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Longish Post: At the end of August 1996 Nancy 64/10, my spice, had a left-side pallidtomy with wonderful results. The tremor which had been caused by muscle rigidity thoughout her right side (including internal muscle systems) was almost completely stopped. She regained the ability to write (right-handed); the terrible muscle spasms ceased almost completely; and she has been able to continue with her very active pastoring of her two congregations. She now can hold a baby during baptism without fear of dropping the child. She is able to serve communion without spilling the grape juice, but still prefers to have a lay person assist with that responsibility. Two important events have led me to write and share with you. On October 24, the Henry Ford Hospital and Sinai Neuoscience Center [in the Detroit, MI area] held a fund-raising event for Neurosurgery research at The Palace of Auburn Hills with a Detroit Pistons-Miami Heat basketball game called "Shoot For A Cure." At half-time Nancy was one of the four patient honorees who were introduced to the crowd. Her neurosurgeon had nominated her for the honor as she had such a good result from her surgery. She was surprised when the invitation first arrived and was happy to represent a portion of the parkinson community at this event. We traveled literally from one end of Michigan to the other to be present at this fourth annual fund-raising event which was co-founded by former Coach Will Robinson. The second event is that Nancy has been on Mirapex now for more than 10 weeks and is sleeping somewhat better and has less muscle pain. The most remarkable event is that her head has stopped shaking so noticeably. She had been taking botox injections for the neck muscle involvement; while they were of some help, they did not really provide any lasting relief. However, since titrating up to 4mg per day the head shaking has been greatly reduced to some upon waking or when under stress. Following our most recent visit to the neurologist, she is titrating up to 6mg per day. Will let you know how she is doing later. Current medications are Sinemet 25/100 1/2 hour before getting up; then Sinemet 25/100CR with 1.5mg Mirapex four times through the day. Alan Bonander was right on when he e-mailed us more than a year ago to "relax and enjoy the surgery." I am thankful to be a care partner with a courageous woman who wishes to serve her churches and community as long as possible. We are happy to be home and at our new e-mail address. Wayne & Rev. Nancy Sparks [log in to unmask]