The Dean household has a very different feel as well this year. As most of you probably know, my sweet Daddy has been in a deep war with Parkinson's. The past few weeks have brought several battles with the evil disease. One of the ugly side effects of Parkinson's is dysphasia, or trouble swallowing. This led him into the hospital with aspirational pneumonia. Upon failing all levels of his swallow test, the doctor came in to his hospital room where Dad, Scott's father, and I sat quietly. We were given the harsh reality of Dad's situation. Dad was given two choices. One was placing a feeding tube, called a PEG tube, in his stomach where he could receive food and medicine by bypassing his throat/esophagus. The other was going home, enjoying eating foods of his choice, creating a high risk of reoccurring pneumonia. The doctor was very clear that in his compromised state, he would eventually not be able to fight the consistent infections. As the doctor left, we all sat in silence, as tears ran down my face. I could tell that the Baptist Rabbi was in deep thought of what to do. One would think that this would be a simple decision. However, there were ramifications with each plan. Those who know me are keenly aware that I am a "OCD Control Freak." I knew the decision that I wanted him to make. I wanted to scream at him and tell him that he taught me to be strong and to fight hard. I needed him to do the same. But I also knew that this was not my decision to make. This was Sam Dean's fight. This was one time that I had to love him enough to support him in whatever decision he wanted to make (although I am sure that I still did some persuasion!). Upon consulting with his GI and neurologist, Dad decided to fight. He decided to go with the feeding tube and participate in swallow therapy in an effort to regain some of his ability to swallow. After a brief scare and ICU stay, Dad went into surgery to get the tube placed in his stomach.
Coming home, we knew that the war was not over. There would be additional battles to face. This past week, we discovered that he is continuing to lose weight. Therefore, he is moving to a 16 hour continuous infusion plan where hopefully his body will absorb more nutrients and gain weight. At his neurologist this week, we discovered that the hospital doctor made a HUGE mistake with his Parkinson's meds. They had to transfer him to a different form of his Senimet that could be put through his tube. However, the doctor had only prescribed him half the dose that he had been taking prior to his hospital stay. Therefore, we saw a significant decline in his symptoms and ability to function since coming home. I will reserve my thoughts and words concerning this doctor for a more appropriate venue!! Thank goodness, our neurologist saw this error and corrected it. It will take a few days to get him back to therapeutic levels, but we are hoping with the correction in the medicine and new infusion plan, we will see brighter days ahead. I am fully convinced that Dad will win this particular battle.
Currently, Dad is participating in OT, PT, and swallow therapy through home health. He is fighting hard to regain his strength and ability to swallow. The mystery remains as to how much of his swallowing he will regain, but we are hopeful that we will see some improvement.
Dad is not the only one fighting hard. Mom has been such a trooper. I have seen her work harder than ever to take care of him when I can't be there. She has taken her job very seriously and has worked tirelessly to step up and help. I am so proud of her and love her so much.
Over the past 3 weeks, I have seen the Baptist Rabbi truly practice what he preaches. There is still much to be learned from the Baptist Rabbi, even in his "personal storm."
- Life throws us curve balls. There are mountains and valleys. However, throughout the valleys, we don't let life "happen to us." We don't sit idle and wait to see what comes to us. We are active participants in life, capable of making decisions. Our choices do have an impact on the ultimate outcome of a situation. His decision to fight will pay off.
- Prayer works. As my Dad lay unconscious in an ICU bed, we were given word that several congregations were in prayer for him. Not long after church started, my Dad opened his eyes. If you witnessed this happen, you can't deny that prayer played a part. We thank you for your prayers.
- Humor. Even in the midst of tough decisions, pain, and weakness, Dad has kept his humor. The nurses always leave with a smile and all caregivers fall in love with him. In fact, when he woke up for the first time in ICU, he stuck his tongue out at me! :)
- Faith gives you peace. Dad's faith has never wavered through this ordeal. He continues to be faithful to the Lord and seeks to do His will. He remains positive and has mentioned several times over the past few weeks how lucky he has been in his life. His glass is half full, and there is not doubt that faith plays a role in that.
I am so thankful that Sam Dean decided to fight! I am so glad that I see that sparkle in his eye that says, "I've got this!" There have been set backs, but Parkinson's has not ever met a man like my Dad. Through family and friends, we will all hold hands and go into battle together for a man that has taught us, and continues to teach us, so much. Keep that armor up, sweet Popman! You have lots of people praying and supporting you! Love you with all my heart.
