In February, Gram and Grandpa, with the help of Kerry, headed to Dallas for surgery. Because of her sharp decline from November to December, the doctors thought in addition to Alzheimer's she might have Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) as well. Honestly, it seemed more like a guess. They did some initial testing, and then they basically put the ball in my dad's court to decide if he wanted to try the shunt to see if it might help.
He did a lot of research and spoke with a couple of people who had the surgery. He sent us (the kids and spouses) articles and asked our opinions. They traveled up to Dallas in January and did some initial tests. The results where inconclusive. My dad decided it was worth a shot, and I am so glad he did. It hasn't been the easiest road, but my mom has improved a ton! It's a huge blessing.
She had to stay in Dallas for several weeks. First she stayed about five days at the hospital recovering and getting some therapy, and then she moved to a rehab hospital where she had intense physical, occupational and speech therapy for about two weeks. Here are some pictures of those adventures.
They stayed at my sister Becky's house before they went in for surgery. My mom hasn't been sleeping well for weeks, so Beck gave my dad a break. This is the girls the next day after a rough night.
Brian and I were in Mexico, and my mom face timed me to let me know they were heading in for surgery that morning. To be honest, most of the conversation didn't make much sense, but Becky was helping to interpret it for me.
Of course, my dad is always clowning around. He had to pop in and out of the video to say hello.
My cute parents.
Beck and my brother Nate were amazing to go up to the hospital and help. Their spouses were very helpful and supportive as well. Nate and Beck would visit my parents or tag team with my dad so he could leave the hospital for a bit. Sometimes they would stay the night and send my dad "home." (He stayed at Nate's house.) I'm so grateful Nate and Beck were willing/able and close enough to help out so much.
My Dad trying to get some rest in the waiting room. He's had an exhausting few months. Looking at this tiny bench thing, I don't think he got much.
She had a lot of intense therapy. She worked really hard and got so much better.
Nathan taking care of Gram.
About a week before she came home, her brother Alan (from Odessa) and sister Wendy (from Utah) drove out to visit her for an afternoon. They had a great time together.
See me in the corner of this picture? Facetiming with Gram again...and Grandpa just can't help himself. I love them both so much.
I offered to fly up and help them drive home. On the trip up three weeks before, Kerry was essential. It would have been very difficult for my dad to drive and help my mom on the 350 mile drive up. She was so much improved they didn't need me at all for the drive home!
However, once she caught wind of my offer, she wanted to have me there. My dad booked a ticket. I flew up to Dallas in the morning and Ubered to the hospital. Just as I got there, she was released and we headed downstairs to the car and started the 5 hour drive home. It was wonderful to be able to give them both a big hug. It was especially amazing to have a normal conversation with my mom! She looked great, spoke great, walked great....truly a miracle for her and our family.
Home Sweet Home
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