UPDATE on Mom

OK. First things first: Apparently, this doc Mom saw about the suspicious areas in her right breast feels these areas are likely fibroid in nature and really nothing to worry about at this time. He would like to check again after she does the radiation. He's not keen on biopsying these areas after what all she's been through recently. Dr Nyboer (Neurosurgeon) says her bones are dried up and look like swiss cheese or a sponge. Naturally she is going to have problems with this from here on out. Dad has COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) which is likely due to second-hand smoke. Or, maybe even exposure to asbestos or other pulmonary irritants from his years of working as a plumber/pipefitter. Mom INSISTS it is not due to her smoking in the house. In fact, she states that if she is going to die from smoking, so be it. "What about the effects on Dad?" I asked. She says "he will just have to come along with me". Like he does not have a choice. Sheesh. Debra, Kathy and I checked out an assisted living facility in my area. Real nice place. The one-bedroom unit was very nice. It's pricey and even with the Veteran's Administration paying a portion of Dad's bill, it would still take up about 95% of their monthly funds. They'd have practically nothing left over for groceries. Meals are included in the monthly price, but Mom likes to cook and the units have a kitchen area with a stove for cooking. After my sisters and I reviewed the place, there was a question as to whether Mom and Dad would actually "fit in" with the "class of people" that were there. So, we can explore other options. MomandDad's doctor doesn't think they need 'round the clock care/attending/supervision. Maybe just a few hours here and there. He is not a jerk, but a hard a$$. I wanted him to approve a motorized cart for Dad because I worry about him on uneven surfaces - not so much around and inside the house, but so he can go beyond the porch. Nope. He said Dad needs exercise. I agree, but disagree on his decision. Makes me mad. But again, these days, just about everything makes me mad. I just don't feel the medical community is doing what all it could for them and I feel like things have begun to spin horribly out of control. On a positive note (I like ending with these if possible), Dad says he's feeling much better than usual. I know alot of that has to do with Deb being there and making sure he is taking his meds faithfully and regularly. I only had Mom's word to go on that he'd been taking them; thinking she was giving them to him but she was only putting the bottles on the counter for him to take. OY! Well, that's it for now. I think I've covered everything. I will post more as information becomes available.