So, I've been MIA for a few days.

I've never been more uneasy and terrified in my entire life. In taking a quick inventory of times when I've felt doomed and helpless, including when my father had a stroke 18 months ago, I realize that I've also never felt this bleak.

They found a growth that measures 3-4" in diameter inside my younger brother's chest, in addition to some other complications. He goes in for examination and (it's expected) a biopsy later this week. He's 24, autistic, and lives with my parents. He's overweight thanks to a lifetime of medications that do all sorts of bizarre things to your glands and hormones. He's one of the most genuinely nice and funny people you'll ever meet. I lost a very dear friend to brain cancer in early 2009. I'd like to think that the only benefit from that is I have acquired some sort of superhuman emotional stamina, but I know that isn't the case.

I already put this info out on Twitter, and even though I'm not begging for it or anything, the sympathy has helped. For those who wonder aloud to me "how can you associate yourself with Jeffrey Wells?", you probably wouldn't believe that he's actually provided some of the best comfort out of any of my friends who know.

I've spent most of the last week figuring out how to financially miss as many days of work as I will soon, regardless of diagnosis. For those who don't already know, I don't make my living by writing for Hollywood Elsewhere.

That said, I don't plan on altogether dropping off the map, but posting will be erratic at best. The Ozu series will get caught up, I'm going to be on The CriterionCast as a guest this week, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm just asking for a little understanding. Thanks in advance.