2013 was a mixed bag!

One of the greatest blessings in my life is my granddaughter. She was born this year and is the light of my life. I wish she and her mommy and daddy lived closer, but Skype has helped us keep in touch.

It has also been one of the saddest yesrs in my life. My brother went from stage 2a to 4. He has been hospitalized 3 times in the past month with complications from the cancer/chemo. His last chemo was 11/11 and won't restart chemo for another couple of weeks (if he even decides to go ahead and do it). It has been very rough on his body. I think he aged 20 years in this past month. He is feeling a lot better but is still struggling to get his INR where it should be. The visiting nurses come twice a week and I head there twice a week to get his meds organized for him (long story but the coumadin clinic doesn't get back to the VN right away and she can't wait for them to call back with the dosage, so I have to go there to sort his meds). I'm looking into local apartments for dad and my brother so I can make the craziness a little less crazy. If they're nearby, I can check in on them daily and be there a lot quicker in an emergency. He will also be closer to most of his doctors and the infusion center. As much as I dread packing and the move, I think it's a necessity at this point. Dad's dementia is slowly getting worse and my brother's health is up and down. 

Next week we start a bunch of doctor visits. First a followup with the cardio thoracic surgeon, then a visit with the oncologist. He also has to get a checkup with the heart doctor because he had 1.5 liters of fluid around his heart. They want to make sure everything is working the way it should be. I'm sure this means more tests as well. The hubby and I are heading on a much needed vacation in a couple of weeks, so I'm praying that eveything goes smoothly while I'm away (and my sister is able to handle everything). Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

I wish all of you, both patients and caregivers, a Happy, Healthy New Year. May you have the best year yet!

Lots of love and hugs,

Lin