My brother, Tommy, has been diagnosed with Achalasia, a rare disorder of the esophagus. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (muscle) doesn't relax properly to let food enter the stomach. He is going to be going to Atlanta for them to do botox injections by scope, hoping to relax the muscle. He was to have it done this past Monday but the weather caused them to postpone. Prayers, please, that this procedure will work and that he won't have to go through surgery.
Tommy's mother-in-law, Katherine, has been diagnosed with a reoccurence of skin cancer on her face. She has already had all the radiation she can have from prior treatments so she'll be having plastic surgery (February 1, I think) to remove the cancer and for grafting. She's also having trouble with her back and not getting any relief from her chiropractor.
My aunt and godmother in Cincinnati, Margie, had a CT scan done today to rule out dementia. Though they are trying to rule it out, it's a better diagnosis than what I've been thinking. She has two daughters (my cousins) living in the area with her and they have had to assume a lot of responsibility in her care and appointments. My uncle has had a seizure disorder and now has hearing and vision loss. Aunt Margie is my mother's younger sister.
Also, the friends and families of the victims of the Tucson shooting. And yes, even the shooter. Such sadness around that whole situation.
