Week 2 coming up

Thanks to all of you who have posted to the blog--please know that it is a vital link in the process, and that we both look forward to reading what you send along.

What started as a mostly uneventful first week of treatment ended with Mike in the Emergency Room, getting treated for severe dehydration and constipation. We are glad to report that both sets of symptons have been reduced, but it was two days of very high levels of discomfort for him. He had a very good day today, getting his fluid levels replenished, and eating the best grilled cheese sandwhich he can ever remember.

The dehydration from the chemo and radiation came on faster than was expected, so first thing tomorrow we'll ask the docs to move up the installation of the feeding tube to be ASAP. He'll be able to directly take food (as it were) and fluids into the tube, which will allow him to maintain good levels without having to think about how yucky the food and water tastes.

So, Week 2 coming up--with radiation treatments only--no chemo. We'll see what that holds.

mike and terry

Week 2 of prairie dog slaying: As Mike reported earlier, the weekend started rough, but ended good with him being able to eat and drink a little. It's still not enough, but it really boosted my spirits to see more fluids going into him yesterday and today. We also found out this morning that the procedure for the insertion of the feeding tube has been moved up from Friday to this Wednesday. Never thought in a million years that this is something I would be happy about, but I'm actually doing cartwheels.

Thanks to everyone for the posts, phone calls, personal e-mails and cards. Also, a special thanks to Aleisa for stopping by this evening. We really enjoyed hearing about your trip back home to Arkansas. It makes the rest of us seem sane. (;)

On another note, we both found out today how important it is for everyone who is involved in Mike's care to be positive. Keep the positive thoughts flowing.

Terry

Week two of prairie dog slaying has begun. As Mike reported earlier, the weekend started rough, but ended yesterday with him being able to drink and eat more than he has eaten in awhile, which has really helped boost our spirits. We also found out today that the procedure for the feeding tube has been moved from Friday to this Wednesday. As unpleasant as this may seem, we are both ready for this to happen. Stabilizing the weight loss with adequate nutrition and hydration is extremely important has he continues with radiation this week. Thanks again to everyone for all the posts, the cards and personal e-mails. A special thanks to Aleisa for stopping by this evening on your way home--we both enjoyed your visit.