This last weekend, my mom told me that her doctor thought she might have Constrictive Pericarditis, and that it was bad enough that the pericardeum would have to be removed–a crack-your-chest type of surgery.
Naturally, I’ve been in a bit of a sweat about this. (OK, I’ve been just about worrying myself sick about it even though I was trying not to worry about it and doing things to keep my mind off of it.)
Today she went to Tucson for some more tests (an Echocardiagram and an EKG), and the doctor who ran those tests said there is NO sign of either Constrictive or Restrictive Pericarditis! 
Her doctor may need to tweak her heart meds a little, but she won’t have to have surgery.
She’s probably feeling more relieved than I am, but boy, do I feel better. My parents and I are very close, and the idea that either of them would have to be opened up like that makes me sick to my stomach. I’m so glad it isn’t necessary.