Ernie had his weekly visit with the Radiation Oncologist today. He scoped Ernie and showed me areas in his throat that are already starting to heal and said that many more areas like this will emerge in the next two weeks. The swelling in his throat should also start to moderate. All of his vitals looked good (normal temperature!) except for his weight. He put on about 5 pounds pre-radiation as we were warned that it would be difficult to eat. He was doing a good job of maintaining that weight until this week. He was down 4 pounds versus last week. Oops.
With so much time spent at the hospital, it has been hard to get all the cans of food and cups of water down him. Food takes 4 hours and water another hour. And, it is very uncomfortable for the patient if you give it all at once. Imagine how you would feel if you ate all of your calories at one sitting. So, I have to space it out.
Last night I resorted to feeding him while he slept, which is OK as he has to sleep upright. Even then, I didn't manage to get all of the calories in him. Needless to say, we got a strong reminder from the nurse to pay more attention to nutrition. She also encouraged Ernie to keep swallowing soft food as much as possible--the exercises will pay dividends but there is no substitute for the real thing--and to get some exercise.
This afternoon was beautiful so, following orders, we went for a walk. After about a quarter mile, Ernie was tuckered out. He told me "this radiation is kicking my butt." We resolved to try to walk a little further everyday once he completes his treatments. Won't be long now: 3 radiations and one chemo to go.
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