| Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 51 | Wendy, there are no silly questions! We have actually kept a food and water diary for the past several months. We couldn't understand why Dana was losing weight and getting dehydrated until we saw it in writing. We line empty water bottles up on the counter. The goal is 6 empties/day. If he is having trouble swallowing, it goes in through the peg tube. We started this after extreme dehydration led to low blood pressure with dizziness (no fun!) At one point, the Dr. wanted him to consume almost 3000 calories/day. This was when he was relying completeley on the peg. It was like having a baby in the house...feedings every four hours! Talk about quality time together! We still count every precious calorie, whether swallowed or liquid formula through the peg. We add calories by using whole milk, gravy on everything, and real butter. Unfortunately, I've gained weight way to well! Best of luck to you. We're here to answer any questions you have.
Diane
Caregiver for Husband, Dana, age 52 DX 11/08, SCC right tonsil, Stage 3 RND, right tonsilectomy, Peg tube installed 12/08 Cisplatin X3, IMRT X35, last TX 3/09 CT scan 5/09 clear PEG removed 8/27/09 1st PET scan clear 9/10/09 Minor surgery to repair PEG site 9/17/09
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