First received Saturday, August 24, 2024
For 52-year-old Herman H. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with cancer who is nearing his transition, and for his sister...[August 27] Herman’s code status was changed to Do Not Rescuscitate with comfort measures only. His legs are swelling with fluid and he is having significant rear pelvic pressure. His caregivers are working to locate a skilled nursing facility for him to receive hospice care...[August 31] Hospital staff are continuing to search for an available bed in a nursing facility for continued hospice care. Doctors are now saying his transition may take a few months. Support also for his sister who is concerned because she will need to travel back and forth between states in order to work and support Herman...[September 4] Herman remains in a hospital setting. Support is needed for locating a suitable nursing home placement where he can receive supportive care. So far, no facility within a range of three counties has accepted placement.
Update Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Herman is now in liver failure, is no longer eating, and has become too weak to stand on his own. He will have a nursing assessment at 9:00 a.m. on September 11 for placement into inpatient hospice care.
First received Tuesday, August 20, 2024
For L. in Fairhope, Alabama who was recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and for her family.
Update Tuesday, September 10, 2024
L. is traveling this week to visit her adult children and share her recent diagnosis with them.
First received Wednesday, August 28, 2024
For Balam, a cat in in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico who fractured his pelvis and had hip surgery today, and for his human family...[September 4]
The screws in Balam's hip are loose, and he needs another surgery. He is in a lot of pain, and his human mom, Phaedra, is stressed.
Update Monday, September 9, 2024
Balam made his transition yesterday from an infection that had spread throughout his body after surgery.
First received Wednesday, August 14, 2024
For Theron M. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa who lost his business in a fire this morning, and for others who are affected by it.
Update Thursday, September 5, 2024
Theron is working on determining values for the insurance settlement of his business.
Received Thursday, August 29, 2024
For Egbert H. in Germany who has had a headache and a problem with his left eye for several days.
Update Wednesday, September 4, 2024
The result of a blood test shows Egbert has Lyme disease. The headache is still there.
First received Monday, April 29, 2024
For Elisabeth K. in Berlin, Germany with a sudden onset of Meniere's disease.
Update Sunday August 4, 2024
After some weeks of feeling healthy, Elisabeth had another serious bout of Meniere's disease last week. She needs a lot of rest and wants to stay at home right now; she is cutting work to two hours a day.
Update Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Elisabeth is slightly better and will be able to see a specialized doctor on Thursday.
First received Sunday, February 13, 2022
For Casey C. in Colorado Springs, Colorado who has started new cancer medications which are causing anemia, low oxygen levels and fatigue... [April 13] Casey is in a hospital in Denver after spitting up blood....
[April 21] Casey’s laser surgery for today was postponed. The cancer has now been found in his adrenals, ribs and pancreas...[April 28] Casey will have a final radiation treatment and then follow-up laser surgery tomorrow...
[September 1] Casey is on a new chemo medication which is causing fewer side effects. He will be inducted into the Air Force Academy Sports Hall of Fame the last week of September. Support for his stamina and health to be
strong enough for him to attend all the activities of the weekend. His family and friends are coming to celebrate this honor with him....[May 17] Casey will have a procedure done next week to stabilize vertebrae T-11 and
T-12 which are deteriorating from radiation treatments...[January 9, 2024] Casey is spitting up blood and enroute to a Denver hospital. Support also for his wife, Andrea...[January 12] Casey had surgery to cauterize a new
tumor on his right lung bronchia....[February 14] Two tumors were discovered last week behind his right eye by his ophthalmologist. He has been referred to an ocular specialist...[February 24] The tumors behind Casey's eye
will be treated with lasers next week...[March 6] Casey has a staph infection and is coughing up blood...[April 10] The primary tumor in his lungs was cauterized again to stop the cough and bleeding. This procedure will be
done again in approximately six weeks. The staph infection has been eliminated. Casey is in good spirits...[June 2] Recent tests show existing tumors in Casey’s lungs have grown and new tumors were found. The overall health
of his bronchial tissue is worse. The surgeon cauterized as many tumors as he could. Casey is also recovering from a broken collarbone on his left side. He has chosen palliative care and continues to be in good spirits. He is
looking forward to spending time this summer with family members who are coming to visit him...[July 24] Casey is now in hospice care...[August 9] Casey made a peaceful transition. Continued support for his wife Andrea and other family members.
Update Tuesday, September 3, 2024
A celebration of Casey’s life is planned for September 20 in Colorado Springs. Support for all those who will be attending.
First received Tuesday, August 13, 2024
For ninety-six-year-old Shirley J. in Blaine, Minnesota who is hospitalized with severe anemia and low blood pressure.[..August 16, 2024 Shirley will be released from the hospital today. She will be in comfort care at an assisted living facility. She continues to be very weak after being treated for anemia and a stomach ulcer. She is unable to walk. Support for her and her family as they help her adjust to her limitations. She was previously able to walk, play piano, and enjoy activities with her family.
Update Monday, September 2, 2024
Shirley is having memory issues and is only able to enjoy company for short periods of time. She tires very easily and breathing is difficult for her at times.
First received Friday, August 4, 2023
For Elizabeth and Max in Worthing, England who want to have a baby.
Update Friday, August 30, 2024
After several miscarriages, Elizabeth is now twelve weeks pregnant.
First received Friday, March 15, 2024
For fourteen-year-old Tundra, a cat in Seminole, Florida who has been treated for hyperthyroidism for several years and is losing weight.
Update Friday, August 30, 2024
Tundra has digestive problems and weakening in his lower back and hind legs. He is receiving daily treatment for a nodule on his thyroid gland.
Received Monday, August 26, 2024
For Isis S. in Hamburg, Germany who is scheduled for teeth extractions and a dental prosthesis for her upper and lower jaw; and for the dentist and prosthesis technicians.
Update Thursday, August 29, 2024
Three teeth were extracted. Isis continues to have pain throughout her head and swelling in her jaws.
First received Wednesday, November 8, 2023
For Alice W. in Foley, Alabama with decreased mobility who is trying to get her car repaired...[February 27, 2024] Alice is having a psychological crisis. She has decided to return to living in her car after a year of living in an apartment. Support also for her caseworker, John.... [May 14] Alice has moved to Waveland, Mississippi. Her residence is off the grid, and she's hoping to find a way to have electricity and plumbing installed as soon as possible...[June 6] Alice lost her living space in Mississippi and is now living in her car in Alabama...[August 27] Alice continues to live in her car while on a waiting list for housing. The summer temperatures are challenging.
Update Thursday, August 29, 2024
Alice has moved into a temporary housing situation. She hopes to be in permanent housing in a few months.
First received Friday, August 16, 2024
For Roswitha in Trimbach, Switzerland who has extreme pain in her hip joints.
Update Friday, August 23, 2024
Roswitha was diagnosed with bone cancer which has metastasized over the whole body.
First received Friday, June 21, 2024
For Elisabeth D-G. in Gelnhausen, Germany with bronchitis and a severe cough...[June 25] Elizabeth's symptoms have worsened. Her doctor strongly suspects coronavirus although a recent test showed negative....[June 30] Elisabeth still has severe body aches and a bad cough, and she is very tired.... [July 2] All the coughing has caused a lot of pain in Elisabeth's back and ribs... [July 6] Today Elisabeth is doing better. She is breathing much more easily, after being short of breath for some time, and is coughing less. The pain in her back and ribs is responding to minimal painkillers...[July 9] Today Elisabeth saw an internal specialist who diagnosed a lung infection. It is clear now how to treat her symptoms and she is very relieved...[July 18] Elisabeth's symptoms persist even with the antibiotic treatment... [July 25] All her symptoms are improving and she is feeling much better...[August 9] An X-ray examination showed that the pneumonia is not completely healed yet.
Update Thursday, August 22, 2024
The inflammation is still not gone completely, and she has a broken rib from coughing. However, everything is healing, and Elisabeth feels much better.
First received Wednesday, July 10, 2024
For Tim S. in Tampa, Florida who will have his teeth surgically removed and receive a temporary replacement on July 30...[August 9] A consultation with a new doctor regarding extensive oral surgery is set for August 15...[August 14] Tim's oral surgery is now tentatively scheduled for August 16.
Update Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Tim had bleeding gums for hours after his surgery. He now has facial bruising and some swelling. He will be fitted for temporary dentures on August 27.
First received Saturday, July 6, 2024
For Jean H. in Largo, Florida who is in a rehabilitation facility with problems in multiple organs.
Update Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Jean made her transition August 15. Support also for her family and friends.
First received Sunday, August 18, 2024
For Sharon B. in Buffalo Grove, Illinois with an operation on Monday morning.
Update Monday, August 19, 2024
Sharon's triple heart bypass was successful. She is spending the night in the ICU. They will extubate her tomorrow.
First received Wednesday, May 29, 2024
For Leanne P. in Fairhope, Alabama with mobility issues and depression as she waits for foot surgery on June 26...[June 27] The surgery went well. Leanne has some nausea from her medication but little pain. She will see her surgeon on Tuesday for a follow-up...[July 22] Leanne's mobility is improving. The pain slowly goes away as she works with her physical therapist.
Update Thursday, August 15, 2024
Leanne has a lot of pain on top of her right foot and is looking for treatment and evaluation.
First received Saturday, July 27, 2024
For Clinton E. in Charlotte, North Carolina with welts and itching on both legs.
Update Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Clinton has a recurrence of a severe rash which is not responding to treatment.
First received Wednesday, March 20, 2024
For Nick K. in Louisville, Kentucky with throat pain who will have an upper endoscopy on March 28... [March 29] Everything looked good in the endoscopy. He has been prescribed acid reflux medication for three months...
[April 28] Nick still has a sore throat and is tired most of the time. His doctors have not yet found the problem. He will have a CT scan in three weeks...[May 9] Nick’s CT scan shows a four-centimeter growth under his tongue.
The results of a biopsy are expected tomorrow or Monday. In any case, he is to have six weeks of radiation...[May 15] Nick does have cancer. He had a PET scan on Monday to check if the cancer has spread. If there is no spread
he won’t need chemotherapy, only six weeks of radiation....[May 22] The cancer has possibly spread into two lymph nodes. Nick will need chemotherapy as well as radiation. The good news is that his survival rate is better than
90%...[June 13] Nick is having lengthy chemotherapy sessions weekly followed up with fifteen minutes of radiation daily. He is very tired, has lost weight and has some nausea. Nevertheless the tumor appears to be shrinking...
[July 13] Nick’s weight has dropped from 240 to 195 pounds and he feels miserable. He cannot swallow much. Even so, the tumor has shrunk by 60 percent and his doctors expect it to be gone by the time they rescan it in fourteen weeks. He finishes chemotherapy on Monday and his last radiation was yesterday. His doctors say the first two weeks after treatment ends are the worst. After that they expect his recovery to be uphill. Nick already has a list of
foods he wants to eat when he is able.
Update Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Nick is healing very slowly. He needs a feeding tube because his throat is still sore.
First received Tuesday, May 14, 2024
For Roland B. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with skin problems...[May 24] The skin condition has improved. He is putting aloe vera on the troublesome spots and has almost no bleeding anymore.
Update Monday, August 12, 2024
Roland is receiving skin cancer laser radiation treatment on the right front of his head and right shin. Support also for his wife and caregiver.
First received Saturday, August 3, 2024
For Katy V. in Phoenix, Arizona who has coronavirus and will be in quarantine five to six more days.
Update Sunday, August 11, 2024
Katy has had a relapse of coronavirus symptoms.
First received Sunday, July 28, 2024
For Christine G. in Brighton, England with a urinary tract infection which is affecting her legs and thought processes.
Update Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Christine is now in the hospital where doctors discovered that she has had a mini stroke. Her condition is stable and she is learning to walk again. She walked with a walker before and could walk miles. At present she can only
walk a few yards.
First received Sunday, July 14, 2024
For Johan S. in Durango, Colorado who separated his clavicle from his shoulder girdle in a mountain bike accident yesterday, and for his parents who are traveling from Iowa to be with him...[July 17] X-rays show that Johan’s AC and CC ligaments are separated. Surgery is recommended. The surgeon said he can "loop back around" if the family wants to delay surgery. Johan's parents want to have an MRI for a second look. Johan himself is not in pain and wants to wait four weeks...[July 25] Johan has elected to postpone surgery and review the situation in several weeks. He is feeling much better physically and emotionally.
Update Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Johan can now type, so he’s back at work at the insurance agency after being off for three weeks.