Feeding supplies delivered

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.

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

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 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 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 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 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