Yesterday and today are mirror days. Three formula meals, swallow exercises, attempts to eat semi-solid/solid food mixed in with a mall walk and naps.
Tomorrow would be very much the same except it is Appointment Day at Dana-Farber. There is a very busy day planned. I get blood draw, have an acupuncture session, meet with the Swallow Therapist, the Nutritionist, and see the medical oncology team. We have lots of questions centered on my swallowing progress.
I have no problem with the physical act of swallowing. The substance being swallowed burns and/or the tongue and throat muscles hurt (they are still healing.) I know that I must learn to swallow with comfort to fully recover, I know that I can. The advice is "keep trying". Plus, I have such hankering for real food!
Today, Dan started his day in town; his first appointment was here, so he stayed overnight, short commute, extra visit for us.
Thanks everyone for your words of comfort and love. I think of you, friends and family, when the healing is most challenging. I never feel alone.
Love...
Richard
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Hey what of that magic mouth stuff... that might help by numbing the area so you can get food down... I had issue with my eusophagus (spell) none as severe as yours but they gave me liquid lortab... that worked ..
ReplyDeleteThis soon will just be a bad memory for you... hope your wife is well...
Laura
Ann is doing well, thanks! She made the ride to and from Boston with ease.
ReplyDeleteI use the Magic Mouthwash twice a day, to help swallowing and teeth brushing. My main tumor was at the base of the tongue - where the radiation was aimed - all the tissue there has to regrow and heal. During the growth and healing, I have to keep swallowing no matter the pain - those muscles must be constantly be exercised, three time a day (which hurts, too.) See, I do have a job while healing!
Richard
It is hard... I know..you did so wonderful through out this... That mask of yours scared me, I honestly don't think I could have done that over my face with out a panic attack....
ReplyDeleteif it is any consolation...I use to sit back and tell myself on my crappy days... "just remember, there is someone out there way worse off" I know that stinks but it helped me to distract it from me..and I got really sick of hearing "God only gives the full plates to those who can handle it" .. I always felt like saying "Well good you take the full plate for a change".. but I didn't.... LOL
I had to see the mask as my friend, not an alter ego. 36 sessions with the mask on - looked at it like sci-fi or spaceflight. At first, it sat on the bedroom chair. Good for nightmares???
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