January 1, 2002

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Al went for his treatment with Dr. Espy this week. He still isn't back on track with taking the fish oil and he is eating too much sugar with makes him slur and produced too much saliva. He is off and on with all this. The fish oil is going to be made in powder form, hopefully by March. Dr. Espy had some for Al to try. He put his finger in it and tasted it. It wasn't fishy at all so once they come out with this hopefully he will be better about taking it. I'll sneak it in his food if I have to.

Dr. Espy had a hard time getting Al's muscles and nerves to respond to the treatment which she says is because he hasn't been taking his fish oil as often as he is suppose to. She wrote to us "It is important to make sure you take the fish oil. You have been lax and it is showing. Your values are still very low. You need to take 3 tablespoons per day. Unless we can keep the blood flow up we will start losing the battle." I can see a change in his swallowing, spasms, choking and usage of his hands. It has gotten a little worse.

He does continues to drive, take care of himself and putts around the house doing the "Honey Do List". He gets more frustrated and wants to give up more often now but I keep pushing him to keep trying. The councilor says we are on opposite ends of the scale about his illness. At times he wants to give up and I want to keep him functioning in hopes that he lives long enough for them to find a cure. She says I might have to learn to accept his decision. I said "I will kill him if he chooses to give up now. Maybe I can when he gets worse but not while he can still do so much." He goes back in April for his next appointment. Stay warm this winter. Thank you for all you love. prayers and support. Love, Glo and Al