hello miss Vickie,

while i was in treatment i met a fellow who had traveled from overseas to see if there was a chance for reconstructing his throat so that he could eat again. he was one of the most upbeat guys you would ever want to meet. he had friends visit, went to a pro baseball game, smiled and enjoyed life. his wife was a saint. she mixed special meals for him in a blender and was just cheery. unfortunately, the docs told him that at this time there was nothing they could do for him and he would have to continue with the peg. they were not happy to hear the news, got themselves together and returned home. upon returning to thier tropical island setting, the sun still rose and they got on with their lives. hoping that sometme in the future things would change and he would be eating again.

i went thru two holiday seasons without being able to eat.. i put on a happy face, but really it just wasn't the same. and life around other folks was different too, because so much of our culture is related to eating. fortunately i'm back to eating now, but it took about 18 months.

i only hope that your dad's situation is also temporary... the docs may have overstated the situation, if so encourage him to continue to do those things that will get him eating again. if on the otherhand it is not realistic to expect to eat again, i am here to say that he can adjust to it with the loving care of family and friends. he will need lots of support because this is a heavy load for anyone. yet he can do it.. and you can help.

best wishes,
larryb