I know better than to watch it but it was on TV last night and I just couldn't help it. It is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read in a book or seen on a movie. Besides being a beautiful story it is also heart breaking. Even though I know how it ends, I start crying when her parents make her leave and can't stop until it's over. But I got to thinking last night about how nice it would be if Alzheimer's and even HD could be that "pretty." Chip told me that no one would want to see the movie if it showed what disease really looked like and he's right. If I thought that I could finish my days in a beautiful place where I still was able to be dressed every day and could go outside, it wouldn't be so bad. But if any of you have a grandparent with Alzheimer's, you know that it's not always like that. Huntington's Disease definitely isn't because it robs you of your mind and your body. So I guess I have a new view of the movie. Instead of being a heartbreaking love story, it is actually a love story with a pretty good ending considering the circumstances. Does that make me sound very cynical??
I got a letter today requesting that I participate in my first HD research trial that includes taking a drug. The drug is actually a supplement - Coenzyme Q10 -but it is at huge amounts - it is not something they think is a cure but a treatment. This is kind of sad for me because I have never qualified for these studies because I was considered early symptomatic but now I am eligible. I am excited because I like when I get the opportunity to contribute to research. HD is a disease that makes you feel very helpless and participating in trials is one way to fight that. I have a couple of concerns, however, one of them being that it will include 600 people and half of those will receive a placebo. So for 6 1/2 years, I could be taking nothing! I know that all trials have to have them - I just wouldn't want it to be me! And it is also a lot of traveling - 1 to 2 times every 6 months to Memphis. I know that's nothing for most of you but you're talking about me!! :) Anyway, it is something exciting to think about. I am about to finish my 6th visit to Atlanta this year so I might as well start a new one huh?
Today I am thankful for the HD researchers.
2 comments:
I am thankful for the researchers today as well, and pray for them and you.
I will drive you to Memphis some - road trip!! I would love to spend some time away with you without the kiddos.
I know what you mean about the movie - I feel that way about "Steel Magnolias." It's like watching my brother and Windie all over again...yet every time it is on I watch it and ball my eyes out!
Love you, and keep your chin up!
Count me in on that road trip to Memphis! I will even drive if you want me to!
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