I don't know that I ever actually updated things in here regarding what happened after my mom died a few weeks ago.
My sister did, in fact, find a way to essentially write me out of the will and the family trust. So I guess that's done. I'm less mad about it and just sort of profoundly sad that this is the way it all played out. It's mostly what I expected, and she doesn't think that she's done anything out of sorts. In her mind, she came in to take care of mom, so it's all hers. The only thing she couldn't touch is what was left in an IRA which had a defined distribution that she was unable to get changed, and even on that she tried to get me to cash out my half and give it to her.
So yeah.
Tim's diagnosis is very likely rheumatoid arthritis (his test results aren't conclusive enough to be 100%, but the other things it could be would be treated basically the same way, at least initially, so for all intents and purposes, it's RA). And I'm glad he has a diagnosis, so he can start treatment, but I'm telling you guys because I don't want to tell him, because I want to be supportive -- I *am* freaking out moderately about it.
I mean, it *is* good he has a diagnosis. Starting treatment now will limit the damage to his joints (and there is already erosive damage that can't be reversed). But Jesus H. Christ, you guys, the treatment is a fucking CANCER medication. It's a very very very low dose than is given for cancer, but still. (If it doesn't work well enough, then he moves on to an injectable drug that I'm hoping won't be ridiculously expensive. But one step at a time, right?)
And it's not just a chronic condition, it's an autoimmune one. That blows. I was really hoping for gout.
And in the category of Life Sure Is Funny, his ex-GF (the one whose daughter recently died) has RA. And since Tim and his ex are still friendly, I think she's going to be a SUPER big help to us as we figure all this out.
Good luck, Steph and Tim. You know what it is, and it's treatable. That's a lot.
Yeah, it's just a big life change. Not as scary as cancer or heart disease, obviously. But still just big and, yeah, kind of scary right now.
What's the difference between Rheumatoid and Osteo arthritis?
ND, that's sad and infuriating. I'm sorry.
Steph, autoimmune disorders blow, but having a diagnosis is good. Having someone around who can give him some help figuring things out is good too.
My mom had a cancer treatment for an autoimmune disease, and it worked great! For what that's worth. She did need someone to give her a ride to the appointments, but that will be less of a problem for you, I imagine.
PS: I've been referring to the pain in the ball of my foot as gout, even though I am 90% sure it's not gout, because it just feels funny to say! Although probably not funny to actually have....
And we've passed 2000 cases. Such a very angry customer base.
