Topic: too much stress

Dearest Maria,

How does one answer your post with a sincerity you can feel and truly receive much needed sustenance from? Your immediate circumstances are miles beyond my day to day stress, and I so wish I knew how to help you, other than to listen.

Are there any family members, either on your or your husband's side, who might come to your aid just now to help you? One to help you stabilize your daughter's situation (along with the public and private professionals) by lending an ear and advice, and another to help with your husband's care? Someone to bounce possibilities off of, and to give you a couple of hours break just to rest?

Have you looked at your insurance papers to know the details of coverage? Did your dear husband put down any thoughts in an advance directive, and have you made application to Medicare/Medicaid if applicable?

A family or friends time with your spouse and daughter may open the door to a quick gastroenterologist visit to discuss colonoscopy. This is a painless outpatient procedure as they give you IV medication, and is fairly quick as is the recovery. You would need an adult with you for a good six hours post procedure.

Breast cancer raises the risk of colon cancer slightly, or should I say the two are associated. Yet not by much. Nevertheless, colon cancer is a frequent cancer, and even with your current family high stress situations, you will feel more relieved if that test can be run. Push the GI doctor to get you on the calender, telling them of your needs. Also, I found that the full liquid flush worked better than the tablets, and such is important so no cancellation of the procedure would be needed.

So much you have on your plate, Maria. Please try to draw in your friends, families, church, communities aid so as to help in establishing a plan, completing needed legal and financial applications, and making you meals and giving time for your personal respite and sanity.

With great concern, and hoping you will keep us updated.
Tender