You have no idea how important thin saliva ducts are to your mouth and digestive system until you don't have them anymore. Welcome to my update, it's been over a week.
I was doing pretty good headed to last Wednesday and round two of chemo. I had been experiencing pain in my leg for a couple of weeks and finally one of the cancer doctors paid attention and began to investigate. Friday I was in surgery for a blood clot in an artery. Thus the week from hell. Hospitals are not the place to go to get healthy. Nausea from the chemo, no sleep, no food unless you are totally normal in your diet and eating habits and I'm not. Disruptions constantly. Blood tests every four hours. Doctors not talking to doctors. Finally today, they got the level of blood thinner required and sent me home.
I have to learn to eat again. Lost seven pounds in 8 days. If I am to avoid a feeding tube directly into my stomach, I have to at least find a way to maintain the weight I still have.
Met a new radiation oncologist today and what a delight. Dr. Miller travels with the Canadian Moguls Ski team to events all over the world as their emergency doctor. He has just returned to the clinic after five weeks of the Olympics and then World Cup events overseas. Wish I'd met this guy weeks ago. He said he is real pleased with how I look and how I am reacting to the radiation. Now, with the development of an irregular heartbeat the clot the prevention needed, our GP is fully engaged in my treatment program. I've lost count of how many doctors.
One lesson for anyone involved with the management of people. To be a great doctor or a great nurse you must learn to listen. You must learn to ask the right questions and truly care about the patient. Not everyone has those skills in every profession but when you find someone who does, the bond quickly forms.
Ted
