Hi, Marcia here with an update on Gary and Anne’s visit with Dr. Tseng. Please don’t worry that it is me, not Gary, doing the posting. We’re taking turns.
Dr. Tseng was reassuring – a good quality in a physician. He said that Gary is basically in a holding pattern while his leak heals and that sometimes takes time. Gary’s leak, mind you, is really not all that impressive – rather lackluster in fact. Apparently it is only about a 1% leak, but it is a leak nonetheless. Gary will continue on antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
They will see Dr. Tseng again in two weeks and Gary may be ready for another swallow test. When he passes that and everyone is sure that everything else is where it needs to be, he will start experimenting with eating again. If all goes well with eating, perhaps two or three (or more) weeks later he will start his second round of chemo.
In the meantime, he says that he feels better today than yesterday. Anne reports that he walked further today than in days past, he’s been doing a couple of chores around the house, and his cheeks look downright rosy. He is even talking a bit about driving soon.
Molly continues to be Anne’s second patient. Anne spends a fair amount of time looking for the perfect diet for a dog with some kidney issues and one that that dog will eat. Molly recently dined on a hamburger couscous meatloaf. I think there might have been parsley on the plate. Lucky, lucky dog.
Hey, Gary, I have to admit to not keeping up with your progress lately. Very Busy Time Of Year! I promised myself I wouldn’t let garden stuff go to waste because I was busy with other stuff. Online activities have been on the back burner.
Anyway, in spite of many trials and unpleasantries, it sounds like you are doing much better than not. You have certainly worked hard enough at it to deserve the best you can get. I hope you get to play with your new toy soon. DC
I do seem to be getting stronger every day. I’m looking forward to trying out the new stomach once it is healed. However I remember from before there were some challenges from that as well. Thanks for the encouraging words.
Always interesting to read about the progress. One wonders why eating anything at all was a priority right after surgery…but then what do I know? Sorry to hear about Molly’s problems, too. I hope Anne is holding up well enough! Good to know your friends and neighbors are bringing her some culinary treats. Too bad you can experience them only vicariously! We hope soon your innards will be taking in some savory things!
Hi Gary,
This is a very extreme way to get out of swimming.
I have been reading several books by Alain De Botton, on a variety of topics such as life, status, architecture, philosophy, etc, and he is very good…. If your brain starts to work again you might try him., and all his stuff is at the library.
The gang at the pool says hi!
JOHN