Dieckhoff has been in Boulder since 1979, and just about everyone knows him, but at present he is battling lymphoma, with dwindling funds and no health insurance (ongoing difficulties with a congenital hip defect and eventual hip replacement priced him out of being able to afford a policy). Dieckhoff underwent six rounds of chemotherapy beginning last November, and now needs a marrow transplant to survive. He is attempting to line out Medicaid, which should come through, but in the meantime friends are rallying to help. While Dieckhoff's story is frightening, it is also a reminder to all of us to keep health insurance current and to even at our poorest look into those "catastrophic" policies that will cover us in our times of direst need. A trip to your local insurance agent will get you the info you need, and even $75 to $100/month, if you're in good health, can lock you into a serviceable policy. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Blues 3: My health has declined since the 2004 election. I noticed digestion problems and fatigue, and it all escalated until I had a real insurgency in my gut. In spring of 2006 I was diagnosed with "severe ulcerative colitis," which had kicked my ass for a particularly bad month. Despite ongoing treatment for that, some symptoms persisted and painful lumps appeared in my belly. In November 2006 I was eventually diagnosed with "Stage 4 Diffused B-Cell Lymphoma" (cancer) and began chemotherapy shortly afterwards. Chemo was like having a vicious hangover for four months. Just when you have a few good days it's time to go in for another session, but the people in the clinic and hospital are wonderful warm and positive people, and I always enjoyed seeing them. Unfortunately, the chemo didn't work and now I need a bone marrow transplant. It sounds intense.
