Monday, March 16

Well, after a couple of reschedules it is finally the day to hop on the planes and go to San Francisco. Hank and Marilyn were scheduled to arrive around 12:30. Sue and I were to be there just before them so that we could meet them at the plan.

As luck would have it both flights were one hour late. We were able to get one pass to go in and meet mom and dad so Sue went in to help them off the plane. We had a small car rental snafu, they wanted to give us a two door convertible. Nice, but not what we needed for four people, a walker, four suitcases and a couple of backpacks.

Then straight to the VA, with only one missed turn. Since we were late getting in Dad was late for the appointment with the head neurology surgical nurse, Susan H., but she was nice enough to wait for us. We went over med's, past surgeries, walking, accidents, etc Everything was still good to go. Then it was down for a chest x-ray and blood work.

For dinner we stopped at a restaurant with an ocean view. Dad had a nice prime rib dinner to get him ready for for Tuesday. Back at the hotel was a bit crazy. There was a small bug crawling in the bed when dad flipped the covers back... It was much to large for a "bed bug" so Sue went to the front desk to ask what it was... "it comes down with the rain" is what she was told. At that unbelievable answer she just laughed. So as we all turn in for the night Dad lays his head down and he chucked "it came with the rain Huh"? So we all had another good laugh to end the evening.

Colette & Sue

Parkinson's

As many of you know Hank was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in March of 1995 at the age of 65. Luckily dad was very aware of changes that were happening and was diagnosed in the early stages. With the help of medication he has been able to lead a very full life with little to no restrictions. As time has passed, symptoms have changed, medications have changed and it is now time to take a new look at how help dad with the symptoms of his Parkinson's.


After two rescheduled dates, Feb 11 and March 10 we have a new date. On March 18, 2009, if all goes well, dad will undergo DBS, Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. Just what does this mean? In short, a small pacemaker type of electrode will be inserted into the right side of dad's brain. This will help his left side symptoms, tremors, etc. There will be a "lead" wire that is fed down and into his chest for future "tune-ups" as needed.

To read more about DBS you can go to: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/deep_brain_stimulation/deep_brain_stimulation.htm