Hi everyone,

I am sad to bear this news, but our Amyth will be entering hospice shortly. I spoke with her earlier today, and she wanted me to relay this news.

Unfortunately, the infection she has in both hips has become antibiotic resistant, and if they more aggressively pursue the infection, they are at risk of eroding Amy's existing health. But the infection also means they cannot proceed with a bone marrow transplant. At this point she will be entering palliative care during which she will live as pain free as possible, and enjoy some excursions while she still is ambulatory and has energy. Her timeline is weeks at this point, and she and her best friends Terry and Gabe will be making the most of this time, including a trip to the beach in the coming days.

She is likely not going to join this revamped board, and so wouldn't see your messages in the natter threads.

So here's the ask. She would love to receive letters, and is okay with me sharing her home address here: Amy Preble 110-A Estes Dr. Ext Carrboro NC 27510

She would also like to receive Facebook messages and texts: 919-360-1838

Please note, that if you text her, let her know who you are as she may not have your phone in her contacts.

She may not be able to respond to you, please don't take it personally! Her energy and focus will be waning and ebbing, but she would love to receive the messages even if she can't return the love.

Now, at some point, the messages might be overwhelming for her. I'll post again here if that's the case.

But until then, please feel free to shower her with love.

Hello, all. I know a lot of people would love to be able to do something concrete to support amyth and her caretakers at this time. I have touched base with T and he spoke with amyth and here’s what he said:

I spoke to Amy and one thing that is happening soon (Friday) is that she will be going on disability which will reduce her salary by 50%. But we don’t necessarily want her to have more cash for reasons having to do with estate planning. So gift cards would be a great way to support her. Ideas include a generic visa gift card, or gift cards to Amazon, DoorDash and/or GrubHub - any of which would be super helpful.

smonster again: discussion on the best way to do this will happen in Natter. If you’d rather just do your own thing, her address is above. Thanks, y’all!

ETA bullshit consensus is everyone do their own thing.

Oh god guys. DXM, Ed, passed away in June. I’ve been trying to reach him the last couple of days and since I hadn’t heard back which was unlike him if I texted, I googled. Jesus Christ. Fuck

[link]

DXMachina's Facebook tribute page. [link]

Hi, everyone. I just got off a Zoom Celebration of Life for my former housemate Peter. He was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago and sadly lost his battle with it this past week. I wasn't planning to post about it here, but the many stories people told brought to mind so many of the great times I had with him in our West Portal house (aka my first place in San Francisco) and I realized that many of the local Buffistas, as well as people that came to visit SF during that time, had probably had the good fortune to meet Peter since he was always willing to have people to stay with us, or to host big gatherings, especially if games were involved. (In fact, I think some Buffistas may still be recovering from the trauma of having to play Cash n' Guns.) In any case, given other recent news, I thought I would share that he is no longer with us.

Our own vwbug has put together a Give InKInd page for amyth where folks can see specific requests and sign up to provide a dinner (including with DoorDash). [link]

Could I get some negative test-ma sent my way this afternoon? (Not COVID-related.) Thanks!

And oh so quickly, the ma worked! I've never been so happy to hear the words fatty lipoma in my life. Releasing it back into the world.

Hey loves! I am running my monthly reparations through direct giving fundraiser and could use your help. If you’ve gotten your stimulus check and have a little to spare, please consider donating. [link]

And whether or not you can donate, it’s super helpful for those of you on fb to go to the post on my profile and heart, comment, and/or share. It boosts views and increases the likelihood of donations. Thank you!

As a heads up, if peeps saw me seeming really weird on Facebook or noticed I wasn't around a lot, my thyroid was unregulated and my electrolytes were all over the place during the last couple of months. It made me make no sense and Not Be Myself especially near the end of December.

Over the course of being ill and having uncontrolled anxiety attacks, it got to the point where work people checked on me on the 29th, went to grab some food, and when they returned, I was having a focal point (like I was on pause completely) seizure when they got back.

I had my first ever grand mal seizure on the way to the hospital. I was hospitalized about a week and I had several petit mal and grand mal seizures in the first few days. My family didn't even know where I was for a couple of days. My sister flew down from Tahoe. I wasn't even myself for real until super early the morning of the 4th and I was released later that day to seek neurology care (there isn't a neurology department in my local hospital).

So after I was released, family drove me to a University ER that is known for their quality of care and specialists. I will be seeing their Epilepsy Clinic and Behavioral Health virtually and I still need an EEG. Because of the Covid crisis, I was not admitted. That is why the virtual Epilepsy Clinic and not inpatient. I was considered stable enough to be on my own. I stayed with family (who are awesome) for a few days anyway. Been back home since Friday before last.

But all signs point to it being my salt dropping super low and electrolytes doing the wacky. I am taking my thyroid meds, which've been upped and should be re-regulated soon. I am still needing to regulate my water intake, have electrolyte tablets that I use in my water and have a free for all on salt.