snort

[greenmtnboy18]

As is well known by now, my drug of choice for insomnia and distraction is crossword puzzles which I've hated for approximately 38 years, and been obsessed with for approximately two. Even with the irritations, it provides a good distraction and keeps my mind from chasing itself around in circles

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[debmats]

Has there been thoughts of IV feeding at all? When Mom was recovering from surgery, she wasn't eating enough, so while she slept, she got some Ensure via a g-tube and kangaroo pump.

She soon got rid of it, but it got her through recovery.

[greenmtnboy18]

It's been on our 'option' list for a while. Had he been doing a longer stint of radiation, they had already let us know that around three weeks, that would likely be the way to go. Because his radiation lasted exactly three weeks, the docs were hoping he might be able to push through the worst of it right now and we could put the g tube off until it becomes a necessity later on. We've got the GE lined up and as he's the one who initially found the throat tumor, he knew he might be seeing us again. The ENT doc who is sort of our "charge doc" said that even with the weight loss, if dad can "tough it out" a little while longer and get at least 2 liters of fluid a day (with calories) then he thinks we can put it off -- which dad would REALLY like to do. Even though Cathy and I think it would not be a bad option. (Usual complicated family situation re: mom. sigh.) So currently I'm going out daily, getting a complete list of what he's drinking and how much, and weighing him. I already told her if he drops more or if he starts

[debmats]

How did the g tube go? Did you guys experience any problems with infections, etc.?

We really didn't have any issues with g-tube feeding. Mom's system was complicated due to having her stomach removed due to bleeding ulcers.

My sisters and I all took turns setting up and taking down the g-tube. I mean, if *I* can do it, it wasn't that difficult. Karen was the most experienced due to working at the hospital. No infections, thank goodness. This was 15 years ago, and I'm sure the process has gotten easier for home health care.

[greenmtnboy18]

I mean, if *I* can do it, it wasn't that difficult.

LOL!

This is reassuring. :) I'm still hoping that we won't need it for awhile, but this is reassuring for when we will need it. (They tell us that it will be a necessity when things start to spiral.)