Family Updates

To start off with, Brian’s dad, Dale, remained in the hospital for about a week. He was released home, but we are all pretty worried. The first biopsy results were inconclusive. So he will be having another done soon. He has had to make some lifestyle changes. Due to the emphysema, he has an inhailer now. Due to the swelling and heart issues, he now has to eat low sodium foods. Driving is probably going to be a problem due to the meds he is taking. He still has not gotten behind the wheel of a car since being released, and I don’t anticipate it anytime soon. And if the biopsy turns out how we think it will, I know there will be other changes on the horizon. In the meantime, we want to get him into a senior housing place closer to where we are now. He is in Phillipsburg, at the moment, and we want to move him to Bethlehem. My husband and I found a pretty good subsidized prospect, so it is all a matter of Brian taking off work one day to bring him in.

Aunt Sharon has her good days and her bad days. For a brief few days we got worried because my dad changed his mind and decided not to place her in assisted living. But, my mom got overwhelmed again one night when my dad went to work at the auction and broke down in tears. I think that finally pushed him into realizing that this whole thing was silly, and he has been getting his butt into gear. They brought Sharon today to Country Meadows (which is just down the street, less than a 1/4 mile away!) It was an informal lunch and interview, where they used the opportunity to evaluate her and show them the grounds. It is somewhat pricey, but on par with most of the other assisted living facilities. Because it is SO close that we can practically see it from the end of the driveway, we can visit often easily.

As for me, I am still very sick. I need to make an appointment for an endoscopy (with a gastroenterologist) to get a better look in my stomach region. Something is obviously hindering the digestion process, considering I cannot sit up and eat without rejecting the food. Plus, I have had a continuous sore throat since July! The doctor suspects at least this portion of the problems could be silent acid reflux. I have been concerned about the constant chest pains, as well, and a more recent rattling in my chest while I breathe.  There is just SO much going on! The new medication changes have not helped my insomnia. This morning I did not fall asleep until after 7am. I wish I could just see a light at the end of the tunnel.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year, in case I don’t get to post again!