Saw the radiation oncologist, Dr. Yao, following today's treatment and he has approved "double" treatments next Wednesday. This means John will have his last treatment, #30, on Friday (12/30) and we can pack up and return home to begin the new year!!!
What we also found out during this appointment is that he has lost 5 lbs. in the last week alone. He had only lost 4# in the previous 4 weeks, so this is a bit of a concern. They watch the weight loss very carefully, since a cancer patient is usually losing muscle, where proteins are stored, which are needed to help fight cancer. So we continue to try different foods. Unfortunately, because of the damage to his tastebuds, nothing tastes as it should.....actually, he says alot of things taste bad, sort of metallic. I can only imagine how unpleasant it is to eat when your food has a bad taste. We are supplementing his food with the Ensure and Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks.....hopefully that will be enough along with the small amount of food he's able to get down.
All the residents of the Lodge were treated to a wonderful dinner this evening. A family who owns a local restaurant brought ravioli, pierogi, ham, scalloped potatoes, veggies, salad and an amazing amout of desserts. It was all delicious, with so many leftovers, I don't think any of us will have to worry about cooking dinner tomorrow. We were told by one of the volunteers that this family has been doing this dinner once a year (usually around Christmas) for several years now.....how great is that?
We sometimes become jaded by a society that seems always focused on themselves and forget that there are still some really good, caring people out there. Being here has renewed my faith in people.
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