Monday, September 13, 2010

this guy...

This guy, if you haven't met him, is my sweet dad.
He and my mom spent today in San Francisco doing nothing tourist-y or recreational. In fact, Dad spent a significant part of today having his brain mapped at UCSF hospital in preparation for a big day tomorrow.

Tomorrow is brain surgery day---deep brain stimulation surgery day, to be exact.

You see, even though Parkinson's disease has actually progressed much more slowly than we ever thought it would, in the past year, especially, it has shown no mercy. Dad has reached the end of the medicated road with this nasty disease, and it's time for some serious intervention. Thus, the sort of pacemaker for the brain that he'll get tomorrow.

In the early hours of the morning my sister and I are driving to SF to keep my mom company for this very long procedure. We're optimistic, maybe a little nervous, and very grateful to have access to such amazing medical care that could be very life changing for our whole family, especially my dad.

So just hold still tomorrow Dad and be patient as they keep you awake and work on your noggin. Tell those genius doctors to stay clear of your 'punning' and humor reflexes when they're poking around. As much as we moan and groan about it, your wordy gems are a huge part of what makes you special!

11 comments:

Julie Seabury said...

Dianna - Please tell Nana and Papa we are thinking of you all! I will be sending positive thoughts his way, and I'm more than sure that he will be up and kicking in no time!! Hope you are well!

The Bradford Bunch said...

Annie-Let your mom and dad know that we love them and will be praying for them, the doctors and a speedy recovery. Let me know if there is anything else we could do.
Love ya, Risten

Oh, BTW it was fantastic seeing you at the wedding. You look fantastic!

L McD said...

Our love and prayers are with you all today. Please let us know how it all turns out. We are so far away and wish we could hug you all at this time. We too, hope the doctors are careful with those special parts of his brain. :D
We love you. Lynette and Ron

Mary said...

Dianna, you and your family are in my prayers. I hope that the surgery is a huge success. :) My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's last year. I would love to know how the surgery goes.

Take care!
Mary

Cadle Clan said...

You all are in our prayers!

Tiffany said...

Best of luck. We'll keep you all in our prayers.

The Smith Fam in Kansas said...

I just wanted you to know that you all have been in my thoughts and prayers today. I wish I were closer :( I miss you all very much - and tell your parents how much I love them.

Love ya,
Tam

Karlea said...

Just reading this today. I hope everything went well with your dad today. He is in my prayers as are the rest of you.

Jenner said...

i hope everything went well for your dad. thinking of you and your family.

Boyd Family said...

Dine, How did things go for your dad? How is recovery? We're thinking of you all. Take care friend.

Christina Bond said...

How's he doing? I don't know if no update yet is good or bad. I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers.