Friday, June 05, 2009

Mom

My Mom hasn't been doing well for a few years. She's suffered debilitating migraines and has been becoming progressively more disoriented. She sometimes has lost motor functions temporarily and her equilibrium has been off kilter. She's seen doctor after doctor, specialist after specialist, and endured test after test. She's been checked for brain tumors, strokes, diabetes, lyme disease, and everything in between. Meanwhile, her physical and emotional wellbeing has deteriorated considerably.

Finally, a conclusion has been reached. My Mom has Parkinson's Disease.

In some ways it's a relief to know. I mean at least we know SOMETHING now. And while there is no cure for Parkinson's, it can be slowed down and somewhat managed with medication therapy and nutrition. But it's also a devastating pill to swallow.

My Dad was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer a few years ago. During surgery, his doctor found the cancer had spread to his liver and gall bladder. The prognosis was concerning. But after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, my Dad has since received nothing but clean scans. It seems he's beating the odds. But while it's highly likely she will enjoy many more fulfilling years, my Mom has a degenerative brain disease from which she will never recover.

It's a very surreal experience to watch your parents grow old.

6 comments:

Carroll Baker said...

Clew, my thoughts and prayers are with you. My parents passed a few years ago, both from cancer. Spend all your extra time with the folks. They will love it and you will have lots of memories for you to share with your son.... By the way, how is the little guy?

See ya, All my love.
Carroll

Anonymous said...

(((((((Clew))))))) my thoughts and prayers are with you. I've heard that the Michael J Fox book, Always Looking Up, is good. As you probably know, he has Parkinson's too.

Hugs

Coffeypot said...

It’s a surreal experience being a parent growing old, too.

My younger brother has Parkinson’s, and it is not an easy thing to see him at his worst. He is on meds and it is helping him, but he was diagnosed too late to really be successful. He can still drive and get around, but he lives alone and I am concerned about that. I hope you mother has a much easy time of it. It sounds like she has been diagnosed early enough. Prayers and hugs coming your way, too. XXX (and that’s not the usual triple X either.)

Jenny said...

I'm sorry to hear that, but at least she can hopefully get some treatment that will help. My grandmother (Mom's mom) had it and lived well into her 80's. My Dad's father also had it.

I think they have made advances even since then though.

Martie said...

Clew, in my absence, it appears I have missed many things I should have been on top of. I am sorry for this unforgivable breach of caring on my part. I am sorry to hear of your mom's diagnosis and wish her and your whole family the best of luck and care. I did know about your dad and am glad that he continues to receive clean scans!

If you need to talk or need a shoulder to lean on, you know I will always be here........just a phone call away. I love you dear Clew, with all my heart!

Anonymous said...

My all blessing are with you and i have sympathy with you.


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