My sister took my brother to the ER yesterday. He is experiencing many severe medical issues, including uncontrolled A-ib, extreme pain (and likely related issues), and apparently has a serious infection. My sister said they suspect his kidneys may have also been affected. Other than the heart issues, which he had before his cancer diagnosis, it's all likely related to his cancer and the chemo. Perhaps his heart issue is also exacerbated by them. I told her to let me know when our brother might be ready for a phone call. The last couple times I called he was not well enough to talk for long. In the hospital, I'm unsure if he feels up to talking at all. He was kept overnight. I'm unsure when he'll get out. He's already been venting about the cost of his medical bills. And now even more. It's a tragedy that people who are sick also have the discomfort of wondering how to pay for care.
Possible trigger:
I talked to my father yesterday, even before finding out my brother was taken to the hospital. Dad sounded in distress and could hardly talk. His COPD is worsening, so he struggles to breathe. He cut the call short. After hearing from my sister I suggested she not mention our brother being in the hospital. I honestly doubt our father could handle it. She had apparently called him several times, but without him answering. Getting so many calls from her, alone, might have scared him. Dad is a very sensitive soul whose clearly at near peak anxiety. I'm feeling very worried and pessimistic about my brother's (and possibly Dad's) situations. I still want to be hopeful, but confess that I'm preparing myself for hearing the worst.
I feel horrible that my poor sister is handling pretty much everything, but I just can't afford returning again to the United States, at this point. Plus the move to our new house. Horrendous situation! We're trying so hard to be strong. I'll confess that I'd likely be more an albatross around the neck there than a help. I feel pathetically weak being so useless. I try my best to support my sister (and brother and Dad), but its limited. I'm barely handling the move. I will need to return there, not too too long from now.
On a positive note, my nephew in the US seems to be excelling at his new job. He attended a conference to represent his company, a task he said he wanted to do. He's very smart and enthusiastic. A great progress after he had three psych hospitalizations in 2022.