Thanks for all of your support and prayers. They are looking deeper into the root cause of the dizziness. She's had several transient ischemic attacks over the past 10 or so years and takes Coumadin, which of course delays the surgery for her elbow because it's a powerful blood thinner. I personally think that she's having more of those, but the doctors are withholding comment until the tests are in.They have her on something called Special K to counteract the effect of the Coumadin. All of the tendons in her elbow are torn, so it will be repaired with lovely screws and rods. She has a rod and screws in her hip from the first fall that put her in the hospital 3 and a half years ago for 4 months. This injury bruised her shoulder (no break) and caused a compression fracture in her L1 vertebrae, in addition to the elbow damage. She did have a serious brain bleed and concussion in January of this year (the last fall) and the dizziness has been getting worse since that incident. She has the worst time with getting up in the night to go to the restroom. What do you do, forbid them getting out of bed to prevent injury? I really wish that I could find an inflatable suit to keep her safe! I'm just ranting, but she's spent more of this year in a hospital or rehab than at home. If it's discouraging to me, how must she feel? The weather dried up and got well above freezing, that's the way we get weather here, snow doesn't stick around for very long. At least the drive was not scary. Thanks again y'all, Pam

I will keep Shelly in my thoughts and prayers. Miracles can happen. My MIL had pancreatic cancer, and although she passed away, she lived much longer then expected. We think 2 things made a difference, a positive attitude and taking care of herself, especially nutritionally. While she is able, Shelly should do things she enjoys. My MIL found joy in the littlest things, a beautiful day, snow on the trees, etc. Getting enough calories, adding the right enzymes (a compromised pancreas makes it harder to digest food), etc. is REALLY important. Getting hospice involved now - they are much better at pain management and making what time is left as positive and pain free as possible. If Johns Hopkins can help Shelly - its still ok, your can "graduate" from hospice care. Hospice workers also provide a caring, yet not emotionally involved, group of people for Shelly and her family to talk to. Another friend with PC has been part of a clinical trial in Denver. They have been delivering the chemo directly to his tumor thru a scope. His tumor growth has been stable for a year. Join PanCan and CaringBridge. You are a good friend and I wish you all the best.

just a quick little thought please, just for a few hours..Rick has gone to an out of town fully involved structure fire. I usually go too, so don't have time to worry. I don't feel comfortable going to this town, as I am not on their "books" as department Photographer. So, now I get to be a worried Firefighter's wife...hehehehe I am not used to this role....just please a quick prayer everyone makes it home safe and sound..the roads are getting icy, so that means ladders will be slippery and the scene will be that less safe.. Thanks all Lisa

Connie are there any state programs for folks with no health insurance? We are in the same boat but the FL Dept of Education has a Voc Rehab program that's wonderful. Make some calls. DH had a heart attack and a stroke and didn't know what was happening to him and never told me. Urrgh Men! Three stents later he's feeling much better. Now he has problems with fluid on both knees. I wonder if some meditation might help or teaching him how to go to a happy place. I know it sounds corny but I go to my happy place (walk on the beach or a walk in the woods on a sunny winter's day) when life gets stressful or I can't fall asleep. Good thoughts and prayers coming your way. I hope there is an easy fix for his problems.