I keep waiting for some defining moment to post an update. The best I've come up with is that Penny had a bowl of soup this evening. That's the first "full liquid" food she has had since Sunday. It seems to be settling OK, and the plan is to continue the diet progression tomorrow. If all goes well, she might even be discharged tomorrow.
The blockage resolved on Tuesday, but Penny hasn't been feeling great. She has run a fever and had some headaches off and on, and mostly just felt off. Today they changed up her antibiotics (prescribed thinking the fevers might be a response to an infection, especially since she had an infection that last time she was hospitalized).
Meanwhile, as long as we are in the hospital, we've been having some other conversations. We've been talking to the nutrition nurses about getting her more calories and protein. (They have declared her "chronically malnourished" from all the recent bouts of poor or non-eating.) We foresee many protein shakes in her future.
And there has been some initial conversation about the pros and cons of radiation treatment to try to reduce the cancer near where the blockages seem to be forming. The tricky part is that intestines don't really like radiation either. So there will be some more consulting to determine whether radiation is likely to do more harm or more good.
For now, Penny is thinking she will order another bowl of soup. That's probably a good sign.
Comments
George Monsma, Jr.: Praying for continued improvement, and guidance for the treatment decisions ahead.
Marie VanderLinde : Hoorah for soup! Praying it sticks and tomorrow Penny is home!
Alisa Tigchelaar: Praying that Penny was able to enjoy a second bowl of nourishing soup... and that further consultations about radiation contribute to peace as you decide in due time. Lots of love. 💕💗💕
ellen monsma: I didn't like the taste of the vanilla protein shakes when I was in the hospital. If that happens to you, Penny, mix the vanilla with a chocolate shake. I found that improved the taste. Glad to hear that the soup worked for you!
Talon Rindels : Thank you for the updates. Sending love and prayers and… strength to enjoy warm soup! ❤️
Jim Ludema: ❤️❤️❤️
Mary Hulst: Praying for good nourishment, rest, and a clear way forward.
Scott Vander Linde: Arrgh. Thankful for soup, and praying for calories and clarity.
Tony Holmes Curran: I’m so sorry. This sounds awful. We love you both so much. Praying that you’ll be back home soon.