Thursday, April 23, 2009

A Hopeful Addendum...

With the waking of the day came the anxiousness over Tim's pending doctor's appointment this morning. It felt like a long night. If I thought too much about what was or wasn't said yesterday the tears would start. Not that it was bad news but I wanted a "Wow! The cancer is gone!" Anything short of that felt like a major blow. I know, those unrealistic expectations creeping in.....

But today did bring my heart to a better place --a happier place. We went to see the radiation oncologist and he looked at the CT images. He declared that things "look good", that there was "no measurable mass" and that it had been "reduced significantly"! That is really good news!

Tim is healing really well but still has a really raw throat (nothing Tim didn't already know!) and the sides of his tongue are taking a prolonged time healing. But other than that :) things are good!

Other good news....Tim's gained a little weight back! He's now only down about 7 lbs. from where he started! Must be all that delectable Ensure Plus he can't seem to get enough of! :) As far as food, the doctor told him that he needed to start trying to eat things by mouth. It's hard to make yourself eat when your throat is raw, your tongue is sore and your taste buds packed up and went south but he will still need to do it. He will begin with broth and work his way to puddings, eggs, noodles, mac and cheese....sounds like a diet any kid would love! :) I told Tim that I could cook broccoli so it was so soft he wouldn't even need to chew it but he still declines. I say if he can't taste it why should it bother him that it's something he despises and shuns? :)

The next wait is for a PET scan. That will be scheduled to be done in about 5 weeks ~ we will get the appointment for that come Monday when we see the regular oncologist.

Another wait but this time it is wait that has a very hopeful addendum!

"In every thing give thanks..."
~Thessalonians 5:18~

7 comments:

Patty said...

Glad you got good news! I hope you can relax for a few weeks now. whew! A quote I heard recently, and added to my blog, "Today's test is tomorrow's testimony!"

Natalie said...

We are so happy to hear that things seem to be going well. we will continue to pray for a speedy, full recovery! We love you guys.

Debbi said...

WOW Loretta that is wonderful news!!!!!!!! Wonder if that is why the wind was blowing so hard today......all of those sighs of relief?? Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dotti said...

I am soo glad to hear the good news! This is a positive thing for sure, I hope your next appt. goes great! My thoughts and prayers are with you & Tim. Maybe his tastebuds will improve also and get his tongue and throat to realize food is good again. I know swallowing is a hard thing even with just a sore throat, it sucks for sure. I hope you can come up with stuff that agrees and that his urge to get to that point will prevail over the pain.

little ol' me said...

That is wonderful news!!!! Our thoughts and prayers continue for a speedy recovery. Tell Tim to enjoy the broth (it does come is two great flavors!!)

Don and Robin Cooper said...

Hopeful indeed-Great news to hear! We are very happy for you and your family and we'll continue to be hopeful.

Jackie said...

Congrats on the good news!!!! Hope all continues to go well! Will keep looking it! Love all your flower pictures by the way! Take care!