Progressing each day

We saw the radiation oncologist yesterday. He was very pleased with Jim's progress and tried to give Jim some realistic expectations for his recovery. He said something to the effect that it took 8 weeks to beat him up, its going to take at least 8 weeks to recover. Jim's expectations at just 3 weeks after treatment are not realistic. (Jim's been looking for someone to tell him exactly when to expect certain milestones, but no one can do that since every person and every treatment is unique.)

Jim and I continue to be amazed by the amount of time that the doctors and nurses spend with us. It is as though there is nowhere else they need to be at the time they are with you. This explains why the appointments seldom start on time, so when I start to complain about the amount of time spent at the doctor's office, I need to remind myself of this.

The doctor did not feel that a "barium-swallow test" is necessary; he thinks that Jim merely needs practice swallowing. He encouraged Jim to eat tiny amounts all day long with the goal of getting rid of the feeding tube. Due to recent weight loss, for the past week Jim had really slowed down on trying food and focused more on getting as much nutrition as possible via the tube. I'm pleased to say that he is once again focused on trying to take nourishment by mouth. He's also not by nature an adventurous eater so I appreciate the fact that he has been so good about trying the various concoctions I have been experimenting with.

The doctor also encouraged Jim to avoid sitting around with nothing to do but think. He needs to start small and will take plenty of rests, but this should help him to feel more normal as he has never been much of a couch potato.