A Virtual Fred

Dec. 1

Today we spent the day at the oncologist’s office having at PET scan and a CT scan in order to have the radiation plan developed. Based on these tests, a virtual Fred will be made. This was done earlier, but the surgery changed the tissues and so it had to be redone.

It will take about two weeks to complete all the computer work and planning. Dr. SS's nurse, Sandy, will call us to schedule the first radiation appointment, probably next week sometime. Fred will have the first dose of chemo on the same day as his first radiation appointment, so that will be a very long day for us.

Because of Fred's weight loss, we are going to start PEG feedings already. We will be using Jevity 1.5 formula. He needs 2200 calories to maintain his weight, so with the increased needs of the cancer metabolism, he needs an additional 500 calories for a total of 2700 calories, just to maintain. That is 6-7 cans per day. We are going to start that tomorrow. Radiation will require more calories as well.

I put Fred on Senokot-S plus DOSS to help with the constipation, so I am hoping the formula won't kick up too much fuss with his bowels again. Time will tell.

Across the street from the oncologist’s is a frozen custard store. Fred and I stopped there after the appointment and he ate custard! He is looking better today that he has since the surgery. Before the surgery cold things felt good on this throat. After the surgery, cool hurt and warm things felt better. Today was the first time he has enjoyed cold!

I love him so much!

K