Alzheimer's

This morning I went out with Mike to his neighborhood rec center again.  I put in 5 miles on the recumbent bike and then went swimming for about 30+ minutes and then headed back to his home for breakfast.  I think tomorrow I might try just doing laps and see how that goes.  The gym I go to has no dedicated lanes for lap swimming and so I haven't tried it - I will at least give it a try.  They say you should mix up your work outs and this will definitely do that!  LOL

When I came back here I went to check on Derk.  He was barely holding his own.  He had a colonoscopy this afternoon - they biopsied his color (approx.  2 feet were highly inflamed)  - and he has more tests scheduled for Monday and next Friday.  Hopefully they will have some of the results back soon and we'll know a little more.

This afternoon I went over to the Utah Alzheimer's Association to see what resources they could tell me about.  The lady (Calleen) was extraordinarily helpful.  I am so grateful that there are associations like this one and people like Calleen who can help point us in directions for help that we don't even know exist and give aid and comfort as we face the challenges that will inevitably come our way - and so that we can help Dad get through what has to be some of the most terrifying moments he will have ever faced.

Tonight Brian fixed chicken enchiladas for supper and Dad got up to get glasses for some drink - but he looked absolutely helpless as he tried to find the glasses.  He finally explained to me, as he opened the frige, stove, and drawers, that he didn't know where they were - especially since all the cupboards had been changed.  LOL

I spent the better part of the afternoon/evening calling and talking to Brad, Mike, Chad, and Jim about the information I had learned from the Alzheimer's Association and trying to get possible dates that we can all meet with the clinical social worker at the Association to learn about the disease, its' progression, and resources and other particulars that we need to know about so that we can make informed decisions on Dad's behalf.  We are all united in trying to help Dad in whatever way we need...but there is strong disagreement about the diagnosis and even about the progression of the disease.  Hopefully we will all benefit by this meeting and we'll all be on the same page from here on out.

I received good news from Desi this morning - it seems Emily's eyes are working the best that they ever have!  What a blessing and what a gift!  She has been through so much.  I hope that things just continue to improve.

As I checked in with Brad this afternoon I had a chance to catch up with Tristen - she sure looked good even though I am sure she is ready to have her little one.  Hopefully she will have the baby this week and all will go well...and for Brittany too!   How fun it will be for two little cousins (actually - I guess they will be second cousins) to be born so close to one another and to be able to know one another - what a blessing!

I'm missing Rich tonight - not like I don't miss him every night - just that tonight I really would like to have him here....  The 22nd can't come soon enough!