My Alzheimer's Journey

Part 85 - Adapting to Change

September 8, 2025, I drove to Durham, North Carolina to have a PET scan. Linda did not feel well that day, so I went alone. After the procedure, I had a gut feeling that the results were going to be bad news. About two hours into my three and half hour drive home, I received an email from Duke. I stopped at the next exit and read the scan results. I called Linda. We cried together. I had Alzheimer’s disease.

One hundred fifty-seven days later, we have been through so much change.

The changes are far from over. In fact, every day a new change appears. Some of the changes have been positive. All the changes are difficult.

Prior to September 8, 2025, we were discussing plans for an Alaska cruise. We were seriously considering moving to Mexico. Now, any travel is going to be difficult due to my infusion schedule. Certainly, not a ten-day cruise.

Closing our business in South Carolina is an ongoing challenge. With help from friends, we are getting closer to selling the assets. With a lot of luck, everything will be completed by the end of March. Or, at lease the physical, financial, and legal aspects of closing the business will be complete. I suspect I will struggle with the emotional part of closing the business for a long time. I wish there had been six months to wind down the operations. My treatment schedule did not allow that.

Thirty days after receiving my Alzheimer’s diagnosis, we were packed, the moving truck was loaded, the cats were in their carriers, and we were driving north on I-85.

Since arriving in Chapel Hill, I have received nine Lecanemab infusions and four MRI scans. We continue to adapt to our new life. We miss our close friend and neighbor who would often join us on our porch after work for a cocktail. Not only that, but we miss our favorite restaurants. In general, we miss our old routine.

The change has been especially hard for me. Right or wrong, our business was a huge part of my life. I loved the excitement of the day-to-day operations. It was rewarding to see projects completed. Yet, looking back, I made mistakes along the way. Those mistakes are what led to my Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Knowing what I know now, I think my decision-making capabilities were compromised starting a few years ago.

Linda and I have settled into our new routine.

We're enjoying spending our days together. We take care of each other more than we ever have. The new store is an ongoing project that keeps me busy (as much as I have the energy and desire to be busy.) Linda is exploring several new art projects. I am dabbling at writing a book. And, I absolutely love writing this blog.

When there is darkness, humans have an amazing ability to seek the light and survive. Turning the page, finding a new path, and starting over are common phrases we have all heard. In some ways, Linda and I have done all of those things in the last one hundred fifty-seven days.

We have learned so much. There have been many new experiences. We’ve seen first hand the generosity of strangers. Furthermore, we have renewed family relationships.

Almost every day, we see a glimmer of hope and goodness in a world that is rapidly changing. A world where democracy is being torn apart. A world where the violence of war destroys families.

Most importantly, we feel the love of everyone that surrounds us. From the Uber drivers who encourage me to keep fighting, to the Duke Health team of professionals who care for me with genuine compassion, to our family who are always there to help us, and to each of you who read this blog, Linda and I appreciate your love and support.

I believe this year will bring big changes in terms of my Alzheimer’s symptoms. My executive function is worsening. My energy level seems to be decreasing. I struggle to stay motivated.

We just take each day as it comes, and we deal with the challenges to the best of our ability.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
― Lao Tzu