I can read your frustrations, and agree with ChristineB, and was in a very similar situation, even while being treated in the nursing home with adequate daily peg feedings by staff, my kidneys almost shut down due to infection, dehydration and almost went on dialysis, creatinine was 6.5, but still had good output, color. My family called 911 due to my feelings, weakness, although resident dr there said I was ok, and wound up in the hospital for 21 days, lost abilty to walk again for the 2nd time, and doctors in hospital again thought they were going to loose me. I have chronic kidney disease now, partly due to this, and creatinine is still high, but leveled off to a steady 2.4. Lack of nutrition and or Dehydration is serious business, and can be deadly.

Completing full treatment without interruption should be taken seriously as trying to cure this disease, not as prevention, and an unknown primary sometimes has a lesser prognosis than other primary cancers, but HPV helps increase the odds, but still can be deadly. The RO is correct that missing radiation each day amounts to 1 percent for each day, and this is due to the cancer having a chance to repopulate. Actually, the effectiveness of radiation decreases after the first 2-3 weeks, so they use different boosts, fractions, and other techniques to help this, so not missing any more is encouraged.

Hi everyone,

So I think I have Reggie's feeding and hydration under control now. He seems to be tolerating all very well now and am able to keep up with the standard 2500 + 48 oz. protocol.

I now have a new concern. Today he is 2 weeks out of the hospital and 23 days post op. I can't get him out of the recliner. He gets up in the morning around 6:30 am and moves to his recliner where he spends the majority of the day sleeping. I understand that Reg is 66 and had major heart surgery just 61/2 mos. ago., but I am trying very hard to get him to get up and move and walk and shower, etc. It's very frustrating that I can't.

2 yrs. ago I had a liver transplant and I made myself move and walk and get back to a normal routine even though it hurt and I didn't want to. I wish Reg had my fortitude. What am I to do????

Bette - Maybe someone else will have an idea here. I haven't had your or Reggie's experience, but seems to me that a little exercise, starting slow would help. Has his doctor said anything about how soon he should be resuming some activities? And if it's ok with what he's been through? Maybe your excellent care has made him feel so much better, he just wants to relax and enjoy it a little before doing very much. How is Reggie's mood? Does he seem positive in how he feels? Maybe if you check with the Doctor and get his take on it, you might be able to pass this on to Reggie with something like "well, the doctor says . . . ." so that someone else is making some suggestions for him to consider. You really have done an amazing job with his hydration and feeding so pat yourself on the back for that!

Hi Bette, if you are anything like me you are probably thinking that his lack of activity is an ominous sign.
It's not. I think Reggie is just tired and needing encouragement and motivating. I would nag Kris to do more, and tell him that he would feel so much better for a bit of exercise. I would make Kris get in the car and then take him to the beach or park. Initially he could barely walk 100 metres. I just kept taking him and each time stretched the walk out further.
Of course all this made him so tired he needed a sleep when we returned. I think all this is part of the recovery. The body needs to sleep to heal. It also needs exercise to help both the muscles and the cardiovascular system get stronger.
Keep encouraging and trying to motivate him. Remember it is still early days. At Reggies next Drs visit bring up the subject of physical activity with him and the 3 of you can discuss this and the benefits this will give him .
it is still early days Bette. Maybe just a walk around the garden to start with .
Thinking of you both,
Tammy.