Still Fighting/Birthday Girl

       It’s been cold and grey the last few days. Everytime I go to write something here,I either lose my thoughts,or I have to tend to something here,or I’m bogged down in problem solving. This has been such a constantly moving and changing odyssey that at times is different every hour.

      Now that the government is open,we are anxiously awaiting departure from this hotel. I’m on the phone daily with the housing coordinator,while understanding that no matter how much I advocate and push,I can’t force the government to hurry up and write the check. We want to and expect to spend Thanksgiving in our new house. It’s 13 days away,and it’s also Karen’s birthday on the same day. That will be the perfect present that she so richly deserves.

       We unfortunately have had another fistula setback. When we went for the ultrasound the other day, they found yet another narrowing that has to be cleared. It’s in proximity to the fistula,but not directly in the way. It is with that news that I inform you Karen is being operated on again this coming Wednesday at 1130 AM.

     We can’t allow ourselves to dwell on how much this isn’t fair to Karen,or the dialysis setbacks. The doctor is optimistic that this procedure,the 5th and hopefully final time they operate on her arm,will be her last. If that’s the case, her chest catheter will finally be able to be removed. We are literally taking life one moment at a time. Karen is not feeling well at all. Her tolerance for the dialysis seems to lessen each week. The diet is correct, the rest is correct,I’m doing all in my power to bring her optimal health. Sometimes,no matter how much I encourage her,she’s unable to rally up. However,she gives it all of her effort. There are many visits to doctors in the coming weeks. All I can do is focus on the day.

       We hope you’re all safe and well. We miss the way OPL Social Media activity used to be conducted. We don’t understand why it hasn’t been returned to the original format. We will never stop watching with all of you,though. We hope you’ll be watching with us this weekend. Yes, I’m having some tough days and trying my absolute hardest to stay positive. I’d be lying if I said it’s getting easier. Anyway, I’m only a DM away. Hope to hear from you soon.

Brian