Monday July 28: It has been one week since Nick’s final radiation treatment. On July 21, the day of his last treatment, he was diagnosed with thrush again. I had it once more on the following day. Thrush causes a sore throat, mouth, and lips, which neither of us needs, especially Nick!
Nick’s dismissal sheet from radiation says that “skin reactions may continue to worsen for one week to ten days following the completion of treatments.” During the past week Nick had to take pain pills because of his neck. When you were a child, did your skin peel after a sunburn? Well, chunks of the skin on Nick’s neck are falling off, and the next layer of skin underneath is very red and tender. It hurts with each neck movement. He has creams and ointments for this, but applying them causes more pain. He just went to the hospital to pick up a prescription for more pain pills.
This week Nick was able to eat creamed soup, pudding, yogurt, a few Cheerios, and of course, to drink Boost and Boost shakes. I suggested that he write down his daily caloric intake and try to increase it each day.
Good news: we drove five miles to the beach on two evenings to enjoy the sunsets. Nick is not allowed in the sun yet, so we can’t go in the daytime. On one of the evenings we sat on a bench dedicated to the daughter of my oncologist from twenty-five years ago, Dr. C.; his daughter passed away in 2000. Also, we drove to Nick’s plot in the town Community Garden (three miles away) to weed and to water with the help of my friend Judy. Knowing that he would not be able to give seedlings the TLC that they need, Nick reduced the amount of his plantings drastically this year. They are far behind those of the other gardeners, but perhaps he will be able to eat a homegrown tomato if they are ready late in the season.
Today Nick had a check-up with his internist, whose opinion is that Nick is progressing well considering what he has been through. And considering what he has been through, it makes sense that he’ll need time to recover. Hopefully we’ll see more progress in the coming week.
One leg of this trip is completed, but the journey back is a long one. I’m not sure what you guys are doing to maintain calm and composure, or patience and a positive attitude, but I hope you are able to persevere. A little meditation goes a long way (easy to say, I know, but even 10 minutes a day of silence and breathing is so helpful).
It’s encouraging to hear you got to appreciate a sunset or two, and watch a plant grow – both excellent sources of reinforcement. Baby steps in the menu items Nick is able to add are a great sign, as are the Doctors vote of confidence. Grateful it’s not been a sweltering summer, and on this beautiful day, I am thinking of you both and sending all good wishes and love.