For some background: he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008. Just prior to his second DBS (deep brain stimulation) in 2017 he was diagnosed with a spinal chord glioma. Essentially, they found a tumor at the base of his brain stem inside his spinal column, wrapped around his spinal chord. Talk about unfair. They basically said they wouldn’t operate on it until the tumor was about to kill him because the surgery would be too risky otherwise (chances of total paralyzation or death were extremely high). In 2018 he got the call after a scan, and in March that year he had the tumor removed. He miraculously survived without any total paralyzation, but he did lose all motor skills and had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat, etc. He’s had a smile on his face the entire time. I love that man to death.
Additional note: he has no feeling in the left side of his body but he can move it. He has feeling in the right side of his body but he can’t move it. So it’s a very confusing existence for him, but he’s making it work. He always tells me “if you’re waiting for life to be fair, you’re going to be disappointed.” So I try to remember that
Parkinson's is a terrible illness, and I'm sorry he's had to go through it. I'm so happy for him and his new wheels though! He looks pretty happy too, his smile made me smile :)
Key-Decision1106 on July 28th, 2021 at 16:28 UTC »
For some background: he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008. Just prior to his second DBS (deep brain stimulation) in 2017 he was diagnosed with a spinal chord glioma. Essentially, they found a tumor at the base of his brain stem inside his spinal column, wrapped around his spinal chord. Talk about unfair. They basically said they wouldn’t operate on it until the tumor was about to kill him because the surgery would be too risky otherwise (chances of total paralyzation or death were extremely high). In 2018 he got the call after a scan, and in March that year he had the tumor removed. He miraculously survived without any total paralyzation, but he did lose all motor skills and had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat, etc. He’s had a smile on his face the entire time. I love that man to death.
Pics:
Papa kissing his cheek pre-surgery, 2018
Post-op, smiling as always
Physical therapy, post-op
Just him being goofy, before all this crap
Back in his Marine Corps days
Being the most fly guy in the room
Posing with his Apache
Additional note: he has no feeling in the left side of his body but he can move it. He has feeling in the right side of his body but he can’t move it. So it’s a very confusing existence for him, but he’s making it work. He always tells me “if you’re waiting for life to be fair, you’re going to be disappointed.” So I try to remember that
Additional note II: he’s only 57
k40i on July 28th, 2021 at 16:48 UTC »
I am so sorry for what your dad had to go though. I wish him the best recovery. He does look very adorable!
pinkyhc on July 28th, 2021 at 16:59 UTC »
Parkinson's is a terrible illness, and I'm sorry he's had to go through it. I'm so happy for him and his new wheels though! He looks pretty happy too, his smile made me smile :)