Greetings Buffistas! I made a video for y'all partly for my annual Best of DC campaign request, but mostly to say hey, and show my face, since I am around so little.

The link to the Video Message goes to Canva, and requires no log-in.

In it, I explain why this is the SECOND to the LAST time I will make this request and why it's important.

If you could take a quick 30 seconds to help a sporadic sister out, I would be grateful!

PS: Voting closes on Monday...because I am a procrasti-planner of the highest order!

Ballot

Just got off a video visit with my oncologist. With the results of my last MRI, he wants to be a little more aggressive than previously planned. So I'll be starting infusion chemo again in a couple of weeks. A different variety that will go easier on my kidneys but probably cause me to lose my hair (priorities, I know). Chemo pills and/or the drug trial are both still on the table, but more as maintenance plans once we get it more under control. As much as I hate the idea, I am starting to have more pain, so I'm definitely ready to get things going.

Folks, I need help, to help Todd.

I've been managing her hospital stay after she let me know that she had another stroke a couple of weeks ago. She is getting good care and will, eventually, be moved to a rehab facility to regain her strength.

So far, visits or calls have not been practical. She's pretty sharp, here and there, but she has been dealing with what her psych team tells me is 'hospital induced delirium.' That's all I'll say about that, but want you to know that she's in the right hands.

She was in good spirits this morning, but is often confused and stressed.

What we need is a referral to an attorney who handles durable powers of attorney/medical directives.

In terms of support, right now, I am it. Given my own situation, it's important that we find an alternative for the legal stuff.

Thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to DM me via FB/IG, or email me at my first name @ my full name, including the -.

Thanks!

I just got off a video visit with my oncologist. Good news/bad news. The good news is that I'm discontinuing chemo. The bad news is because it didn't work. I've been miserable and the mass actually grew. Next step is to get me on some new drugs. There's a clinical trial right now for a very rare gene that I happen to have. There's a slight chance of surgery, though right now it would be too extensive to even consider probably. So I'm waiting to hear from the clinical trial people right now. He's hoping we can get me on some new drug in the next couple of weeks. I'm hoping that since I'm off the chemo I can start to feel like myself again and the new drug won't have too many side effects.

So, fingers crossed, say a prayer, light a candle, whatever way you send up good thoughts.

Quick update on Toddson: Her hospital care team says she is doing well. And she let me know that she has moved to a rehab center in Bowie, MD. Ping me if you'd like to know which one.

She sounds bright in her messages, and says that both she, and her doctors, are optimistic about her recovery.

I've had to step back from my advocacy role, but I'm sure she will pop in to reconnect when she is able.

My father passed last night.