Good News:
My medication is really working effectively. Since being diagnosed, I went from a 16 on the Parkinson's scale to about 12. People who know that I have Parkinson's have commented on the improvement in my gate and the lack of rigidity in my right arm.
Bad News:
The side effects have not diminished. These are very personal side effects, so if you are a friend (and really bored) call me and ask. For those that keep asking: No, it is not E.D.!
Regardless of the drugs, exercises and stretching, my lower back still hurts. The hardest part of my day is often getting out of the car in the morning. Note to self: "your next car will not be a Honda Civic!" My good friend Sam informs me that this is old-age, but somehow, I can tell that it is the Parkinson's.
Bad News:
On April 20, my soon to be eighty-year-old mother had a mastectomy. while the doctor informed my mother and father that she did not think it was in the lymph nodes, after 3 1/2 hours of surgery, she did not need to come out to tell us it was.
Good News:
At her last visit, the doctor informed her that she is healing very well. She will definitely need radiation and assorted pills, but after the meeting with the oncologist, she will have to decide if she wants to undergo chemotherapy. My mother and father have requested that I attend the meeting with the oncologist and my younger brother wants to go as well. If chemotherapy is recommended, the question that my mother will have to wrestle with is "How long can I live without it?" Having this question answered, may make it easier to decide.
In the category of good news, my mother has had great life so far. She has lived 80 wonderful years, spending the majority of it with a man who loves her greatly. I can honestly say that I have never seen anyone love anyone like my dad loves my mom.
"That's all folks!"
