[waxnrope]

I light a candle for my sister, Dolo (Dolores). She called, and after some pleasantry, informed me that in addition to her cough, she is short of breath. Although I urged her to call her doc and ask for an x-ray, or at least listen to her lungs, and she agreed to do so, I have the sense that she did not follow through. I couldn't reach her today. I called my niece, who said she spoke with her mom yesterday. Dolo did not mention her shortness of breath or an x-ray. Just said she was tired. I'm not sure if the brain metastasis messes with her memory now. I don't know if she's starting to give up, if she's depressed because her oncologist is leaving in two months ... it may be all of these things. I pray for her spirit mostly. That she continue to tread the waters that burst over her.

My oldest and dearest friend, who was hospitalized with a hospital acquired sepsis and pneumonia following a routine procedure (angiogram), developed an infectious diarrhea ... c. deficile for you medical folks ...from the antibiotics. Her bronchoscopy was negative for cancer, only showing evidence of the bacterial infection of her lungs. Her daughter and I, with my friend, decided that it was better to try and rehab at home ... before hospitalization killed her. She's doing just fine, thanks.

Thanks to all for prayers, light, candles. Many thanks for the PMs and emails. You have sustained me and given me strength. I can breath this in, this love, support and care, and be strong for my loved ones.