I spent most of the day Monday going from one doctor to the next trying to figure out what to do for nutrition. The new plan is to start me on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), so I’ll be feeding myself through my IV port from 8:00 each night until 8:00 the next morning. They haven’t been able to find a reason why I’m having so much trouble with the feeding tube (it’s likely a combination of things), so they’re going to try the TPN for a while and see if my stomach will do better after it’s had a chance to rest.
Originally, I had thought they were going to do the TPN through the home health agency I’ve already been using for the tube insertion, but the nurse called me today and said the gastroenterologist had called someone else. So she’ll be coming tomorrow to discharge me from their services. I’m not really sorry to hear that since the nurse they were sending out was more interested in talking than listening.
I’m not sure how long it will take for them to come out and get me set up on the TPN. I’m guessing they’re waiting on insurance approval. Hopefully, they’ll get it done in the next few days since I can’t put anything but medications in the feeding tube and those are sometimes iffy. In the meantime, I have to spend an hour each day at the oncologist’s office so they can give me fluids.
After today, I have eight radiation therapy sessions left. I almost laughed when the nurse at the radiation oncologist’s office told me today how well she thought I was doing. When I told her I didn’t think I’d been handling it so well, she said this is one of the toughest types of radiation therapy as far as pain goes and that after everything I’ve been through I deserve to win the lottery (yes, please, but get rid of the cancer first)! So maybe I’m not giving myself enough credit.
My best friend is coming to visit for a few days late this week on her way to an out-of-town job. I tried to talk her out of it (for her own good), but she said she’s coming unless I tell her not to. I’m not that selfless, but I’ll be kind enough to kick her out if I feel like I’m making her too miserable. Can’t wait to see her!
To my other friends who have asked about visiting, I’m hoping when the radiation therapy is over I can start having some semblance of a real life again. I’ll let you know when things start improving. And thank you so much for asking!
If the nurse thinks you’re doing well, you are. She’s seen it all, I’m sure. You’re obviously plowing through the process and putting up with the awfulness better than most. I’m sure it helps that you were of strong mind and body before you started and that you’re determined to put this behind you. Eight more days of radiation, then you can put that part behind you…
Tough treatment for a tough problem. But Mary is right…if the nurse says you are doing well then you are. It seems absurd but you are in the home stretch. Praying for your strength.
God bless you. keep looking a head.
I’m praying for your peace, comfort, & endurance for this season. I’m so proud of your overcomer attitude. I hope you will continue to find humor through your journey. But most importantly God’s love wrapping you with His reassurance & warmth. With respectful love, Darae.my.wfctxt.info:
John 10:10 (http://bit.ly/1klgWJP) Fullness of life is found in Jesus!
You have been a warrior. Almost there. Hang tough.
Sounds like Gina will be there to spend a few days with you so enjoy your time hanging with her and you two have a good time! Sounds like you are half way through this junk. Thinking of you always and you will conquer this! Big, big hugs! Give a big hug to Gina for me!
I will see you tomorrow, I am here to take some of the stress off you for a few days so you can just relax, sleep, and heal.