Happy Memorial day to all! Yesterday was a good day for us. Hubby asked for a baked chicken leg and I was elated. He ate the whole chicken leg, took him awhile and drank by mouth a juice class of water!! We are making progress. On Sat. he cut the grass! I was away for the day visiting our daughter in Ohio. He said he wantd to surprise me. He almost gave me a heart attack. He felt fine, just a bit tired. I told him he is a stubborn Polock. Today he is feeling crummy, probbly did to much. We have 2 DR. appt. tomorrow. He needs to make the decision of going on with the next phase of chemo with the pump. I am thinking he mite be getting anxious because of the Drs. tomorrow. So say a little prayer for us. Heve a good day !

LJ, sounds like you both are makeing good progress! I got a real chuckle out of your proposed "book title" and from reading David's wife's comment to him about the football game. The thing to remember is when a loved one is dealing with cancer- it isn't "I'm fighting cancer, it's - WE are fighting cancer". Stay strong and focused. Amy in the Ozarks

Hi all, Yesterday we had a picnic at my brothers and was so thrilled that my husband wanted to come -but only for an hour. ok I said. He ended up staying almost 3 hrs. and ate almost a whole hot dog minus the bun and 2 deviled eggs. I was thrilled to say the least.
Jsut came back form the Dr. and he gained 6 and 1/2 lbs. YEA!!! Had a good check up and the RO advised him to try at least one round of the chemo pump, told him he should not have as rough of a time being he is done with his rads. So we are leaning towards that. Also sceheduled a pet scan for the 2nd week of July, I asked if that was to early and he said no. Now as I recall from this forum most say to wait 12 weeks so I am hoping we get a good reading. I also aked him about what activity he can start do
(now mind you he has stained the back deck, cut the grass and wants to paint the front porch and start to go back to work!!!) I am so worried he is putting his energy in the wrong places. The Dr. said thats wonderful do what you can so needless to say my husband gave me one of those "I told you so looks!" So onto the next chapter in my book, take care.

LJ:
He will feel the accomplishments in a positive manner, even though it will more than likely wear him out (and you also, worrying about him)! I couldn't wait to get back to work and attempt to start "getting back to normal", whatever that means. (LOL) And yes I overdid it quite often (and still do, with criticism from my wife/caregiver, but a "go get 'em" from the Dr.'s, I'm sure they mean within reason).
I guess what I'm trying to say is "If it feels good, do it" and let him go. He's feeling as though he has his life back, so he's making the most of it. I hope this "logic" makes sense to you. By the way, hot dogs are a GREAT thing. I remember the first one I cut up in little bits and thouroughly enjoyed, (I think JAM or JoAnne originally suggested it!!) MMMmmm, it was Wonderful. Funny that was brought up, that's exactly what I had for dinner tonight.

Best wishes,
Steve

Hi, Hubby a little on the tired side today. He can't understand why he felt good yesterday and today has hardly no energy. I told him its normal thats what my friends on the forum say. I know I have to let go a bit and trust that he knows what he can and can not do. But I do worry! He just looks at me. Tonight I did a spa nite courtesy of my kids. It was great! massage and a facial. I din't realize how tense I had become. When I fianlly let myself relax and calm down I broke into tears. The masseus (sp) was so kind she told me to let it all out. Sometimes I don't know where all these emotions come from. My husband said to go and enjoy myself you derserve it. I thought that was sweet. I told him to promise he would eat something while I was gone so I could relax. He did. A scrambled egg and a couple sips of water. I was happy. So... one day at a time. LJ

Yes, his energy level will come and go. Even this far post TX, some days I feel as though I can conquer the world and others I just want to vegetate because I feel exhausted!!! Some of that is mental as well. I had that exact conversation with a friend over lunch today. (The meal, eggs of course, still one of my favorites) He agreed that I was my own worst critic as far as my speech, physical appearance, etc., so that mental aspect can play heavily into things at this point as well. It's great that he's eating and you got a well deserved break. Great for both of you today!!!

Steve

LJ,

He will have a few good days and a few more bad days and eventually his good days will start to out number his bad days. I am 9 months post and I don't have any bad days now and haven't for many months. It just takes much more time than we think and especially much more time than we want but in the scheme of things he will return to almost normal quickly, certaintly in less than a year.

Thanks guys, your words are always encouraging. I read it to my husband and told him "I wish you would go on this forum, all these good people have gone through or are going through all you are expierencing." Another one of his looks! But at least he hears me out. Tonight he asked for a cup of chicken noodle soup. He said it felt so good on his throat. He even asked for more! I know this may sound silly when I report what he eats to you all, but I feel you understand our small triumps! It helps me to share. He is still very tired today but did water my flowers outside. He would like to try and go to his office tomorrow for an hour to see everyone. I couldn't believe he wants to do that. He hasn't worked for 8 weeks now and I think he is missing it .Thanks for listening, LJ

Dear LJ, it sounds like you both are doing really well And lots of us here rejoice with your reports of every bite he eats! Hopefully he will be able to go to work AND have enough sense to come home and rest when he needs to.For sure, he is headed in the right direction. Amy in the Ozarks

LJ,

I used to print selected posts and leave them out for my wife/caregiver to read because she wouldn't go on the site either. I found that worked but only if I didn't bombard her with all posts.