Larry is home

LauraandLarry
LauraandLarry Member Posts: 184
in Esophageal Cancer #1

Larry came home yesterday, 23 lbs lighter. All in all he is doing well. He is pushing himself too hard and I knew that would be a problem. As you all know the eating is the biggest problem and he refuses to use jtube. Dr said if he loses 10 more lbs inthe next 14 days he will admit him back to hospital. We were able to get 900 calories in yesterday and 1100 today. He cannot swallow liquids. I was able to convince to put 8 oz water in jtube today. He did walk 1/2 mile today. What a journey.

Comments

  • BobHaze
    BobHaze Member Posts: 165 Member
    #2
    Doesn't use j-tube?

    Laura:

     

    I never understand folks’ reluctance to use their j-tube.  I had one in place for 3 weeks, but only used it at night after I came home from the hospital.  Per my surgeon’s instructions, my wife had me follow the UPMC diet religiously and I had no problem with eating or drinking, but I simply needed more calories and the tube feeding at night took care of that.  I still lost 30 lbs, which I haven’t gained back and the surgeon said I won’t (looks like he was right!).  But, while I was glad the day the tube came out, I considered it a God-send for those 3 weeks and I found it no big deal.

     

    I think Larry should reconsider!

     

    FEC,

    Bob

    T1aN0M0

    Dx   8/3/11

    MIE 9/23/11

  • Hockey Wife
    Hockey Wife Member Posts: 15
    #3
    Laura,
    Hi, so happy he is

    Laura,

    Hi, so happy he is home, but he has to be using his feeding tube! Tell him if he doesn't keep up his strength he will not heal well! Why doesn't he want to use it?

  • LauraandLarry
    LauraandLarry Member Posts: 184
    #4
    BobHaze said:

    Doesn't use j-tube?

    Laura:

     

    I never understand folks’ reluctance to use their j-tube.  I had one in place for 3 weeks, but only used it at night after I came home from the hospital.  Per my surgeon’s instructions, my wife had me follow the UPMC diet religiously and I had no problem with eating or drinking, but I simply needed more calories and the tube feeding at night took care of that.  I still lost 30 lbs, which I haven’t gained back and the surgeon said I won’t (looks like he was right!).  But, while I was glad the day the tube came out, I considered it a God-send for those 3 weeks and I found it no big deal.

     

    I think Larry should reconsider!

     

    FEC,

    Bob

    T1aN0M0

    Dx   8/3/11

    MIE 9/23/11

    maybe back to hospital

    So Larry and I spoke with surgeon. They were going to admit him back today, but are giving him a chance to use jtube. They also feel that he may need a dilation. We will see. I will continue to try to encourage him but it is up to him ultimately. 

  • LauraandLarry
    LauraandLarry Member Posts: 184
    #5
    Not good

    So Larry has lost 5 more lbs, thats 28 lbs since surgery. He has had only literally 10 oz of fluid since discharge Tues at 1pm. He looks like hell. Choked on a capsule this morning...really couldn't get air. So crazy to me that he can swallow mushy food but can't swallow liquids.

  • Dad'sfight
    Dad'sfight Member Posts: 155
    #6
    LauraandLarry said:

    Not good

    So Larry has lost 5 more lbs, thats 28 lbs since surgery. He has had only literally 10 oz of fluid since discharge Tues at 1pm. He looks like hell. Choked on a capsule this morning...really couldn't get air. So crazy to me that he can swallow mushy food but can't swallow liquids.

    Laura, I'm glad you guys are
    Laura, I'm glad you guys are home. I know how hard it is for you, the care taker. Dad fought us on the 1st j-tube he had but I'm hoping it was the infection that caused the discomfort. Does larry say why he doesn't like it? They put another one in dad this time Too, I hope he doesn't fight us. Its hard to be so stern with them because we know how hard this has all been. I will pray that Larry chooses to use it!! How are you doing?
  • LauraandLarry
    LauraandLarry Member Posts: 184
    #7
    Dad'sfight said:

    Laura, I'm glad you guys are
    Laura, I'm glad you guys are home. I know how hard it is for you, the care taker. Dad fought us on the 1st j-tube he had but I'm hoping it was the infection that caused the discomfort. Does larry say why he doesn't like it? They put another one in dad this time Too, I hope he doesn't fight us. Its hard to be so stern with them because we know how hard this has all been. I will pray that Larry chooses to use it!! How are you doing?

    Larry is stubborn

    Stubborn. I'm tired and trying not to get really mad. I will only have guilt if I get mad. he doesn't want to take pain meds, he is getting depressed,..just frustrating

  • Dad'sfight
    Dad'sfight Member Posts: 155
    #8
    LauraandLarry said:

    Larry is stubborn

    Stubborn. I'm tired and trying not to get really mad. I will only have guilt if I get mad. he doesn't want to take pain meds, he is getting depressed,..just frustrating

    My mom says the same thing,

    My mom says the same thing, she feels guilty if she gets made at him. The doctor gave my mom this advice "get madbecause if you don't your going to hate yourself later." At first I thought it was a little harsh, but I witnessed my dad responding better, afraid to upset her I guess. Its hard, theres no quick fix for any emotions they have. I hope he comes around and starts feeling better.

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