A letter To Professor Horne.

Dear Professor Horne,

this email has been on my mind for a long time. I certainly haven't forgotten you.

I guess that you knew that I would have to leave your care to pursue DBS as you don't do it, but I want to keep you in the loop, as you have always had my best interest at heart.

I always tell everyone that you said that the 1st 5 years of being diagnosed were the 'honeymoon' period, and they were.

I also tell people that you said, 'travel while you can', and I did.

You also said that you would like me to have DBS in 2 years time, and here I am.

When you first suggested DBS to me two years ago, I was shocked.

It was not for me. I have never had tremors. I am not THAT bad.

But after 18 months of wearing me down, I finally left for a second opinion, and ended up at Assoc Professor Williams.

The last 2 years have certainly been out of the honeymoon period.

I can't believe that I did that bike ride around Vietnam only 2 years ago. I don't think I'd contemplate it now, (especially after having DONE it, and knowing what I was in for.)

I also can't believe that I lugged 2 suitcases around America all those times; in and out of airports, ALONE.

This year I woke up and said, "I don't want to travel overseas this year.'

John and I enjoyed 10 days in Palm Cove instead.

I can't imagine taking a holiday without him.

And so it is YOU who has led me to my latest journey; a different journey than I am used to.

You have always given me sound, sensible advice, and I'd like to thank you for your care over the past 8 years.

You were there for me when I decided to give up teaching.

You encouraged me to travel.

You listened and asked no questions when I told you that I wanted to go off Cabaser (Mirapex) in the days when it's side effects were just becoming known.

You adjusted my meds when necessary.

You suggested DBS.

I thank you for all the above, except the last one; you may have to wait a month for me to decide if my thanks is warranted.

I am scheduled for DBS surgery this Friday, August 5th.

I have complete faith in my team of Assoc Professor Williams, and Mister Danks.

I am extremely calm about the operation. I remember you once saying that it is just surgery like any other. Messing with the brain is no more dangerous than other surgeries. (Not your exact words, but something like that). That thought is in the back of my mind.

So as I approach Friday, I just want you to know that even though it has been almost a year since I saw you, you are not only not forgotten, you are remembered with affection and respect.

I hope that I may, in the future, thank you for starting the ball rolling for DBS.

Time will tell,

Karyn Spilberg