Stalled Recovery

Larry's recovery does not seem to be moving forward.  I don't think he's feeling any worse overall, he just doesn't seem to be making any progress.  So tired all the time and no appetite.  Looks like the feeding tube will be with us a little longer than planned.

A couple days after my last post (5/21), Larry started getting “ickyness” oozing out around the feeding tube.  I called late one night an spoke to the on call physician.  He didn’t seem alarmed, but suggested we have our family physician check it and do a culture.  Culture shows no infection, but the oozing continues.  I called the surgeon's office today and they want to see Larry in the office tomorrow.  They may decide to swap out the tube - not sure how they do it, but a fellow patient at Hope Lodge had his replaced and said it was a pretty quick and simple procedure.

Maybe it’s all related to the issue with the feeding tube, or maybe this is normal after the “insurance” round of chemo/radiation.  In any case, we’ll both feel much better after the experts check him out tomorrow.

Another change for us.  I went back to work on 5/23.  Wooohooo!  Going to work never felt so good - a return to "normal".  Even though Larry isn't feeling as good as he would like, he has made tremendous  progress has been managing just fine at home.  School will be out soon and he'll have the boys to keep him company. 

I'll post another update Wednesday after tomorrow's Cleveland trip.

Pat

Taco Bell and Fresh Georgia Peaches

These are the only two things that taste good to Larry.  He tried a burger last night but the meat and the ketchup tasted odd.  He's not ever hungry, but is trying to increase his calorie consumption.  It's a struggle.

Mike and I got him out to walk through the produce section of Andersons today.  Small success.

He really is feeling a little better each day.  There is light at the end of the tunnel, it's just taking time to get there.

Pat

Goals: Walk & Eat

We were back in Cleveland for a check-up. 

• Bloodwork - looks good
• Chest x-ray - looks good
• Energy level - very low, but that's normal
• Weight - dropping a bit too rapidly

Next appointment is in 3 weeks.  Goals for the next three weeks:

• Between tube feeds and regular food - consume 2000 calories per day
• Increase regular food consumption so that all 2000 calories are by mouth
• WALK *** WALK *** WALK
• Keep a log of regular food - if Larry can show doc that he's getting enough nutrition by mouth, the feeding tube can be removed at the next appointment

Central port can be removed in June - something that can be done locally (since it was put in by our local hospital).

I will be going back to work on Monday - looking forward to a return to "normal."

Some have asked about the poem in the previous post - it is posted on the wall near the bell and is on a printed certificate given to each patient when they complete their radiation treatments.

Pat

In Celebration...

**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**

Surrounded here by family and friends
One journey has ended, another begins
I ring this bell for treatments ended
I ring the bell for wounds now mended
For those who listen, my story, I tell
I celebrate life by ringing this bell

**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**

Larry had his last radiation treatment today and rang the bell to celebrate.  One trip next week to check that his blood counts are normal, then hopefully a few weeks off before we go back.  As Larry's appetite returns he'll be weaning off the feeding tube.  He is still fighting fatigue, and will be for quite a while.  Dr. Videtich (radiation oncologist) compared what Larry's been through to being hit by a truck three times!  We're happy to be back home.

Feeling BLAH

The nauseousness has finally subsided, but the fatigue is ever present.  Yesterday and today Larry has been feeling jittery, restless, anxious, etc.  We're pretty sure it's from steroids that were prescribed for the nausea.  The last pill was taken this morning, so we are hoping that the restlessness is gone by morning.  Larry's appetite has not returned yet - he's been trying different things, but nothing tastes good.  This is a temporary side effect of the chemo.  The other annoying side effect is a hyper-sensitivity to smells. 

We have good news to share - as of 4pm today, Larry is taking only one medication and it is something he was taking before this mess started.  Woohoo - good job, Larry!

We're in the home stretch now - only three more days and Larry will be celebrating the end of treatment.  We are both looking forward to Friday at 2:30.  We should be on the way home shortly after.  Even though Larry will be done with treatment this week, he will need to come back for regular check-ups.  We don't know the schedule yet.

Pat

Home for the Weekend

We're home until Monday morning.  Larry's feeling pretty yucky - nauseous and tired.  They sent us home with a couple prescriptions for nausea - hope they work.

Not much to say - it was an uneventful week in Cleveland.

A Boring Report

Nausea started last night, but medications are helping.  They will be giving Larry nausea medicine around the clock to try to stay ahead of the nausea.  Until now, he got it only when he asked for it.

It's not surprising that his appetite has disappeared.  He was able to eat meatloaf and mashed potatoes on Monday when he still felt pretty good.

Other than that, there is really nothing to report.  In this case, a boring report is a good thing.

Pat

Back in Cleveland

Larry checked into the hospital this morning and has started chemo / radiation treatment.  In-patient this week; out patient next week (radiation only).  He's hooked up to the same green and brown IV bags that he had before.  He had such a great response the first time, so no changes were made.  Chemo infusion is 24 hours a day and radiation is twice per day.


Larry's roommate, George, also has esophageal cancer.  He is starting his first treatment today with surgery sometime in the near future.  He has many questions for Larry.

Pat