Feeding supplies delivered

miccmill
miccmill Member Posts: 248
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
The durable medical equipment company delivered 11 cases of Glucerna, an IV pole and a box of gravity bags to the house yesterday afternoon.

The visiting nurse comes on Monday afternoon to teach Glenn how to use it all.

His Nutritionist wants him to take 9 cans a day (down from 12 originally) because she doesn't want him to loose any weight at all. He weighs 295 right now.

We can't have a pump unless he fails on gravity feeding which I hope doesn't happen but we'll see about getting all that feeding in over the course of a day.

We're at the end of Week #1 today. Glenn feeling pretty good. A little dry mouth starting and body aches from the Neulasta given on Tuesday. His spirits are good.

Comments

  • Lena Rose
    Lena Rose Member Posts: 73
    Similar feeding schedule
    My husband has been using the pole with the gravity bags for about a month now. It was a little overwhelming when the supplies first came. It's very easy to use. My husband is also on 9 cans a day of Compleat. I break it down into 4 feedings throughout the day.
  • friend of Bill
    friend of Bill Member Posts: 87
    feeding
    Those cases are so heavy. We tried to makes friends with UPS guys and would listen carefully for the truck to arrive, then ask them to bring inside which I doubt they are supposed to do! When we could catch them they were understanding and helpful. You will get the knack for it fast. Good luck!

    Vince
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    9 cans
    Hi Micmill, welcome. I have been using the gravity bags and can feeding for about five months or so. Diagnosed with SCC base of tongue in late November, and finished rads/chemo in late April. I never saw a nurse, Apria health care was too busy, so the truck driver for Apria delivering the supplies showed me how to work the gravity bags.

    I am scheduled for 8 cans a day and I know that during treatment I slept in a lot, so it was hard for me to even get in the 8. Often I would only get 6 per day. If you get the feedings to close, the liquid just isn't digested. I'm sure the nurse will/has told you, be sure to keep the line flushed after use. A syringe (bolus) or two filled with water will do it, otherwise you risk a problem of clogging of the line in your stomach. I've heard too that a little seven-up will bubble in the line, helping to clean it.

    Very best to you and your husband Glen.

    Hal61
  • miccmill
    miccmill Member Posts: 248

    feeding
    Those cases are so heavy. We tried to makes friends with UPS guys and would listen carefully for the truck to arrive, then ask them to bring inside which I doubt they are supposed to do! When we could catch them they were understanding and helpful. You will get the knack for it fast. Good luck!

    Vince

    feeding supplies
    Lena, It was indeed overwhelming to see all those supplies stacked up. Then later, I felt so grateful that we have things in place so far ahead.

    I like to have a plan and don't like to have to react to a situation if possible. I figure there will be plenty of things we'll have to react to as they come up.

    My 26yr. old stopped over last evening and I grabbed him to lift and move all those cases of cans.

    And, it's only a two week supply!
  • Kimba1505
    Kimba1505 Member Posts: 557
    Hal61 said:

    9 cans
    Hi Micmill, welcome. I have been using the gravity bags and can feeding for about five months or so. Diagnosed with SCC base of tongue in late November, and finished rads/chemo in late April. I never saw a nurse, Apria health care was too busy, so the truck driver for Apria delivering the supplies showed me how to work the gravity bags.

    I am scheduled for 8 cans a day and I know that during treatment I slept in a lot, so it was hard for me to even get in the 8. Often I would only get 6 per day. If you get the feedings to close, the liquid just isn't digested. I'm sure the nurse will/has told you, be sure to keep the line flushed after use. A syringe (bolus) or two filled with water will do it, otherwise you risk a problem of clogging of the line in your stomach. I've heard too that a little seven-up will bubble in the line, helping to clean it.

    Very best to you and your husband Glen.

    Hal61

    Coke
    We heard Coke was the magic solution to unclog the line. :) Sprite is better. No caffeine.
    Mark got his PEG on Tuesday. So far, no cans, no pole, no pump have arrived. I was of the understanding we were manually sending Boost and Ensure through the tube.
    Today Mark finished Rad#9. He is eating very well, but can't taste anything. Says he remembers what it tastes like. Going out for sushi tonight. We will do it while we still can.
    I think we should supplement through the tube now...he wants to use it only when he needs it. Had a tip from Lena Rose to supplement from the jump. As a caregiver, I think this is a good strategy. But if he can eat...and is eating well...I guess I should just make him a protein shake and let him drink it.
    My best to you all,
    Kim
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    Kimba1505 said:

    Coke
    We heard Coke was the magic solution to unclog the line. :) Sprite is better. No caffeine.
    Mark got his PEG on Tuesday. So far, no cans, no pole, no pump have arrived. I was of the understanding we were manually sending Boost and Ensure through the tube.
    Today Mark finished Rad#9. He is eating very well, but can't taste anything. Says he remembers what it tastes like. Going out for sushi tonight. We will do it while we still can.
    I think we should supplement through the tube now...he wants to use it only when he needs it. Had a tip from Lena Rose to supplement from the jump. As a caregiver, I think this is a good strategy. But if he can eat...and is eating well...I guess I should just make him a protein shake and let him drink it.
    My best to you all,
    Kim

    For Kim - Sushi?
    Hi, Kim;

    My oncologist told me that as my immune system was compromised, I should stay away from raw fish, raw and rare meats, raw eggs (ceasar salad) bleu cheese or any other moldy cheese variety, as well as buffets, and salad bars. So, steer the man in the direction of the pre-cooked "sushi" products.

    Deb
  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    D Lewis said:

    For Kim - Sushi?
    Hi, Kim;

    My oncologist told me that as my immune system was compromised, I should stay away from raw fish, raw and rare meats, raw eggs (ceasar salad) bleu cheese or any other moldy cheese variety, as well as buffets, and salad bars. So, steer the man in the direction of the pre-cooked "sushi" products.

    Deb

    I hate to bring bad news but
    I hate to bring bad news but to add to that, Deb, I watched "Monsters Inside Us" on the Animal Planet on Wednesday and it was about a parasite that someone got due to eating sushi. There is a parasite that lives on fish and others creatures in the ocean. When we eat the raw fish/seafood, the parasite begins to live in OUR body. It can be very deadly and if doctors aren't looking for it, they never find it. So, like Deb said, I'd recommend staying away from any form of raw fish/seafood.

    :0(

    debbie
  • Kimba1505
    Kimba1505 Member Posts: 557

    I hate to bring bad news but
    I hate to bring bad news but to add to that, Deb, I watched "Monsters Inside Us" on the Animal Planet on Wednesday and it was about a parasite that someone got due to eating sushi. There is a parasite that lives on fish and others creatures in the ocean. When we eat the raw fish/seafood, the parasite begins to live in OUR body. It can be very deadly and if doctors aren't looking for it, they never find it. So, like Deb said, I'd recommend staying away from any form of raw fish/seafood.

    :0(

    debbie

    No Sushi...Oh NO!!!
    Thanks girls for the heads up. We have recieved no such warnings. Although I think Mark's red and white levels are still very good. It is a buffet, so it is easy to stay clear of the raw stuff; but we will talk and maybe do steak instead. Thank goodness for putting stuff out there in these post...somethings we would just never know. Debbie, I've watched that "Monsters Inside Us" show too. "True Blood" is back on...that is our evening activity. Please don't tell me that HBO is some how not good for one undergoing H&N cancer treatment. Vampire bites...bad for the neck??? :)
  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    Kimba1505 said:

    No Sushi...Oh NO!!!
    Thanks girls for the heads up. We have recieved no such warnings. Although I think Mark's red and white levels are still very good. It is a buffet, so it is easy to stay clear of the raw stuff; but we will talk and maybe do steak instead. Thank goodness for putting stuff out there in these post...somethings we would just never know. Debbie, I've watched that "Monsters Inside Us" show too. "True Blood" is back on...that is our evening activity. Please don't tell me that HBO is some how not good for one undergoing H&N cancer treatment. Vampire bites...bad for the neck??? :)

    kim, I'm glad you still have
    kim, I'm glad you still have a great sense of humor. Your post made me laugh out loud and that always feels good!!! Thank you. Is True Blood on Animal Planet? Isn't that Monsters Inside Us really gross?!!! I watch it tho b/c it is interesting and who knows, I may need that info should I ever decide to travel....lol.
    God Bless you friend,
    debbie
  • Kimba1505
    Kimba1505 Member Posts: 557

    kim, I'm glad you still have
    kim, I'm glad you still have a great sense of humor. Your post made me laugh out loud and that always feels good!!! Thank you. Is True Blood on Animal Planet? Isn't that Monsters Inside Us really gross?!!! I watch it tho b/c it is interesting and who knows, I may need that info should I ever decide to travel....lol.
    God Bless you friend,
    debbie

    True Blood is....
    ...that awesome, scarey, sexy vampire series on HBO. Mark and I became addicted to it in its second season. Also love Californication with David Ducovney on Showtime. OMG...very smart, funny, sexy TV watching...only for adults...guilty pleasure.
  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    Kimba1505 said:

    True Blood is....
    ...that awesome, scarey, sexy vampire series on HBO. Mark and I became addicted to it in its second season. Also love Californication with David Ducovney on Showtime. OMG...very smart, funny, sexy TV watching...only for adults...guilty pleasure.

    oh, I don't have HBO so
    oh, I don't have HBO so guess that explains why I have nevered heard of it. Enjoy.
    deb
  • miccmill
    miccmill Member Posts: 248

    oh, I don't have HBO so
    oh, I don't have HBO so guess that explains why I have nevered heard of it. Enjoy.
    deb

    PEG feedings
    Yeah, I won't be able to get Glenn to take a can of Glucerna through the PEG until he absolutely can't eat by mouth any more. We had fish fry tonite.

    He's lost 7 pounds since he had all teeth removed (4 weeks ago) but that's ok as it only brings his weight down to 293lbs. LOL

    He is eating an amazing variety of foods for not having any teeth and mouth drying up.

    We've been reading quite the variety of Vampire novels lately, comparing notes. Don't have HBO or we'd be seated in front of True Blood for sure.
  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    miccmill said:

    PEG feedings
    Yeah, I won't be able to get Glenn to take a can of Glucerna through the PEG until he absolutely can't eat by mouth any more. We had fish fry tonite.

    He's lost 7 pounds since he had all teeth removed (4 weeks ago) but that's ok as it only brings his weight down to 293lbs. LOL

    He is eating an amazing variety of foods for not having any teeth and mouth drying up.

    We've been reading quite the variety of Vampire novels lately, comparing notes. Don't have HBO or we'd be seated in front of True Blood for sure.

    mic, glad Glenn is doing so
    mic, glad Glenn is doing so well and now has found something good to take up some time...lol. Hopefully he will be ok in the weight department. take care,
    debbie
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    Kimba1505 said:

    True Blood is....
    ...that awesome, scarey, sexy vampire series on HBO. Mark and I became addicted to it in its second season. Also love Californication with David Ducovney on Showtime. OMG...very smart, funny, sexy TV watching...only for adults...guilty pleasure.

    with You
    I'm right with you, Kimba - My son, his gf and I were parked in front of the TV Sunday evening for the season premier of True Blood (they bought seasons one and two - I watched them on tv).

    Sorry about the sushi. 3 months out from treatment, I enjoy not having to get food cleared through my doc's nurse. I remember standing in the middle of the grocery store on the phone to her, asking if I could have some fresh veggies and fruit yet (the answer was "no" that day). Raw/undercooked meat/fish was not an issue - don't eat it normally.

    I was told by my doc's office to start trying one feeding a day before I needed to. It was my understanding that this was just to make sure I'd tolerate the formula.

    Keep trooping,

    - Pam