Richard is over the "hump"! We have 2 more chemo treatments and a little over 2 weeks of radiation left.

He is bearing up.

He is unable to eat via mouth, so the PEG has been a blessing. He has lost about 10 pounds since the beginning of treatment, but is maintaining (so far) his weight. 6 boxes of Nutrin a day (3000 calories) and 64 oz of Smart Water. We have added a couple spoonfuls of optifiber to the mix (for constipation). He still gets his coffee, 2 cups, in the morning (via PEG) as he gets migraines without caffeine.

One thing that someone (an RN friend) suggested and is working for Richard is that water be given before the feeding (about 20 minutes), not after. We are mixing the water with X-strength Tylenol (crushed, with approval from his oncologist) to manage the pain. So far, this has been enough and works well for Richard.

We have to be careful, to keep on schedule in the evenings, as otherwise, he has severe heartburn, that causes him to vomit gastric acid.

We are tracking his treatments with a visual, sticky note chart, taped to the wall - kiddish, but it does feel good to pull a square off and toss with each treatment.

The lymph node tumor is visibly diminished and Richard feels like his radiation mask is not as snug as in the beginning, hopefully this is a good sign.

His spirits and attitude are so positive. He is still able to work, despite the discomfort and I hope this continues, as it gives him something other than the cancer, to think about.

Sorry for the long post. Richard and I do not talk a whole lot about this. Thank you for being my "outlet" and encouragement.

Barbara (CG)
Richard (landscaper/surfer/in the midst of the OC battle)