Ensure Linda's Dignity and Care in Tough Times

Hello, my name is Brian, and I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my partner of 36 years, Linda, who is 84 years old and currently facing a very difficult time.

Linda has been suffering from multiple health issues over the past several years, including tumors on her liver and in her breast, diabetes, and lymphedema.

Recently, Linda suffered multiple breaks in both her upper left and right arms resulting from osteoporosis and possibly bone cancer. She is presently unable to care for herself or even manage daily tasks. The surgeon inserted a rod to repair the breaks in her right arm and will likely have to do a second surgery to repair the breaks in her left arm. She is presently recovering from the first surgery in a rehab facility and is scheduled to see the surgeon this coming week.

Linda and I have always been strong, independent people. I am doing all that a 74-year-old man can possibly do to help her through this ordeal; however, this situation has become overwhelming for both of us. I hate to ask because I'm a proud old fool. However, I've decided to reach out to friends, neighbors, and compassionate people everywhere for support for:

Your support will help to ensure that Linda gets the care and dignity she needs during this incredibly difficult time.

On behalf of Linda, I want to thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.

Brian

I'd like to take a few minutes to update you on Linda. The rehab facility will be discharging her to our apartment this coming Monday so, between now and then, I will have to figure out what I need to do around here before she comes home. This morning we met with her orthopedic surgeon and his PA. He was pleased with the outcome of the surgery on her right upper arm. She still has pain in her right shoulder but she does have some mobility and some use of that arm. He then discussed what options she had regarding surgery on her left upper arm. It was at this time that it was confirmed (although, as Linda put it, this was an 'unofficial' confirmation coming from her orthopedic surgeon) that she does have bone cancer. He told her to make an appointment with her oncologist. In the meantime, he is planning to contact her oncologist and confer with her (and I'm guessing come to a general consensus / recommendation regarding surgery on her left arm) before we meet with him again in two weeks. He did tell us that surgery on her left arm would be more difficult/risky because of the multiple breaks, the bones where the breaks occurred were skewed and the bone is, as he described it, "moth-eaten". This afternoon Linda and I discussed what we learned from her surgeon this morning. She is leaning to not having the surgery done. I'm suggesting that she should and I gave her three good reasons: 1. It would reduce to some extent the pain she has in that arm, 2. The rod would stiffen / strengthen that bone to some extent and 3. She would have some limited use of that arm rather that not at all. We also spent about 10 to 15 minutes talking about the likely (final) outcome.