July 11, 2023 - Exciting, Yet Scary News, Yet Very Exciting

Hello Friends! It’s been a hot minute since I have posted. It’s been a busy summer and I wanted all my “proverbial” ducks in a row before I made any major announcements. For once, this is not about me - well it is tangentially, but not directly.

If you recall, Jamie decided to leave SAP mid-March. Thankfully and humbly, he had opportunities to stay at SAP, but his heart was leading him somewhere anew. After 30 years in technology, he decided to hang up his software shoes and delve into the Healthcare space. I’ll bet you didn’t see that coming?? I wonder where he got the inspiration? I’ll take the credit for that!

So, in April, Jamie hung out a shingle for his new business. The name of his new business is Care For Healthcare, LLC. You can find him on www.careforhealthcare.com. He also has a Facebook page for the business that is maturing as we speak.

In a nutshell, he is the Owner/Broker for his very own insurance business that helps people navigate the confusing world of Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part C, Medicare Part D, Medigap Plan A, B, C, G, etc. etc. As you can see from the alphabet soup, it is a lot to absorb and understand. And, everyone turning 65 will be faced with this conundrum. No one is immune!

Jamie gets to take his love of helping people and directly impact their daily lives. His mission is to help clients with their initial medicare questions, and become their healthcare partner for life. He will help his clients year after year by reviewing their plans and ensuring they are getting the best coverage for their healthcare needs and budget. And guess what? His services are FREE to everyone.

How is that possible, you ask?? The insurance carriers have built-in fees to pay insurance brokers, so whether someone takes advantage of an expert like Jamie, or they try to go it alone, the premiums they pay are the same. Why risk signing up for a plan that is not the best one for you? If you don’t have an advocate like Jamie on your side, you have the job of researching and shopping multiple carriers, understanding their plans, rates, deductibles, and coverages. It is a lot. Instead, Jamie will do it for them! He will be their healthcare shopper! As a broker, he has the tools that allows him to easily compare plans and present the various options, removing the headache and doubt from his clients.

Why is Jamie doing this, you may ask? Well, since we have been faced with fighting my cancer, healthcare has been top of mind for us. We have been very lucky to have SAP’s insurance, however we knew that would eventually come to an end. In researching our options, Medicare was one we had to explore. In doing so, we realized that there is a tremendous opportunity to help others. Why not use our knowledge and experience?

Plus, Jamie has always loved the client relationships that he built at so many companies. He loves solving problems and helping people. This is a Win Win for him, personally and professionally. I am so very proud of him! He is also setting a great example for Mason, and Mason sees it.

On the medical front, I do have good news to share. My brain MRI came back clean. I am so very thankful that my chemo is working. I feel that Tukysa is a miracle drug. It passes the blood brain barrier and is keeping my brain clear of new tumors. I am so thankful.

My next echocardiogram and PET scan are coming up in a few weeks. If the PET is clear, I’m going to finally take care of my lopsided boobs and remove all of that necrosis (dead tissue) that has been there since my double mastectomy and failed reconstruction (2019/2020). As I tend to overshare, my left breast (which had cancer and lymph node involvement) feels like a cement brick. I haven’t been able to lay on my left side in three years.

I had always planned to have this surgery, but things like a brain tumor, craniotomy, COVID, DVT (blood clots), and emergency gallbladder surgery kept getting in the way. HA! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the PET will be clean. If so, my new breast surgeon will remove all of that dead tissue. News Flash: I’m going FLAT across the board. In hindsight, I should have done this with my double mastectomy, but hindsight is ALWAYS 20:20.

When I had my DMX (double mastectomy) and reconstruction, I will still under the impression that I had Stage 3 (curable) breast cancer. I was having vain visions of having a “nice rack” - I know - so crass of me! One can dream, right? As soon as Stage 4 (incurable) breast cancer was diagnosed, my breasts became meaningless to me. It was a great life lesson in vanity…..I digress.

August will be a big month for the Krankings. Mason begins 8th grade, Jamie’s business is taking off, and I may go under the knife one more time. I’ve been cut on so many times, I really should see if Mayo will start a frequent shopper card. You all know how I like to accumulate points (hotel, airline, etc).

Well this rambling is coming to an end. But to finish where I started, the Krankings are SUPER excited about Jamie’s new business venture. I know in my heart that Care For Healthcare will be a success and a personal godsend for Jamie. Oh, and if are so kind to send us a referral or two, we would be eternally grateful (insert shameless plug).