Menu Please!

Larry and I were in Cleveland today for several appointments.  The first appointment was "the scope" - a camera down the throat to check the internal healing.  We were told everything looked good and more details would be provided at an afternoon appointment in the surgeon's office.  Other appointments were preparation for chemo/radiation treatment next week.  The last appointment of the day was with the surgeon's assistant. 

Permission was granted to start weaning off the feeding tube and start eating "real" food.  WOOOHOOO!!  The process takes 2 weeks to build up to a full diet.  The first three days are clear liquids in small quantities - not what I would call "real" food, but it's a start.  One ounce of clear liquid 6-8 times per day and he's supposed to sip slowly to make it last 30-60 minutes.  How do you possibly make one ounce of liquid last 30 minutes?  Since we got home Larry has enjoyed a very small amount of jello and chicken broth.  YUMMY!  Day 4-6 introduces pudding, yogurt and mashed potatoes.  Starting day 7, solid foods can start.  By the end of the two weeks, Larry should be taking in all calories by mouth and will be able to disconnect from the feeding tube.  The tube will not be removed until 2-3 weeks after that - docs want to make sure Larry is eating enough and having no complications before they take it out.

It was another day of good news!  We are grateful for the continued forward progress.

Pat

Cheers!

*~* Outstanding *~* Tremendous *~* Remarkable *~*

Outstanding, tremendous, remarkable, fantastic, above average - these are the words spoken by the radiation oncologist at Larry's appointment today.  (There were other words/phrases, but he was talking so fast that I didn't get them all.)  The appointment was for radiation planning and mapping in preparation for the next (last) round of radiation scheduled to start May 2.  They call this one the "insurance round".  This was the first time we had seen this doc since before surgery.  He was VERY EXCITED about Larry's progress.  He knew we had gotten the pathology results a few weeks ago, but he wanted to share his excitement and to make sure we understood that this was very good news.

Our next visit is April 29 with both oncologists and the surgeon.  Larry will check into the hospital May 2 and will stay for 5 days.  Home for the weekend then back for outpatient treatment May 9 for 5 days. 

Larry is feeling stronger everyday.  He got out Sunday to watch Stephen's friend Nick play wheelchair football against the UT football team.  It was good to see him out and about.  Fatigue is still a big issue, so any outing takes alot out of him.  Every "big" activity is followed by a long nap.

The popsicles have been purchased - ready for the Popsicle Palooza on Friday!

Pat

A Drive and a Walk

Larry was able to get behind the wheel of his van yesterday with no issues - just a quick trip to the mechanic for my van.

I went out to get the mail today and came in to tell Larry it was nice out and he ought to get out for a walk.  It was music to my ears when he said YES!  We walked Buddy almost to the end of the cul de sac and back (past 10 of the 15 houses).  Go Larry! 

One month from today, Larry will be ringing the bell marking the end of treatment!  There have been times when I wasn't sure we would make it this far, but now I'm confident that Larry's got the upper hand in this battle.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Pat

Counting Down

Larry continues to improve.  There is still some pain from the surgery - doctors say there will be pain for several weeks.  He's been out of the house a few times - to Cleveland last week, a quick trip to the bank, and Sunday to visit his parents.  He's also able to sleep in bed for a few hours each night - using a foam wedge to keep his head and chest elevated (supposed to be on a 30 degree incline). 

We've become quite adept at administering medication through the feeding tube.  Larry is never hungry, but he really misses the tastes and textures of food.

Larry has been grounded from driving until now - he'll give it a try later this week.

Counting down the 22nd - POPSICLE DAY!!!!  He's requested orange for the first one.

News from Cleveland

The Monday appointments went well.  The oncologist greeted Larry with "Wow, you look great!"  Both the oncologist and surgeon are pleased with how Larry's recovery is progressing.  They gave us dates for the next phase:

• April 22 - half of a popsicle 3 times per day (nothing else to eat or drink)
• April 29 - radiation planning (there will be another radiation planning appt earlier in the week)
• April 29 - endoscopy (sending a camera down the throat to inspect the work on the esophagus / stomach)
• May 2-6 - in-patient chemo / radiation
• May 9-13 - out-patient radiation
• May 13 - DONE WITH ALL TREATMENTS

The endoscopy will determine when Larry can start eating / drinking.  Once he gets the green light, it will be a two week process to build up to "real" food.  He probably won't feel like eating much during chemo / radiation, so weaning process will likely go through the end of May.

The oncologist shared the good news about the pathology report.  The long term prognosis is much improved because the pathology report shows that the staging changed from stage III before treatment to stage I at time of surgery.  Patients with good response to treatment do much better long-term.

It was a very good trip!

Pat

Progress Continues

Larry continues to get stronger each day.  Tomorrow is the trip to Cleveland for follow-up appointments with the surgeon and oncologist.  We are hoping to get a schedule for the next round of chemo / radiation and an idea when Larry can start eating.  It's been three weeks since he has had any food or liquid by mouth - he's not really hungry, but he misses the tastes.  We hear that the surgeon will offer a popsicle when the time is right.

I'll publish an update Monday evening with news from Cleveland.

I've added a new feature to the blog.  On the right, above the family photo, you'll see a box labeled "E-MAIL NOTIFICATION".  If you want e-mail notification when new posts are published to the blog, enter your e-mail address in the box and then type the security code that is displayed.  You'll get a verification e-mail - once you respond to the e-mail the updates will be sent.  I did a test the other day and the notification came 18 hours after I published a post. I thought some of you may prefer this over remembering to check the blog.

Pat

Visitors Welcome!

Larry is ready for visitors!

Please call before you come over to make sure it's a good time.

Pat