Kathryn, my thoughts and prayers are with you.  I recently went through (actually, I'm STILL going through), a serious medical problem with my husband.  Just when things looked their worst, it started to turn around.  Please don't give up hope, and lean on anyone and everyone you can.  A shared burden is always lighter.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do,  or if you just want to vent.  There are many wonderful people on the DIS, and I can't tell you how many PM's I got from virtual strangers.  They always seemed to come just when I needed them.  Take care of yourself, please.