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Earlier (during the Feldenkrist discussions), I indicated that I would be visiting my mother who was diagnosed with PD about four years ago; I wanted to take some Feldenkrist tapes for her. Alas, the tapes didn't get packed. I will be sending one tape to my dad to ask him to play for her to help her settle down at night. (Mother tires easily and then can't get to sleep right away.) Because of the distance to my parents, I visit once a year and see huge changes in her behavior and physical being. The rigidity in her body that I noticed last fall was different this trip. This time Mother could move her arms but now her feet are drawn up in a way that I cannot imagine how they got that way. As I said before, Mother tires easily. She makes noises that at first are comical but after the thirtieth time that day are downright irritating. She also wails. I asked her what those noises were about; she seemed surprised that she had made noises but then remembered that she thought no one paid any attention to her when she spoke. Sad. After the second day of my visit, I found I wasn't sleeping well at night. Upon reflection, I discovered that I was really in a panic about both my parents (in their 80's). My dad is mother's sole care provider; he's tired. The questions: What if my dad becomes ill or passes away. Who will take care of her/them? The answer is me. How? I live 1200 miles away. How will I get her/them to my home? She cannot walk, cannot feed herself, cannot care for herself at all. Is my home the place for her? Is my family (husband and two college-age sons) willing to make a space for her? I am employed outside the home; who will care for her while I'm away? Again how will I get her here? I'm not sure an airline would take her as a passenger. That litany is only a part of the panic I felt during the night. My husband and a dear friend have listened to my ramblings; I realize that things happen in their own time. And I could turn you on the listserv for some advice. My mother also has had problems with constipation; probably the lack of activity. I suggested that my dad give her water. He said she doesn't drink water; yes, I remember her taking aspirin without drinking anything. So I talked with her and said that she needed to drink water to help with her constipation. There was almost immediate action. He has had to cut back on the amount of laxatives she receives. Water works, folks. I have a question (perhaps for Wendy). An aunt (not directly related to my mother) now has PD. Her doc suggested that the PD was brought on by the chemotherapy she has had for two cancers. Is that a possibility? I'd appreciate input. Thanks!! [log in to unmask]