Sam has been sleeping a lot this weekend. He has gone from 80 mg. to 50 mg. of his pain meds within a week and from what I've read, the side effects of withdrawal are fatigue, sweats/chills, watery eyes, nausea, and constant yawning. That is a pretty accurate description of how he's been feeling for several days. But it also said those symptoms should only last for about a week, so I expect he will be adjusting soon.
I have been encouraging him to try to eat food and today he had a few tablespoons of a recipe I found in the Budwig Diet. You mix 3 tablespoons of flax seed oil with 6 tablespoons of low fat cottage cheese and blend it well. Then grind 2 tsp of flax seeds and add to the mixture. It actually didn't taste bad and he was able to swallow it and it didn't taste awful to him.
If you are unfamiliar with the Budwig diet, there are plenty of links to information about it on the web, but essentially it is a diet that helps fight cancer naturally. Many people have had success with this diet and it has been studied scientifically and shown to be effective for some cancers.
Sam has tried vanilla ice cream which burned his throat - it's the sugar content. Juicy Juice grape flavor tasted terrible to him and he didn't like vanilla yogurt he tried. He's going to try eating cream of wheat cereal again this week. We are hoping that he may be able to tolerate some mashed potatoes, gravy and turkey on Thanksgiving. So, if you think of Sam, pray that he would be able to enjoy some table food on Thanksgiving - that would give him a boost for sure.
I think one of the hardest things for Sam is that this "recovery process" takes a very long time. It is hard to be this ill for this long and they say it takes a year to recover. That's a hard thing to wrap your mind around. You wonder, what could be taking so long? I think it's hard because the outside of his neck looks fine - but the radiation did so much damage, the body has a lot of repair work to do and that takes energy too.
I have been encouraging him to try to eat food and today he had a few tablespoons of a recipe I found in the Budwig Diet. You mix 3 tablespoons of flax seed oil with 6 tablespoons of low fat cottage cheese and blend it well. Then grind 2 tsp of flax seeds and add to the mixture. It actually didn't taste bad and he was able to swallow it and it didn't taste awful to him.
If you are unfamiliar with the Budwig diet, there are plenty of links to information about it on the web, but essentially it is a diet that helps fight cancer naturally. Many people have had success with this diet and it has been studied scientifically and shown to be effective for some cancers.
Sam has tried vanilla ice cream which burned his throat - it's the sugar content. Juicy Juice grape flavor tasted terrible to him and he didn't like vanilla yogurt he tried. He's going to try eating cream of wheat cereal again this week. We are hoping that he may be able to tolerate some mashed potatoes, gravy and turkey on Thanksgiving. So, if you think of Sam, pray that he would be able to enjoy some table food on Thanksgiving - that would give him a boost for sure.
I think one of the hardest things for Sam is that this "recovery process" takes a very long time. It is hard to be this ill for this long and they say it takes a year to recover. That's a hard thing to wrap your mind around. You wonder, what could be taking so long? I think it's hard because the outside of his neck looks fine - but the radiation did so much damage, the body has a lot of repair work to do and that takes energy too.
Anyway, it is wonderful to think that my Sam has a chance to beat this cancer. What's a year? There are some wonderful friends of ours who would give anything to have that chance. We are grateful for this chance.
Our fondest regards to all of you who are reading this blog and may you have a Happy Thanksgiving. If you have time to post a comment, I'd love to hear what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving Holiday.
Maddy
4 comments:
Hi Guys:
You're not kidding that I would love that chance. And that dose of oxy, as well. 150 mg every 8 hours is knocking Jim on his butt, and he's still writhing in pain. Next...well, forget that... This is your blog. :)
Jim did the Budwig diet for months. I must have spent hundreds of dollars at Whole foods for all the good stuff. There is a yogurt there, I believe it's Nancy's, and it's the best for recipe. Also, one of those hand blenders works great, and make sure the flax seed oil is cold pressed and refridgerated, and you have to grind your own flax seed or they go bad within 15 mins. Also, yahoo has a Budwig diet group you can join and such. Also, I have a book with recipes if you would like to borrow it.
I do hope that some mashed potatoes with gravy could work for Sam. God bless you guys. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Gloria
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on the nuances of your situation...physical, emotional, and spiritual. We're continuing to cover you with prayer.
This year I am most grateful for how God directed our steps to find a solution to my knee problems. After two partial knee replacements earlier this year I can now walk without pain. It has really enhanced our enjoyment of our travels.
I will be praying as usual. Is any of your family coming home for Thanksgiving? I hope Sam can get those potatoes down. That would be great.
Nancy
Hi Aunt Maddy and Uncle Sam
I do hope to hear that Uncle Sam got some turkey and potatoes down for the holiday meal. I am most thankful for my family - Irene and Bob came over as well as John's parents. John cooked and I made the pies - apple and pumpkin (the pumpkin was better) but we had a great time - as always you guys are in our prayers especially for a speedy rcovery. Talk to you soon
love, Cheryl, John and kids
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