Hi Danny:
It's so nice to have someone notice when I'm missing from the site for a couple of days! Or, maybe you guys just needed a break from my constant posting! Anyway, I haven't been able to log onto the site for a whole 48 hours and it's been like missing a limb! After a nice dose of Roxicet, Dave finally figured out that my "cookies were blocked" which I guess is the internet equivalent of constipation and must be because you mentioned the topic recently!!!
Anyway,I'm back and more aware than ever what a lifeline this forum provides for me on a daily basis! Now, this is comical...I felt far away from you all not being able to post and it had nothing to do with geographic distance!
So, with cookies unblocked, I can tell you that Dave is still feeling sore around the PEG tube site but it looks fine and is working perfectly well.Maybe these tubes aren't meant to go into people with toned stomach muscles? I know you didn't have that experience, Danny (which is not a statement about the state of your stomach muscles!) but did anyone have soreness for a few days after the insertion? I'm used to elderly clients who happily yank their PEG tubes out without wincing so I'm a bit puzzled. In any case, it's a big relief for Dave not to have to worry about eating if he doesn't feel like it.
The Duragesic patch is working well and the mouth pain is under control but still there slightly. Of course, the graphic descriptions by Dave of "coughing up chunks of mucous" and the gurgling in the night aren't exactly romantic but we are adjusting. He is also having some bothersome hiccups so he is putting the feeding in more slowly.
Okay, so boxers and panty hose aside-he wants me to ask you where you put your tube when you aren't using it? Such a personal question but I think he means do you tape it or have you male veterans rigged something that works better?I'm almost afraid to know the answer!I reminded him you live and Texas and the answer could involve cowboy regalia! Maybe OCF can invent a PEG tube holder with logo?
Tomorrow marks the start of week #4 and Dave is thinking radiation is getting old and so is he. I think the hardest part of this is knowing how robust he looked post-op compared to right now when he looks tired and pretty fed up. He is using the Biafine cream but the sunburn appearance has definitely blossomed on both sides of his neck. No blistering or peeling though. Mostly, he thinks it's a full time job to keep with getting to radiation, dental trays, skin cream, feedings, pain meds, and the glorious medical establishment.
Of course, as if all of these aren't enough of a thrill, Dave asked to have a scan of his chest and abdomen and they are scheduled for this week. I know this step is supposed to help with peace of mind but can someone PLEASE pass the valium!!
So, what is new with you Dig? I keep meaning to ask if you got the Triple Mix mouthwash?
It's so good to back!
TTFN,
Kim
