Monday, February 23, 2009
Home Again
I'm home from Illinois. My brother is holding his own, but has a very very long way to go. I will be going back up there the first part of April and hopefully, things will be looking up. Thanks to all who called and emailed. I'll be writing more this week.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
In Illinois
I'm in Illinois this week visiting my sick brother. I didn't think I was going to have to come but it was time. I haven't seen him in nine months so you can imagine he didn't look real good to me. He is having surgery again today. He has a long way to go. On top of his diabetes and all the trouble he has had with that he also has colon cancer. They removed a tumor last week the size of his head. I just can't imagine. It will be several months before he can start his chemo as there are quite a few other things wrong and they have to take care of those first. It's way too long and complicated to go into but suffice it to say he has a long way to go. My plan is to return to Georgia on Sunday. Please keep him in your prayers.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day weekend. My son and husband both surprised me with gifts and believe me -- I was surprised......not by my son's gift but by my husband's. I don't think he has ever given me a gift for Valentine's Day -- needless to say he is not a gift giver! So, that was extra special.
Each week Google sends me a list of news articles that have been published during the week. Last week an article caught my eye about Alzheimer's drugs. The article was from the Orlando Sentinel. The gist of the article was why do the drug companies paint such a rosy picture of Alzheimer's when there is no hope. When I looked at the bottom of the article I saw where the article had been written by a writer in Stone Mountain Georgia -- not too far from where I live. His email address was attached so I emailed him. I had to differ with his opinion in the area that the Alzheimer's drugs on the market today can help some people -- especially in the early stages. If it weren't for drugs I wouldn't be writing this blog today. Yes, the drugs interact with people differently and although they won't help forever, it does give you a chance to lead a somewhat productive life in the beginning. I don't think the advertisements are misleading -- they don't say there is a cure -- they say there is help. The writer and I have a few back and forth exchanges. When I received my list from Google this week, there was another article by the writer this time about the feedback he had received from his article including some of my comments. There's always two sides (if not more) to a story.
Each week Google sends me a list of news articles that have been published during the week. Last week an article caught my eye about Alzheimer's drugs. The article was from the Orlando Sentinel. The gist of the article was why do the drug companies paint such a rosy picture of Alzheimer's when there is no hope. When I looked at the bottom of the article I saw where the article had been written by a writer in Stone Mountain Georgia -- not too far from where I live. His email address was attached so I emailed him. I had to differ with his opinion in the area that the Alzheimer's drugs on the market today can help some people -- especially in the early stages. If it weren't for drugs I wouldn't be writing this blog today. Yes, the drugs interact with people differently and although they won't help forever, it does give you a chance to lead a somewhat productive life in the beginning. I don't think the advertisements are misleading -- they don't say there is a cure -- they say there is help. The writer and I have a few back and forth exchanges. When I received my list from Google this week, there was another article by the writer this time about the feedback he had received from his article including some of my comments. There's always two sides (if not more) to a story.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Calls and emails
Thanks to all who have called or email asking about my brother. His surgery went o.k. but he has a ways to go. At least he is getting the care he needs. I was heading to Illinois, but am going to wait a bit after talking with family members. Thanks again and please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
New Friends
Last week my husband and I had the opportunity to meet a gentleman in our area that has early on set Alzheimer's and his lovely wife. We met for coffee and it was nice to get to know them. Bill and I shared "our moments" and his wife and my husband shared "their frustrations" --that probably isn't the right word for it but close enough. I was so relieved to hear Bill say that when he was having his "moments" they felt like out of body experiences. He is so right --that is the way I have been describing things since I was diagnosed. It was nice to hear someone else say that.
This weekend is Valentine's Day. Over the last few days I have heard several people complain about the lame presents their husbands give them for Valentine's Day. I want to shout at them -- "At least you get something and someone is thinking about you!"
I have written here on occasion about my brother. He is in very poor health and has not done anything about it. I worry all the time about him because over the years he could have done something about his condition -- but he hasn't. In the last week his health has deteriorated and we have all been concerned. Last night, he finally agreed to go to a hospital and at least will we get a take on what is going on with him. The prognosis is probably not good. I only write about this because if you love your family -- take care of yourself. I always say how guilty I feel about having Alzheimer's because I didn't do anything to get this disease and it is so hard on my family. When you have a health issue that is treatable -- please do something about it --not only for you but for your family. They care about you and that says a lot. Even if you don't care about yourself they do -- so don't be selfish and get help when you need it.
OK -- I'm off my soap box now. My husband turns 65 tomorrow. We are going to celebrate.
This weekend is Valentine's Day. Over the last few days I have heard several people complain about the lame presents their husbands give them for Valentine's Day. I want to shout at them -- "At least you get something and someone is thinking about you!"
I have written here on occasion about my brother. He is in very poor health and has not done anything about it. I worry all the time about him because over the years he could have done something about his condition -- but he hasn't. In the last week his health has deteriorated and we have all been concerned. Last night, he finally agreed to go to a hospital and at least will we get a take on what is going on with him. The prognosis is probably not good. I only write about this because if you love your family -- take care of yourself. I always say how guilty I feel about having Alzheimer's because I didn't do anything to get this disease and it is so hard on my family. When you have a health issue that is treatable -- please do something about it --not only for you but for your family. They care about you and that says a lot. Even if you don't care about yourself they do -- so don't be selfish and get help when you need it.
OK -- I'm off my soap box now. My husband turns 65 tomorrow. We are going to celebrate.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
This and That
Yes, I know it has been awhile. Every time I sit down I can't seem to get the words to come out the way I want them. But, I decided I was going to take a stab at it with some random thoughts today.
My husband bought a motorcycle yesterday. It is a 30 year old motorcycle -- just like one he had thirty years ago. I call it his "late life crisis". He turns 65 in a few weeks so that is his birthday present to himself. I just want to be sure his life insurance is paid up.
I had a neurologist appointment this week. It's so frustrating when there is nothing he can really do to help you. "stay on your meds and see you in six months" is what I hear. He also told me that I am a poster child for the disease -- I don't want to be a poster child for anything!
My friend Josh that I have written about is doing great despite all the surgeries and everything he has been through. I actually got to visit with him for awhile yesterday and he is extremely upbeat and positive. He knows how bad it could have been. He has quite a few more surgeries to go through and will be in the hospital for quite awhile yet, but it was so good to see him.
About six months ago I opened a Facebook account. I'm still kind of getting the hang of it and don't have too many friends. However, it has been fun to re-connect with people I've lost track of and make new friends as well. I have met several people that live nearby that have Early On-Set Alzheimer's and that has been good for me. I hope to keep adding friends and getting better at "Facebooking".
I'm going to try to be better about posting....but I know I have said that before.
My husband bought a motorcycle yesterday. It is a 30 year old motorcycle -- just like one he had thirty years ago. I call it his "late life crisis". He turns 65 in a few weeks so that is his birthday present to himself. I just want to be sure his life insurance is paid up.
I had a neurologist appointment this week. It's so frustrating when there is nothing he can really do to help you. "stay on your meds and see you in six months" is what I hear. He also told me that I am a poster child for the disease -- I don't want to be a poster child for anything!
My friend Josh that I have written about is doing great despite all the surgeries and everything he has been through. I actually got to visit with him for awhile yesterday and he is extremely upbeat and positive. He knows how bad it could have been. He has quite a few more surgeries to go through and will be in the hospital for quite awhile yet, but it was so good to see him.
About six months ago I opened a Facebook account. I'm still kind of getting the hang of it and don't have too many friends. However, it has been fun to re-connect with people I've lost track of and make new friends as well. I have met several people that live nearby that have Early On-Set Alzheimer's and that has been good for me. I hope to keep adding friends and getting better at "Facebooking".
I'm going to try to be better about posting....but I know I have said that before.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
January 20
is certainly an historic day isn't it. We just watched the inauguration on television and it was quite a site. I don't care what party affiliation you are, I think it was moving. My son and daughter-in-law were lucky enough to get into the Newseum a few blocks from the capitol to watch in the warmth. Several of the news groups have been broadcasting from there including CNN. I also have some friends that had tickets and I'm anxious to see there photos.
I wanted to follow up on some other fronts. I have written about my friend Josh who was injured in Afghanastan. He is now stateside and has had several more surgeries for his wounds. He is scheduled for another surgery on Thursday. Keep him in your prayers and thoughts please. If you would like an address for Josh please leave a comment for me with your email address and I will send you more info. I promise not to publish your email address.
Yeseterday I spoke to a gentleman in the Atlanta area that is going through the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. He is close to a final diagnosis and has been going through all the "alphabet soup" tests we go through for this disease. He is waiting his appointment for a neuro-pysch test which is usually one of the last things to have done. I wish him well -- he is trying to fight this the best he can. He also has a blog. It's address is www.wheretobud.blogspot.com if you want to check it out. I hope to be communicating with him more and staying in touch with his situation.
Monday March 9 is Alzheimer's Awareness Day at the Georgia State Capitol. If you are reading this and live in Georgia we need to you to come to Atlanta to be a special part of this day. For more information go to http://www.alz.org/georgia/in_my_community_education.asp We want at least 500 people there advocating on our behalf, so please come out. Kathy Simpson at the state office is organizing this day and she is doing a great job. Please come out if you can.
March 23-25 Public Policy Forum -- Washington DC -- Please consider taking a look at attending this year's public policy forum in Washington DC. I have been several years and it is very enlightening. It is important that those with the disease be heard and families also have a voice. There will be many people speaking at the conference that have Alzheiemer's and it is also a way to learn about what is happening with research, funding and public policy. For more information go to http://www.alz.org/publicpolicyforum/09/overview.asp If you want to register please talk to one of the meeting planners as those with the disease may be able to get a special dispensation. On March 23rd there will be an Early Stage Summit which is especially for people with dementia. Several of the sessions during the meeting will also include a speaker living with Alzheimer's so that perspective will be integrated in the discussions.
Still Alice I've spoken about this book for awhile now. It is now #5 on the New York Times Best Seller list. It can be found in your local bookstores as well as Wal-Mart. Don't miss this book. Author Lisa Genova's account of Alzheimer's in a young professor hits the nail on the head. It's a must read. Side note: -- Lisa will be one of the speakers at the Public Policy Forum in March.
I apologize for not blogging more recently. I've had a lot to do and when I get busy at home it is hard for me to put my thoughts together enough to sit down and write. I have a few trips planned over the next few days so it will be next week before there are any more entries. Thanks for your comments -- I enjoy hearing from everyone.
I wanted to follow up on some other fronts. I have written about my friend Josh who was injured in Afghanastan. He is now stateside and has had several more surgeries for his wounds. He is scheduled for another surgery on Thursday. Keep him in your prayers and thoughts please. If you would like an address for Josh please leave a comment for me with your email address and I will send you more info. I promise not to publish your email address.
Yeseterday I spoke to a gentleman in the Atlanta area that is going through the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. He is close to a final diagnosis and has been going through all the "alphabet soup" tests we go through for this disease. He is waiting his appointment for a neuro-pysch test which is usually one of the last things to have done. I wish him well -- he is trying to fight this the best he can. He also has a blog. It's address is www.wheretobud.blogspot.com if you want to check it out. I hope to be communicating with him more and staying in touch with his situation.
Monday March 9 is Alzheimer's Awareness Day at the Georgia State Capitol. If you are reading this and live in Georgia we need to you to come to Atlanta to be a special part of this day. For more information go to http://www.alz.org/georgia/in_my_community_education.asp We want at least 500 people there advocating on our behalf, so please come out. Kathy Simpson at the state office is organizing this day and she is doing a great job. Please come out if you can.
March 23-25 Public Policy Forum -- Washington DC -- Please consider taking a look at attending this year's public policy forum in Washington DC. I have been several years and it is very enlightening. It is important that those with the disease be heard and families also have a voice. There will be many people speaking at the conference that have Alzheiemer's and it is also a way to learn about what is happening with research, funding and public policy. For more information go to http://www.alz.org/publicpolicyforum/09/overview.asp If you want to register please talk to one of the meeting planners as those with the disease may be able to get a special dispensation. On March 23rd there will be an Early Stage Summit which is especially for people with dementia. Several of the sessions during the meeting will also include a speaker living with Alzheimer's so that perspective will be integrated in the discussions.
Still Alice I've spoken about this book for awhile now. It is now #5 on the New York Times Best Seller list. It can be found in your local bookstores as well as Wal-Mart. Don't miss this book. Author Lisa Genova's account of Alzheimer's in a young professor hits the nail on the head. It's a must read. Side note: -- Lisa will be one of the speakers at the Public Policy Forum in March.
I apologize for not blogging more recently. I've had a lot to do and when I get busy at home it is hard for me to put my thoughts together enough to sit down and write. I have a few trips planned over the next few days so it will be next week before there are any more entries. Thanks for your comments -- I enjoy hearing from everyone.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Update
Since posting the entry below I have had several inquiries as to how to contact Josh. I have learned this morning that it is possible that he will be leaving Germany possibly as early as Tuesday to head state side. It is not known yet where he will be sent for further medical treatment. When I have that information I will pass it along. Thanks for all your concern, thoughts and prayers.
Slow Start to the New Year
This week has been slow. That's good because I had a lot to catch up on and to get back to my routine. I feel like I am a little more settled than I was over the holidays.
I received news this week that my friend Josh -- who has been mentioned here in my blog several times and who is serving in Afghanastan was injured this week in the line of duty. His unit was targeted by a suicide bomber. Several in his unit were injured and they also lost two soldiers. Josh has had three surgeries so far and will be facing more in the coming months. We are thankful he is alive. Right now he is in Germany but is hoping to be transported back to the United States soon. He took shrapnel in the pelvis and his right leg. In addition his right arm is shattered, his right ear drum is shattered and he has first degree burns on his face and parts of his body. Please keep Josh in your thoughts and prayers as well as all of those that serve us in the military. Josh was home at Thanksgiving and I posted a photo of him on this site. Josh worked for me several years ago and is about the same age as my son. I kind of like to think of him as a surrogate son but I'm not sure he would look at it that way! Please keep him in your prayers.
I received news this week that my friend Josh -- who has been mentioned here in my blog several times and who is serving in Afghanastan was injured this week in the line of duty. His unit was targeted by a suicide bomber. Several in his unit were injured and they also lost two soldiers. Josh has had three surgeries so far and will be facing more in the coming months. We are thankful he is alive. Right now he is in Germany but is hoping to be transported back to the United States soon. He took shrapnel in the pelvis and his right leg. In addition his right arm is shattered, his right ear drum is shattered and he has first degree burns on his face and parts of his body. Please keep Josh in your thoughts and prayers as well as all of those that serve us in the military. Josh was home at Thanksgiving and I posted a photo of him on this site. Josh worked for me several years ago and is about the same age as my son. I kind of like to think of him as a surrogate son but I'm not sure he would look at it that way! Please keep him in your prayers.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
New Beginnings
Every year brings new beginnings.
The gym was packed yesterday with everyone beginning on their fitness routines
Weight Watchers was packed on Saturday with everyone beginning a new diet
Our University Town suddenly got busy again with students beginning a new semester
My daughter-in-law began a new job
In a few weeks there will be a new beginning for a new president
I'm sure you can count my new beginnings surrounding you as well. I think I look at each day as a new beginning -- it is certainly better than looking at it as a doomed ending.
On another note -- I've written about this book before Still Alice. Today, author Lisa Genova had this book released by a new publisher and if you haven't read it you should. When I read it, it was my life -- I couldn't believe how accurate a portrayal this was for a fiction book about someone with Early On-Set Alzheimer's. Go to your local books store and get it if you can. If it isn't on your shelf this week it will be soon. If you want to learn more about this disease read this book --it's an easy read.
It is a Barnes & Noble Discover Pick for Winter 2009
It is an Indie Next Pick for January
Target Book Club Pick for February
Borders Book Club Pick for February
Good Read Pick for March in Australian Women's Weekly
Here's an article about it and Alzheimer's in today's Buffalo News:
http://www.buffalonews.com/494/story/541205.html
The gym was packed yesterday with everyone beginning on their fitness routines
Weight Watchers was packed on Saturday with everyone beginning a new diet
Our University Town suddenly got busy again with students beginning a new semester
My daughter-in-law began a new job
In a few weeks there will be a new beginning for a new president
I'm sure you can count my new beginnings surrounding you as well. I think I look at each day as a new beginning -- it is certainly better than looking at it as a doomed ending.
On another note -- I've written about this book before Still Alice. Today, author Lisa Genova had this book released by a new publisher and if you haven't read it you should. When I read it, it was my life -- I couldn't believe how accurate a portrayal this was for a fiction book about someone with Early On-Set Alzheimer's. Go to your local books store and get it if you can. If it isn't on your shelf this week it will be soon. If you want to learn more about this disease read this book --it's an easy read.
It is a Barnes & Noble Discover Pick for Winter 2009
It is an Indie Next Pick for January
Target Book Club Pick for February
Borders Book Club Pick for February
Good Read Pick for March in Australian Women's Weekly
Here's an article about it and Alzheimer's in today's Buffalo News:
http://www.buffalonews.com/494/story/541205.html
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