Radiation: Week Five

           The sore throat caused by the radiation creates serious problems with getting enough calories into Cindy; this prompted a decision to have a stomach feeding tube inserted on Tuesday.  It went smoothly though there are the attendant pains (e.g., using stomach muscles the first few days is a challenge).  Also, there was the fast from midnight the day before the operation, which got extended until noon the day after (including liquids).  So, nourishment went a bit backwards to get his done. 

            This introduced a medical care wrinkle that was new to us: outsourcing to “infusion and home care management” companies.  The BioScrip lady arrived at noon the day following the operation with her supply of Ensure (same as the drug store product except in a non-recyclable container and including fiber in the mix).  She removed the drainage bag (some confusion here on who was supposed to do this) and instructed us on the fine points of loading the 60 ml “syringe”, inserting it into the feeding tube and downloading the product.  Pretty straightforward.

            The next day, Cindy watched the FedEx guy leave four boxes in the patio assuming it was something we’d ordered.  Turned out it was about a month’s supply of Ensure, a bunch of the plastic syringes, gauze pads and whatnot.  (Was this the result of one of the numerous lines we signed the day before under the rather fine print on BioScrip’s agreement?)   And the next day the BioScrip office called to see if we wanted a follow-up visit. 

            So, while Cindy is not into solid food yet, she’s still asking for soft scrambled eggs, pureeing graham crackers with cream and prefers the old fashioned way of consuming Ensure.  But we’re also doing some “infusion” to top up the daily calorie count.  Frankly, it’s a lot faster if a bit weird.  But the radiation folks are forecasting an increase in swallowing difficulty, so the tube is going to be critical.  

Radiation: Week Four

       Another week of opening the day with a visit to the hospital for radiation.  The throat pain issue continues with good and bad days and we’re looking at ways to get more calories in.  The long treatment process is dominating life, but not to the extent we don’t do anything else.  Walks around the lake are getting pleasant with spring weather.  Chad and Kathy visited on their way south escaping mud season in Maine.  We took in the current play at the Arena Stage.  On the other hand, Cindy is finding naps to be a nice afternoon interlude.