There is no handbook for someone who needs a liver transplant, much less one for her caregivers. Maneuvering through relationships with the medical community can be daunting for someone who is well, nearly impossible for someone who is gravely ill. Karen's liver failure and related side effects were growing worse every day. Karen's sister Penny moved in, and things improved for a while as they waited for news of a transplant. When Penny's health began to decline, the author stepped in for what she thought would be a week or two. Alongside her husband, who is Karen's brother, the two found themselves in an unexpected role of reluctant, default caregivers.
