Gail was diagnosed with ALS today "Lou Gehrigs Disease". It has been a rough week. The doctor said the coming years will not be pretty and to start making plans soon for assistance.
We also found out the same week that our daughter's cancer has returned after being cancer free for 2 years.
Gail is in the Rehab Institute of Chicago for the next 3 to 4 weeks for rehab and training on how to get along.
I am still working on items for the homeless in our area.
Oh, Dennis *******HUGS (those are sisterly, "one arm around the shoulder while standing right next to you" hugs)
My little sister's FIL had a good 15 years or so after he was diagnosed
-- he hit a point and then just sort of stabilized for a loooong time. He was far more blessed than people who were diagnosed 20 or 30 years ago -- they set him up with a computer and taught him how to use it with his best-controlled muscle, one knee. He wrote his autobiography, corresponded with all his family all over the country, including his grandchildren, by email, sent cute emails to all his friends (normally I get tired of them, but this was his life, you know?), consulted with me on learning Word Perfect 9 or 10, and had a reasonably full life for a loooong time.
The one thing they did that they think helped was dietary stuff -- not sure about all of it, but avoiding MSG like the plague is the one I remember best (probably avoiding Nutrasweet would be a good idea, too).
I hope you find a good doctor at a good teaching hospital that you can rely on -- it makes a world of difference.
Dennis - I am so sorry to read this. You and Gail will be in my thoughts. My partner hopefully is going to rehab this week and I'll think of you as I find out the tools she's given.
My prayers are going out to Gail and your daugther and to you too. You'll have to keep those spirits high for both of them. You also know that I'm here if you need to talk.
Dennis, I am so sorry to hear this news. I was praying that they would finally figure out what was wrong with Gail, but I was hoping for better news than this for you both. I totally understand your worries about your daughter's cancer too, being that my sister/cousin just went through a horrific year of having cancer and going through chemo and radiation treatments only to have her cancer come back. I will be praying for Gail and your daughter... and one for your peace of mind as well. Do take care of yourself too!
Melinda, that is actually a very encouraging and inspirational story about your sister's Father-In-Law. It shows that if a person has the will power and doesn't allow themselves to give up, they can accomplish a lot and continue to have bright moments in their lives. :o) Thank you for sharing this with us.
Oh Dennis, What awful, awful news. The computer is very limited at sending waves of caring and love, but we do try. I have read some very hopeful as well as helpful information in these replies and hope you can (eventually) take heart in them. Yes, there CAN be good years ahead, in spite of this tragedy. I have seen many websites written by folks with ALS who are at least (and in some cases MORE) active now than they ever were before--writing, communicating, sharing--with a renewed understanding of how precious time is to us all. Please know how many of us are thinking of you and your family.
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