Rocky is 75 today. On Thanksgiving Day. No need for a huge party because the entire nation is celebrating by gathering over a festive meal. Mostly that is turkey and all the trimmings, but some will have beef roasts, pastas of all kinds, or ham, fish or lamb. All are good as long as they are in keeping with the family traditions and culture. Ours will be turkey.
Looking back, Rocky’s journey has been rough of late and likely will continue so. The dreaded cancer surgery was successfully survived. Gaining expertise to speak with the electro laynx is an uphill battle, but the medical side of things is super good. Tests continue to indicate he is cancer free.
The continuing challenge – other than the electro larynx skill – is the advance of Parkinson’s Disease.
That enemy continues to sap Rocky’s balance, gait, and range of motion. Tremors are an annoyance, but swinging the arms and legs in walking is hampered. Shuffling, lurching and falling are common. That is what we both live with in battling his disease.
The bout with cancer was unknown for a long time and affected the efficacy of the drugs prescribed for PD. With that behind us, the regime of prescription drugs will be adjusted to find a better balance to push back the disease. This process takes patience and close observation to discern what works. Nothing is every clear enough, but we accept all victories however small.
Meanwhile, Rocky’s life goes forth with vigor and resolve to make the best of the time we have now and in the future. That is as it should be.
And we are grateful for that. Thankful on Thanksgiving Day.
Happy Birthday, Rocky!
November 28, 2019
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