Technology & Other Modern Marvels

Technology can be very useful when you are trying to stay organized. I know I sound like “Mr. Obvious”, but I’ve been printing out an Outlook Calendar sheet for Sam every day with the times for his meds or van pickup times, etc. Then, at the end of the day, I transcribe his scribblings throughout the day; for example: his vital signs when he’s at the Cancer Center or how much formula he’s had and food and fluids he’s had during the day or any side effects. It really comes in handy when the nurses, doctors or dietitians start quizzing Sam.

So, an update on the day – the morning had its pluses and minuses – on the plus side, Sam finally had a productive elimination (fancy way of saying poop); on the minus side, he had the dry heaves and then threw up. But, before he left for his radiation treatment he was able to take in a half feeding (250 calories). I swear I don’t know how he is functioning on so few calories. I think it is shear will-power!

They hydrated him again today and gave him magnesium, too, but he wasn’t given the Ethyol shot because of the nausea.

I think Sam has mastered the operation of the drip feed unit called a “Joey Kangaroo Pump.” But he is still having difficulty digesting the formula prescribed. Tomorrow he is going to consult with the dietitian to see if there is another type of formula he could try to see if it might be more easily digestible. They are recommending 4 cans a day (2000 calories) and since July 30th, the most he has been able to consume is 2 ½ cans. That’s only 1250 calories and he’s 5’11”. That’s not nearly enough to keep from losing weight. So, this needs to be addressed.

The radiation is beginning to make his throat sore and it’s uncomfortable for him to talk a lot. His voice sounds gravelly (is that a word?).

So, you might be wondering how to pray for Sam. Last night, on his way to bed, he said, “I’m sorry to put you through this.” I reminded him that he would be doing the same for me, if the shoe was on the other foot, but I think he was expressing how this is affecting him emotionally. He doesn’t really speak about his feelings, but if you read between the lines, he probably feels like he’s a burden to me – which of course, is not the case. I’m reminded of what Bob Hopper (our former Pastor) would say; “Cheer up, you are worse than you think, but God’s grace is greater than we can ever know.”

It’s fitting that Sam’s been clinging to 2 Corinthians 12: My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Pray that God gives Sam physical strength, peace, joy, hope and the gift of abundant grace as he may be struggling with feelings of discouragement or disbelief or depression or only God’s knows what, as there are some things I’m sure he’s not sharing with me. Pray also, that they can determine what the problem is with the formula intake. That is becoming a problem.

Finally, we send our love to all of you and we pray that God will bless you for your faithful prayers.

Maddy