Oh, what a wonderful day!!! Hubby got his peg tube out!!! I think I was more nervous than him. Dr. said 1-2-3 wow!! It was out. He is a bit sore and is now taking a nap. Also had his first beer last nite at the Steeler game. He had a smile from ear to ear, and it tasted good for a first few sips but he said it was great. It did my heart so good to see him doing all of these things, he is still tired and said last nite wiped him out as he had to walk 2 blocks to the stadioa but he said what a great feeling. Once again I am overwhemed with feelings and have to Thank God every day. now its just going back for check-ups and hoping to return to work next week. Prayers and courage to all.

I love to hear good news and am thrilled for you both at this progress!

I hope everything continues to go well for you both,
Brenda

Thanks so much, and and the best to you to Brenda.

LJ,

Did you ever think that you would rejoice in the doing of normal things?? I now understand "stop and smell the roses" as normal would be an excellent place to be right now.

We are starting our third week of treatment and the bad stuff is beginning. Bill is having lots of trouble swallowing...very painful and I am trying to look toward the day when we get back to at least a new normal.

Congrats on this milestone and the best to you and hubby! Deb

Thanks, I now apprecite more of the everyday and that is what I missed during this whole ordeal was the little things. Deb, I know how you feel. my hubby hit the wall aftr his 3rd week. Does he have a feeding tube? That was a life savor for us. If I can help in any way please let me know. Make sure you take care of yourself too. It is just as hard on us the CG. Keeping you in my prayers. LJ

LJ,

Yes, hubby has a peg tube. We weren't given a choice as he is receiving twice daily rad and that apparently, while effective, is brutal. I am definitely seeing its benefits already (as well as the mediport for his chemo placed at the same time...lovely.)

Funny, we sit and talk while he holds the tube and I pour the supplement...its kind of a nice quiet time for us to communicate (almost intimate.) We are eye to eye and close and I realize that its good for us...almost as if confirming that we are in this battle together.

Thanks for your prayers. We, as well as everyone else here, need them.

Keeping my fingers crossed for good results in the next stage of your journey.

Regards, Deb

Dear Deb,Yes !! The eye to eye contact and quiet times together is indeed a very good thing for both of you. It's so hard to not get totally caught up in the "battle" and conversations with Docs, nurses, ins. folks, family members, etc. Staying connected to each other is so good for both of you. Keep it up. Amy in the Ozarks

I remember Deb, when doing a feeding he would end up with tears in his eyes from being so miserable, I would put my arms around him and say we are going to make it, I promise you! He would look up at me like a frightened child it would break my heart. But we also had some very funny moments when he would start to laugh or get the giggles and couldn't stop and the darn thing would overflow like a fountain from all the air, and I'd say control yourself. Also I would always get a kiss and and hug after avery feeding. So...enjoy what the moment brings. But... Glad to say that part is behind us now,hmm... have to find different ways to get my kisses in!!!

What a brilliant end to your story and heartwarming to say the least.the very best of luck to you and your hubby.Give a kiss from me

I am so grateful for this day! My husband had a birthday today! For that we are happy but ...It was only 6 months ago on 3/5/07 that we started the treatments. I can remember so vividly that the Dr. told us by Sept. you will be 85% better and almost back to your original start. You will go to hell and back and we will bring you to with in an inch of death. Those were sobering words and you know what he was so right!! September seemed a millions years away and there were times I din't think we would make it- Mentally and physically but we did.

We went out to dinner to celebrate his birthday tonight and it was so emotional. I couldn't even read a card at the store to buy for him without having the tears stream down my face. I said "did you ever think you would get to this point" and he slowly shook his head with misty eyes and said no. "If you only knew the kinds of thoughts I sometimes had but wouldn't say to you cause I knew you were fighting just as hard for me." I nodded and said "I think I knew." I know there has been so much sadness on this board but I do want to say you can make it and when I first came on I wanted to read where some one does survive and goes on to living a good life. I needed someone to give me hope. You people are the best, through the heartaches and tragedys you give others the strenght to carry on. We still have a way to go but I am so grateful for every day and all the small milestones that get us through each day. I pray for you all each nite, to bless all on our forum!