Last week, I got fed up with fighting the ENT over pain control. So I contacted a patient advocate who called my oncologist. The oncologist referred me to a pain specialist, but he’s not available until May 3. In the meantime, she gave me a prescription for pain medication that will last me until my appointment; she also increased the frequency from six times a day to four times a day. I still have pain, but between that and ibuprofen, it’s now a lot more tolerable.
I’ve actually been able to swallow some food and liquids (yay!). It hurts like crazy, but so far I’ve had water, Jello, applesauce, chicken noodle soup, fruit and yogurt smoothies, blueberry muffins, graham crackers, fried rice, and half an oatmeal cookie. I can only eat a few bites at a time, but I try to do as much as I can every time I take some pain medicine.
Yesterday, I saw the ENT. She said I need at least two more surgeries and probably more. The next one is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. next Friday (4/22). She also scheduled one for 8:00 a.m. on 5/18. Since we’ll have to be there at 5:30 a.m. and it’s an hour and a half away, we’re going to try to find a cheap hotel in Orlando and stay over the night before.
I asked the doctor about the spot on the CT scan and she said she didn’t see anything unusual during my surgery. She said it’s possible there could be something very small there that’s hiding, but she will continue to check every time she does another procedure. So good news for now!
The doctor seemed happy with what I’ve been eating except she wants me to eat more and try to add in some pasta. I bought some today, so we’ll see how that goes.
I chose a picture of happier times for this post since things seem to be looking up.
So glad you are eating and have more pain medication when needed!!! Yes, indeed…things are looking up!!! Yay!!!! Happy Dance!!!!!
Hey grandma having good thoughts so glad u can eat now love and miss u
With all are thoughts Zoey and Nichole,
Hohensinner
Happy that you are finally having some positive experiences, especially with the pain medication and eating. Take care. We continue to follow your blogs with our prayers and positive thoughts. Sharon and Gary
Great picture! Yay! Great news! Will be thinking of you as usual. Big hugs! Renee
You really have come a long way, Baby! Congratulations on eating and drinking! …things the average person takes for granted. You have been so strong through this ordeal and I have no doubt you will make it through these final stages.
Finally some good news! Glad to hear that food is starting to be tolerable. So is drinks and dinner a realistic goal for your birthday? Or maybe just part of a drink.
I doubt it. The way the ENT was talking, I’ll probably need several more surgeries, which means I’m going to be in pain for some time yet. No drinks while on the pain meds, but I may be able to go out to dinner and just eat a few bites of whatever John orders.
So happy for your Good news! Will continue to pray for you, Julie. Enjoy your Birthday!! I am an Aries too! 🙂
Thanks! My birthday’s in June. I’m a Gemini.
My mom used to make creamed chicken on rice, which I always loved. After a head injury that knocked the jaw out of place ( for a month) eating & trying to get nutrition, other than cans of Ensure, became difficult. Mashed potatoes were fine, but don’t have a lot of nutritional value on a daily basis. So, I would mix rice, baked chicken (cut up), fresh peas & gravy and have a somewhat nutritional meal, with small enough bites to work for me.
Keep up your step at a time healing.
I grew up a few blocks away in KC and Teresa & I went to school together.