 am

Downey you know this but I am going to tell you anyway. You need to remain calm. I know that killer calm voice. Don't stress over these things. Life will go on without computers etc. There is always another way to get things done. OR they can just wait! Stress increases your pH. You need a neutral pH. Guess you still managed to get two days off for good behavior. Way to go!

Reply



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    Barb Downey

    On Dec. 5, 2014, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer. And that's where we start. If you're here for the first time, you'll have to read from the bottom (no pun intended!) up. Go to Dec 2014 and scroll to the bottom of the page...

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Downey Ranch, Inc.
Joe Carpenter & Barb Downey
37929 Wabaunsee Rd.
Wamego, KS  66547

(785) 456-8160 - Ranch
(785) 556-8160 - Barb mobile
(785) 556-8161 - Joe mobile


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