Thanks for the advice! I think I'll check out my frequent flyer miles, get a ticket that is refundable or get cancellation insurance and just book it with the knowledge I may have to cancel.
I know I would be very sad if I was well enough to go, but it was too late to get on my friends' flights. Flying with them is essential, so I won't have to lift a thing.
On a lighter note, I told another friend I would be giving my brother a kidney for Christmas, and she said "You've had that thing for 60 years. I think this clearly comes under the heading of 'REGIFTING' ".
HAHHAHAHHA