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

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