Brenda

(1/27/2012)

Today I learned that my wonderful friend, Brenda North, is in the hospital and is very sick.  She was in intensive care for a week a couple of weeks ago and is again in the hospital.  She has been sick for a long time, and I was not aware of it.  She has a staff infection that has settled in a valve in her heart, and  she will need to have surgery.  She has had many tests and needs more as the doctors try to determine what exactly they must do.  It is complicated.  The fact that she has rheumatoid arthritis and has been on medication for many years may make her weaker and less resilient.  She is 65, but her arthritis doctor says her body is more like a 75-80 year old.  She is on oxygen and has had to have fluid drained off her lungs.  I am so worried about her.  She has been a dear friend for many years -- always there for me and supporting me and my family. 

When I talked with her, she sounded so weak and shaky.  She accidentally called me when looking at her contacts on her cell phone.  She quickly hung up before I answered, but I called her right back.  She was not planning to tell anyone (friends) about this.  She gave me permission to tell Becky (Layton).  Becky is now the contact between Gary (Brenda's husband) and all of Brenda's friends at the office - and me.  Brenda is not accepting any visitors or calls.  She needs all her strength. 

I told her she needs to let friends know -- so more prayers can be said for her.