You know, after taking care of Mother with AD and holding her as she left this earth August 10, 2007, I thought my life would kind of settle down. Well, it didn't exactly settle down because I started encountering numerous health problems, the majority of which I'm sure were stress related. Then just as it seems I am getting a better handle on things, my sister (and only sibling), who was not the most supportive nor helpful during the AD journey as some of you might recall, has now been diagnosed with end stage renal disease. She had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease a few years back and I have suspected for a while now that things weren't going so good. But, then she can be so evasive, almost to the point of being secretive. Heck, she has been secretive about this with her 3 grown children and me. She and I spent a while at the dialysis center yesterday exploring the various treatment options, with none being optimal (at least at the moment) in her eyes but transplant or stem cell. This visit was a referral from her nephrologist the day before. I was very surprised she allowed me to know what was going on and go with her to the center.

We are as different as day and night, and certainly have had our ups and downs over the many years, but I just was not expecting this right now. Gads, who ever expects anything like this or AD or any other kind of disease!

Thanks for letting me share a moment, my friends. I felt like I would explode if I didn't tell someone. I guess I, too, need a little time to wrap my thoughts around all this and see where it goes from here. It would not surprise me if she opted for no treatment if there are no other options than dialysis. If so, I would support her. That was one thing Mother, my sister and I discussed many times over the years - no heroics, no life support, nothing but "dignity, comfort and someone around who knows and loves me."

Please pray for her.

Joyce

Oh Joyce, I am so sorry for you. You know I am a God-Loving (not fearing!) Christian girl, but sometimes I think (forgive me God!) that he kind of screwed up on the manufacturing of the human body? SOOOOOOOOOO many thinga can go wrong with them, or they just wear out, and then we ultimately...die? I also realize, the older we get, the more relatives, friends, people we know, are going to be very ill, or die? Imagine what my Grandmother's social life was like @ 107? She said, when asked "What's it like?" She said "I have no peers"

Your Sister is so lucky to have you! At least the "I want someone around, so I know I am loved" will certainly be taken care of!

I like what a little boy said when asked if he saw God, what would he ask him: "Dear God, why don't you let all the people here, last forever, that way, you would not have to keep making new people?"

From the mouth of babes!

Hang-In-Joyce. I wasn't expecting to being posting Obits, etc, 12 days before Christmas? It sux! But my new theory is, there is never any good way, or good day, to die.

I'm so sorry Joyce. I vote for a smaller plate. I never ask for a platter.

I hope your health is better. Being you, I'm sure you will be right by your sister's side.

Are both kidneys involved? Kidney transplant is not a heroic procedure, With it you have a chance of a getting better. I think of heroic procedure as no hope. a breathing tube or feeding tube when there is no hope of ever improving.

I personally know you can do very well with just one kidney. I've done that for 34 years.

I'll be praying for you that God lets up on everything He's piling on your plate. I don't want it though, I had enough this past summer to last me for awhile.

Take care Joyce and let us know how you and your sister are doing.

I am so sorry Joyce, and am at a loss for words.
All I can do is send you ((hugs)) & **prayers**,
and be somewhat comforted in the knowledge that
you are surrounded by loved ones here.
Carol

Oh Joyce, I am so sorry. You know, I used to think that care giving was a big roller coaster ride but the fact is that life itself is one big roller coaster. Unfortunately the highs don't last very long and the lows seem to go so deep down. I do hope that your sister is a candidate for a transplant. Please keep us informed.
{{{{HUGS}}} my dear friend.

Joyce,

Anymore news on your sister? And how are you my friend? Keep us updated when you can. I'm so sorry that this is happening. We're not just here for AD Joyce, we're here for you too for whatever you are going through.

Keep in touch when you can.

Jackie