I strongly recommend if you get a gift card for a total gastrectomy you take it to one of those places that redeems gift cards for cash. Dump that sucker as quick as you can.
I know, a gastrectomy is a glamorous procedure and all the celebrities are getting them, but believe me, you’ll be sorry if you redeem that card.
It’s been two weeks since my last chemo treatment and I’ve moved on to training my new stomach.
The direct effects of the chemo are dissipating, but the aftermath of having my cells poisoned still lingers. I am still weak, tired, and light headed, but those are more annoying than anything.
The real challenge is increasing the number of calories I take in by mouth so I can decrease the number I get through TPN. So far we’ve reduced the TPN calories from 2000 to 1500.
Next week we’re going to drop them to 1000 calories. This won’t be a problem because I’m already taking in enough calories by mouth to meet that goal. As a consequence, I’ve actually been gaining weight.
The challenge is that I am still having problems eating and drinking.
If I eat very slow, chewing my food to a mush, and stay seated, things are usually fine. However, if I get up too soon and move around my stomach goes into retching spasms that are quite unpleasant.
Oddly enough, after a bout of retching and belching my stomach feels better and I can eat a fairly large meal without problems.
Since what we laughingly call my stomach is so small, I have to eat many small meals. And since I need to stay seated after each meal to keep from retching, I don’t get around very much. I’m getting in a lot of computer time.
As bad as all this sounds, things are getting better.
My body is slowly healing from the devastating effects of the chemo. Each day, in very small ways, I can tell I am getting better.
I want, once again, to thank everyone for their prayers and support. It has meant a great deal to me and has been an essential part of my healing.
Thank you.
This sounds like good news – at least I hope it is! We should all dine leisurely and not rush to something else right away. We eagerly await further good news about intake of calories and declining use of TNP! Thanks for posting!
Hi Gary,
Thanks for the update. I always feel relieved when the latest post is from you. I know that the problems of discomfort from eating real food by mouth will lessen with each passing week. We’re looking forward to visiting with you in person perhaps sometime this summer. I know it’s been a hellish year for you and Ann, and I remain amazed and inspired by your physical and mental stamina!
Hugo
It is good news. I am making progress on the eating front. Slow progress, but progress none-the-less.
The problems with eating are getting better. The retching is less severe, though it continues to be quite unsettling.
The change of season is also helping.
Gary west coast buddy you are on your way to being “KING OF THE WORLD”!!! I can just picture you and Anne on the ship’s prow!!!
We are SO HAPPY to hear such wonderful news; as a friend of mine said recently, we’ll just blow a raspberry to 2010 pththhhhh!
I hope things continue to come up roses and spring will bring only good things. March can’t come soon enough!
Our good wishes will keep coming!!!
Fondly,
Louise and Don
I am looking forward to spring. The better weather does help, even though I still feel pretty crappy most of the time.
Thanks for the good wishes. They are appreciated.
Way to go Gary. We are hoping for the best for you and Ann.
Easter will be a little later this year. After school is out for the summer. Once Shelley gets back from Europe we will give you the date.
Best wishes,
Cousin Bob iii