Bear Paw fighting Acute Leukemia

On August 24, 2016 I was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia by the fine doctors at the Hillman Center in Shadyside PA. It was discovered by accident during a visit to the doctors because I was suffering from severe lower back pain due to a recent fall. After several days of testing, I checked myself out of the Hosiptal for the weekend in order to get my life in order(as best I could). First I took my wife (Sandra) and our puppy (Patches) to our trailer for the night. We spent Friday night relaxing by the fire and talking. After breakfast Saturday morning I gave a crash course in closing down for the winter and found time to modify our golf cart and build a ramp for patches. Sunday was another crash course with two good friends on winding down my firearm business (Bear Paw Arms).

Now would be a good time to say that I was told my odds were not favorable.

Monday morning I checked back in to Shadyside Hosiptal to start my first treatment, 21 days straight. The first eight days were the worst. I was angry, doubtful, sad,woundering why and pretty much most of the emotions except happy. I prayed a lot, not to be cured but to have the strength to fight this diasease. The ninth day I awoke with a different attitude. In order to fight my Acute Leukemia (ALL) I needed a plan. It started with a daily routine which I kept during every Hosiptal stay. It made the time in semi isolation more bearable.

This coming October, I will reach my two year anniversary. Durning the last two years I have run up my business line of credit to the max along with my Visa just trying to make ends meet. I have sold off all of my firearm collection, parts and inventory except for a few title one guns and a transferable 20mm Lahiti.
Some videos here:
https://m.youtube.com/results?search_query=bear+paw+arms

Recently I was informed I no longer would have health insurance due to some bureaucratic income and resource limits. Apparently my meager monthly disability check  and humble 401 is way to much for medical assistance.  So now I may have to decide between cost of living bills or medical treatments. I was told I should qualify for Medicare next April. And then be able to buy all my supplemental coverages (if affordable). Currently I am pricing my daily prescriptions to get a better feel for my financial monthly needs and shopping for some short term insurance.

I would like to the Lord and my medical staff for getting me this far. And you for you time learning about me.

Dave
aka Bear Paw