Follow-up

The follow-up appointment with the surgeon went well. Travis is recovering nicely. His chest XRAY and his white blood count were both normal. For the past ten days, we have been diligently counting calories and protein - in order for Trav to maintain his weight he needs 2,600 calories (oh, how would it be?) and around 100 grams of protein per day. His nightly tube feedings provide 1,200 calories and 75 grams of protein. He needs to make up the difference in soft foods. Right now, his favorites are mashed potatoes and gravy, yogurt, juices, and cottage cheese. We also needed to track his blood pressure and heart rate - since Travis did so well on his calorie intake and maintaining his weight (about 180 lbs), he no longer has to count his calories everyday. We go back in one month to schedule a date to get the stent removed which will be around the first of August.

Travis is dealing with some pain issues on his sides, on one side it can be attributed to the thoracic surgery and the nerve endings. On the other side, its the pain from shingles (yes, he has shingles). He has a small patch of them on his belly, they are due from his immunities being low and stress.

He also has neuropathy (numbness on his fingertips and feet). Neuropathy is a side effect to one of the chemotherapy treatments he took last winter. He is going to try some medication to see if that will improve, so he can get back to work.

We do see small improvements everyday. His voice seems to be stronger and he is feeling more like himself. We have to keep reminding ourselves that he was in the hospital for a long time, and its best if we don't rush things.