Thursday morning December 13
I have been here 12 days, and this is the first time I feel enough energy to write. Truth is, I have not felt well almost the entire time I have been here. I have been very low energy and in pain or discomfort. My abdomen remains bloated. I have another appointment at the hospital tomorrow to get drained before flying on Saturday. My gut feels about 90% swollen now. This creates a burning feeling that makes it difficult to sleep, eat, or feel good. I am also still dehydrated. It is a delicate balance trying to keep my protein and electrolytes up while trying to get rid of the abdominal fluid. Gerson says the body will heal itself and I will eventually absorb this fluid I am making, but for right now it is preventing we from proceeding with the treatment plan. I frequently go to the dining room take a few bites, immediately feel bad, and sit there until I realize I need to return to the room and lie down. My back has also begun to hurt, as I have spent over 95% of my time here in one position: on my back in an elevated position. I cannot get comfortable any other way. I spend all night and most of the day in bed in this position. I am not on the healing plan to any extent because I cannot eat. My juices and number of enemas have been reduced, all in an effort to find a balance between fluid retention and dehydration.
So, if you get the picture this has not been an enjoyable and productive experience for me, you are correct. I am glad I came. I am now under medical guidance, I better understand what is going on, and I am hoping I get through this period of bloating so I can begin the true therapy. This will need to happen from home.
Last night I slept almost 8 hours with only one interruption. I felt so much better this morning I couldn't believe it. I have been up and about this morning, and although I am still not eating very much I am hoping I might be turning a corner. We will see. Rodger thinks I slept because of the sound of rain--it rained hard here last night and much of the morning so far. I think it was taking an enema last night while watching/listening to The Who on the 12 12 12 concert. Who knows?
I'm looking forward to being with Kathy and family soon and I hope my travels Saturday are uneventful.
I have been here 12 days, and this is the first time I feel enough energy to write. Truth is, I have not felt well almost the entire time I have been here. I have been very low energy and in pain or discomfort. My abdomen remains bloated. I have another appointment at the hospital tomorrow to get drained before flying on Saturday. My gut feels about 90% swollen now. This creates a burning feeling that makes it difficult to sleep, eat, or feel good. I am also still dehydrated. It is a delicate balance trying to keep my protein and electrolytes up while trying to get rid of the abdominal fluid. Gerson says the body will heal itself and I will eventually absorb this fluid I am making, but for right now it is preventing we from proceeding with the treatment plan. I frequently go to the dining room take a few bites, immediately feel bad, and sit there until I realize I need to return to the room and lie down. My back has also begun to hurt, as I have spent over 95% of my time here in one position: on my back in an elevated position. I cannot get comfortable any other way. I spend all night and most of the day in bed in this position. I am not on the healing plan to any extent because I cannot eat. My juices and number of enemas have been reduced, all in an effort to find a balance between fluid retention and dehydration.
So, if you get the picture this has not been an enjoyable and productive experience for me, you are correct. I am glad I came. I am now under medical guidance, I better understand what is going on, and I am hoping I get through this period of bloating so I can begin the true therapy. This will need to happen from home.
Last night I slept almost 8 hours with only one interruption. I felt so much better this morning I couldn't believe it. I have been up and about this morning, and although I am still not eating very much I am hoping I might be turning a corner. We will see. Rodger thinks I slept because of the sound of rain--it rained hard here last night and much of the morning so far. I think it was taking an enema last night while watching/listening to The Who on the 12 12 12 concert. Who knows?
I'm looking forward to being with Kathy and family soon and I hope my travels Saturday are uneventful.
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Safe travels and we will see you soon. Love, Annie & Jason
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you every day Mark, and our good wishes will be with you on the plane. I know being home with the ones you love, and who love you, will be the best medicine. Love from Martha
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are in your own home tonight. Being with family is such good medicine xoxo. Lynne and Ron
ReplyDeleteDear Mark (and Kathy),
ReplyDeleteI think of you each day and send you well wishes. I am also living with cancer (an incurable lymphoma) and I want you know how much inspiration you give me. I imagine all of you holding each other with grace and hope. May this day be full of peace and love.
Warm wishes,
Susan Steggles Barrett