Hi TB,
sorry to hear that you have to go through such hardship.
maybe you should read this info posted by Gaby about the T regulatory cells:
http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,42877.msg679203.html#msg679203
As you can see the thymus role doesn't end - but glands are prone to calcification, that's why scars appear. Epigenetic factors produce, beside calcium efflux, other metals (especially copper), to be expelled from the collagen matrix which, when accumulated in tissues, will absorb non native EM radiation and leads to dehydration of tissue. I have observed this way to often in my practice. It can't be neglected or denied.
So, if you want to help your parents, look for sources of pollution in their home (wireless, cordless telephone, smart meters, nearby microwave tower) and reduce the risks as much as possible, as no amount of surgery can solve it, if this is the case.
FWIW.