It's been all about nutrition the last couple days.
The only thing keeping Penny in the hospital now is arranging for IV nutrition at home. The soonest appointment we've been able to get for that is Saturday evening. So my job today was to bring some boredom beaters (journals, markers, knitting, etc.) to keep Penny occupied while we wait.
Late today we got a bit of good news. Dr Chung sounds like he would be willing to let us skip one day of IV nutrition if things are looking good tomorrow morning. That would allow us to go home sometime tomorrow.
We also found out a bit more about why there is so much concern about nutrition. Some of you may recall that after the surgery in 2016, there was no IV nutrition -- and Penny lost 30 pounds while building up her appetite the first few months after surgery. And it was many more months before most of that weight and strength had been regained. She did receive frequent IV fluids to avoid dehydration, but nutrition was up to me getting her to take a few bites of something as often as she could manage.
The difference this time is that the doctors want to get her back onto chemo (or perhaps an immunotherapy) as soon as possible. That means healing from the surgery quickly, and being physically ready to undergo treatment. That requires good nutrition -- more than she is able to eat right now. As she's able to eat more, the IV nutrition will be reduced.
Anyway, if all goes well, we'll be home sometime tomorrow (else on Saturday), and as soon as she's able, we'll begin turning the page from recovery to resuming treatment.
Comments
Mary Hulst: This makes sense. Will pray for her body to grow stronger quickly. Glad to hear there is a treatment plan in place.
Tony Holmes Curran: I’m praying that the transition home today goes smoothly. Love you both.
Pamela Plantinga: I am praying that the IV nutrition, along with happy reunions with your dog and flowers, brings increased strength and helps you feel better, Penny.