The easiest way to avoid regrets is to ask yourself this question, "If not now, when?" It's a powerful way to put life and our decisions about how we spend our time into perspective"

Update on Ken’s neurologist appointment… Posted by Cindy on 10/12/2025, 11:26 am We finally got a new neurologist here in town and Ken saw her on Friday. She thinks Ken’s essential (familiar) tremors can be stopped by doing DBS (deep brain stimulation). This would require them going into his head and placing wires that would short out the nerves that cause his hands to shake so much. We are considering this surgery but of course it scares me and we would have to go to Kansas City for it as that would be the closest place to get it done. That in itself causes problems for me as I hate the thought of surgery on Ken’s brain, hate being away from home-and we have 2 dogs to consider as I have no idea what I would do with them. There is a place we can board them but they have never been away from home before and Solomon is a little Houdini when it comes to being on a leash. I know Ken getting his tremors to stop and his quality of life improved trumps all of my fears-but it’s a lot to deal with. Just wanted to share and would appreciate your prayers that things work out.

That is alot to think about. Posted by Beverly on 10/13/2025, 8:12 am, in reply to "Update on Ken’s neurologist appointment…" First of all... I am sending you prayers and love to you and Ken. Is there a neighbor who could come and check on the dogs. Or a friend. Maybe a recommended overnight doggie hotel of sorts. I don't know what's it. When Mike and Meg go on a trip... they have used something like that. I hope Ken would quit smoking? Murr faced that too.It's tough challenge. Sending love and hugs, sweetie.

So much to consider! Posted by Joan on 10/13/2025, 7:24 am, in reply to "Update on Ken’s neurologist appointment…" I know you'll figure it out, but wow, there's so much to think about! I will keep Ken and you in my prayers as you work out what to do. Sending my love with my prayers!

Of course. Posted by Paula on 10/12/2025, 9:15 pm, in reply to "Update on Ken’s neurologist appointment…" It's a lot to figure out but there will be a way if it's meant to be. I didn't know Ken had tremors. How does he feel about all of it? Are there pet sitters that would stay at your house with the dogs? Or is there an Airbnb or something in Kansas City that would allow dogs? Just some thoughts.

I actually woke up Posted by Cindyh on 10/13/2025, 6:39 am, in reply to "Of course." With my back hurting and was thinking about this and thought about the air bnb! Great catch Paula. It’s a good idea if Cindy wants to do it this way.

Lifting prayers for you and Ken Posted by Delta on 10/12/2025, 2:09 pm, in reply to "Update on Ken’s neurologist appointment…" This is a huge consideration for you. Do a lot of research and find out how many people they have done this on, how many KC hospitals/doctors have done, their rate of success and anything else that you can find. If you can find out that they have had a big success rate with it that might quiet your mind on the surgery some. If not you might feel okay saying no without second guessing yourself. Just remember that people that deal with all kinds of dogs all day have many tricks up their sleeves to get sly Houdini dogs to cooperate and dogs often act better for others just like kids. Please get them shots for kennel cough before you board them, if you do. Is there no one in your town that could house/dog sit that you would be comfortable with? Would his daughter that lives close whose husband helps you a lot be able to do it? If you decide to go ahead with this the answers will come to you.

Sending prayers for you and Ken Posted by Krista on 10/12/2025, 11:54 am, in reply to "Update on Ken’s neurologist appointment…" I understand your concerns and fears - you and Ken (and she perhaps) have some additional discussions expressing all your fears, all Ken's fears, all both of your hopes, the chance of success. I have no doubt the two of you, who love each other SO MUCH, will come to the right decision for you. Love you, Cindy.

Cindy Posted by Cindyh on 10/12/2025, 11:45 am, in reply to "Update on Ken’s neurologist appointment…" you and Ken have my prayers of course. I understand the worry. It’s his brain but if it worked it would be huge! Go visit the place (boarding). That might make you feel a lot better. Most are very nice. We are lucky that children help with that and we watch theirs but we have boarded. It worked out very well. How does Ken feel about the surgery?

Thank you all… Posted by Cindy on 10/13/2025, 1:52 am, in reply to "Cindy" Ken is more open to it now that he knows he will be under light sedation. We had heard about DBS about 5 years ago but the doctor told him he would have to quit smoking before they would even consider it and he would be awake during the procedure. Of course Ken wasn’t interested in quitting smoking at the time or being awake when they drilled into his head so we didn’t pursue it. Lots to think about for sure. I appreciate all your good thoughts and prayers.

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