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Saturday, January 9, 2010

Food

A few people seem surprised that Dave is still able to eat. I think this stems from the fact that he has a feeding tube, and I wasn't very clear in earlier posts. Dave has difficulty eating some food like meat and drier or crunchy foods because they just don't go down easily and can cause him pain, but he can still eat softer foods like soups & spaghetti. (The tumor is partially blocking his esophagus.) He still has a good appetite, but he just needs to eat smaller meals and chew them very well first. The feeding tube was put in as Dave was starting to lose weight because he just couldn't eat enough to keep his weight up. The doctor wanted to make sure that he didn't keep losing weight - especially going into chemotherapy, where people tend to lose their appetite. The feeding tube gives him supplemental calories & nutrients and will keep him healthier during chemo.

I've also been making him daily protein shakes with frozen strawberries, blueberries etc... bananas, yogurt, probiotics, & protein whey. Also, my sister & brother-in-law just bought Dave a juicer for his birthday, which has been awesome in helping him get fresh veggies & fruits (like carrots & apples) that he otherwise couldn't eat right now.

A few people have dropped off some homemade soups, which has been great as it's just a little more variety for Dave. (Thanks so much for that!)

Food & nutrition is quickly becoming a big factor in what we believe will be Dave's recovery. We think it's a crucial part to keeping healthy through chemotherapy and in fighting the cancer itself. I hate to say this, but I'm a little discouraged at how this seems to be overlooked by traditional medicine (doctors, nurses, and dietitian/nutritionist at the hospital). I have asked a few times over the past week or so about what foods he should be eating and avoiding (like sugar and processed foods) and they insist that it doesn't matter, "just eat whatever you like to keep the weight on". And yet the American Institute for Cancer Research gives very specific information on what foods to eat and avoid. AICR-foodsthatfightcancer
The fact that the LRCP doesn't encourage healthier eating is a little disappointing. (Don't get me wrong. I fully believe in traditional medicine and the treatment Dave is receiving, I just think it's a little closed minded to rule out everything else.)

This weekend Dave has been feeling not too bad. They described the first few days of chemo to feeling like you've got the flu. I think that's been pretty accurate. (Dave seems better to me today than he did on Friday.) Yesterday he went to the dog park with a friend (and the dogs). Last night he went to North Park church with a few co-workers and said it was awesome! This afternoon Dave went skating with some friends that came down from Toronto to visit. It was a great weekend to get out! We had 2 beautiful sunny days.

As always, thanks everybody for your positive calls, emails and keeping us in your prayers!

Val

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying for you Dave! Stay strong and in prayer. You can make it through this!

Love and prayer
Jeff Champ

Anonymous said...

Hello Dave and Val

Just wanted to let you know Phil and I are thinking of you! It's great to see the blog, Val. I'm sure it also helps you to focus on what comes next and to "empty your bucket" which is obviously full to the brim. We get regular updates from Steve when we see him up north. Stay strong, Dave. You are in our prayers.

xoxo
Jacquie & Phil

Anonymous said...

Dave,
You are in our prayers and thoughts. Your faith and strength will get you through this!

All our love, Maria and Vic

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave and Val,

We are praying for successful treatment and full recovery for Dave. Val,though we don't really know you, we just want to say you are doing an amazing job of explaining things and relating Dave's story on this blog - especially considering how draining this must be for you as well.
Keep up the good fight Dave, and God bless.

In Christ's love,

Don & Nancy Gatten

Anonymous said...

Davie, I just spoke with Bobby tonight and Wimpie last week, they gave me the update - Angie and I are thinking of you and will stay connected through this great site. I am travelling alot in the USA and Western Canada lately and when last home was not feeling well.
In 26 years I have never known you not to fight - hang in there buddy everyone is in your corner. If there is anything we can do just shout.
Val great job on the site.
when back I will check with Val on your availabilty - I was going to ask Ange to send over some food to help you guys out during this time but on second thought maybe a gift certificate (if you know what I mean)
Stay on the Juice!

Brad and Ange

Anonymous said...

Dave,

Hope your feeling OK as you advance further into your therapy. If other people have made it through chemo, you will be in great shape because you're simpy way tougher than the average dude. The tumor will now shrink and we'll chaulk it up as our first victory!

As I have mentioned, I am prepared accept nothing less full recovery and an excellent quality of life for my brother.

Hang in there Davey, you've got in the bag!

Love you Bro.

Chris.

PS - Val, thanks for looking after my boy. Your determination to get back to full health gives me a great deal of optimism.

Anonymous said...

Dave and Val,

My thoughts are with you everyday. Like when we were young standing on top of a cold snowy hill at night with nothing but a piece of ripped up cardboard and the wind blasting in our face ready to take on any challenge. Stay strong Dave.
See you soon,
Gren