Update on Al #15

Happy Saturday morning, everybody!!! Looks like a beautiful day out there -- 'abundant' sunshine again, with mild wind and a reasonable temp -- so I'm planning to spend the day in the garden, and the pond REALLY needs cleaning. I'm hoping Al will come out and keep me company, or work on his veggies a bit, or something to get him out of the house and enjoying some fresh air. Supposed to rain over the next several days, so we're going to grab this opportunity today.

Al's had a rough couple of days. He was SO happy after chemo Tuesday not to be feeling poorly. Said he would wake up with a queasy stomach, but as soon as he ate something, he felt fine. Then Thursday he must have been running late for treatment, and failed to eat anything, so he's been nauseous for two days. Unfortunately, we managed to double-dose him on his anti-nausea medication, so he slept about 8 hours straight Thursday, then ate well when he finally woke up.

Last night, he finally decided that it wasn't so much the empty stomach, as delayed side effects from the chemo. A nice visit with his niece, Dr. Amber, and his sister, Cleo, evidently set him straight, and he got plenty of water on board during the afternoon yesterday, and was eating normally and feeling well last evening. I'm letting him sleep in this morning -- he's pleased not to have any treatment for THREE days!!!

We've both been looking forward to this weekend -- he's been SO looking forward to Mikey's party (tonight) and Monday's family BBQ at Shelley's -- and hope to get him feeling 'normal' again by Tuesday's treatments.

On Tuesday, he'll have lab work first thing, get his radiation treatment, then see the PA. As long as his blood work is stable, he'll have chemo again on Wednesday. And I'm pretty sure he'll heed everybody's advice to make sure he has SOMETHING in his stomach before any treatment from now on.

Vicki, though you'd enjoy knowing he credits you with convincing him to have the PEG tube installed. When we met with the dietitian, she didn't even notice he had it, and was launching into her spiel about why he should consider it. Our Al just lifts up his shirt and flashes her the line!!! She was so excited!!! When we talked about it, she asked him what convinced him to do it, and he told her your stories of oncology patients you've treated made him decide sooner would be better than later. He also told her that he didn't think he could have tolerated it AFTER he was feeling punk -- that it felt like he'd been doing 1000 situps every morning since he had it installed!!! It must be healing -- and we're getting used to it -- as he's not 'guarding' it so much.

Pam & Bob, I'm so glad your vacation has gone well after its rocky start. Can't wait to see the pics you bring back from your trip with THE KID.

EVERYBODY, when you see or talk with Al, we refer to that 'feeding tube' as the PEG tube. We tend to equate 'feeding tube' as something you have to choose when you're dying. PEG tube makes it sound more like a treatment option. Also, please don't talk to Al about a tracheostomy or those voice box things. Seems to be one of his biggest fears, and they've told us the trach is an absolute last-ditch thing for him, as they'd have to cut right through his tumor to do that.

Randy, thanks for calling Thursday. We know you're busy, and appreciate you thinking about us. I'm sorry Al wasn't feeling up to visiting with you.

We really DO like to hear from you all, whether by e-mail, on the phone, or with a card. I tell people that if healing is ruled by majority, with all the prayers and good wishes, Al should be 100% in no time!!! Our new neighbor across the street sent over a basket with cookies, movie passes and DQ gift certificates. Evidently, everybody's concerned that we go to the movies!!! I'm thinking I'm about due for a chick flick outing with some girlfriends, and assure you that Al and I will be seeing the newest Star Wars release whenever he feels like going.

Well, I've taken up enough time on the computer this morning -- and your time reading this tome!!! Hope each of you gets a sunshiny day today!!!

xoxoxo
Sharon