This visit to the hospital is to have a feeding tube placed. The surgeon threads a tube down my esophagus to my stomach. There is a light at the end of the tube which allows the surgeon to see where to make an incision and pull the tube through the skin. The end result is a flexible tube that extends 6-8 inches out from a spot that is about three fingers below my rib cage and an inch to the left of the midline of by abdomen.
The surgery went smoothly. In the operating room, the surgeon asked me if I was ready for the anesthesia. I looked at him with a serious face and said, “I think I’d like to try this without being put to sleep.” He began to explain there are some surgeries he does without putting the patient to sleep, but he did not advise that with this procedure. I then told him I was just kidding. Later in the recovery room his nurse stopped by to say the surgeon is always playing jokes, but no one was ever able to get him. She said it was fun to see the tables turned on him for a change.
I’m really glad this feeding tube (aka PEG tube) was a recommended. While my stomach muscles near the incision have been sore for a few days, it beats the pain of eating. Now my meals are ingested via a large syringe to funnel water and liquid meals through the feeding tube into my stomach. It only takes 15 minutes to “eat” a meal… with no pain!
For well over a year, I’ve experienced pain whenever I eat, sometimes lasting for a few hours. As a result, I’ve eaten less and less over time. My weight loss started in May when I was 141 lbs. I then dropped to 136 lbs in July, 132 lbs in October and 125 lbs today.
My doctors say the radiation will result in an extremely sore throat that will make it difficult, if not impossible to swallow. This PEG tube will help me achieve required nutrient and caloric intake. This will be my new way of eating during the six-week cancer treatment and possibly well into 2008… again, a small price to pay to overcome the cancer.
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17 comments:
I'm thinking we need a creative brainstorming session around what foods we can create for your tube -- Manny's, Joe-Joe's, etc....
LOL.. thanks for the smile
Dave,
Lee just forwarded my your blog. I am glad to read that you are so strong, not that I am surprised. I will continue to read each post that you write. My thoughts are with you.
Steven
Dave,
Thanks for the updates! My thoughts and prayers are with you with each new day that you win your fight against cancer!
Jeremy
Hi, Dave:
Just a quick note to let you know that I'll be regularly checking your blog and remembering you in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there and keep fighting the good fight.
Sincerely,
Laura Kouri
Dave,
Thank you for putting together this blog because you are constantly on our minds and in our prayers. Theresa said something to Pat on Sunday that has stayed with me. She said "I think Soul Focus was brought together to support each other right now." I think that is true. We were brought together for more than just music.
I leave you with this passage, to let you know the healing power of prayer that all of your Soul Focus family are pouring out for you:
“And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.”
James 5:15-16
Dave: You're on my mind and in many prayers. It's great to see your courage -- it will serve you well in the coming weeks. Must be a legacy of your success as an endurance athlete for so many years!
Barry
Hello, Dave, I am sorry to hear that your illness has progressed to such a state. I was aware of your condition but was hopeful that it would be something less devastating. I appreciate you having the strength to put together a blog to keep family and friends apprised of your health. I will check it often for updates or just to say hello.
This I know for sure, God is aware of your illness and everything that you are going through. The Bible says that God is the Lord of possibilities—all things are possible for those who believe in Him and His word. May His healing power, His mercy, and His compassion be with you during your time of need.
Theresa, take good care of him. Dave, you and your family are in my prayers.
Cynthia Cooper
Dave,
Thanks for the update. I'm so thankful you are getting the nurishment you need. I pray you will get stronger and better each day.
Lisa Martin
Dave, thanks so much for creating this blog...very much more helpful to know exactly what I'm praying for :-)
Makes life seem a little less scary too.
Karen Downs
Dave,
I know you don't know me, but I wanted to thank you for taking the time and strength to share your story.
My father-in-law went through something very similar just over four years ago. He was diagnosed with cancer at the base of his tongue that had metastisized to the lymph nodes. It was caught early thankfully and he's made an excellent recovery so I understand a little of what you're going to experience, but can't say I've lived it and "know" it.
There will most definitely be hard times and good times throughout your fight, but judging on the person I've seen in the halls at ACI and playing in the band, I know you'll beat this and come out with a huge smile on your face!!
Make sure you keep your feeding tube clean and unclogged. Otherwise, you'll have some REALLY great stories to tell about how the syringe exploded and sent your "meal" all over the room!!
Be patient and courageous. Remember that you have a ton of support and people praying hard for you everyday. Ask for help when you need it. Get your rest and give your body time to heal and most importantly in the words of Jim Valvano, "Don't give up, don't ever give up."
Erin Hamm
Dave,
Sounds like you're treatment is off to a fantastic start! I am going to the Free State next week and you should ask the doctors if I should deliver some oatmeal stout. Beer is very nutritious. Everyone knows that.
Since I haven't seen you in a while, a little updating might be in order. Henry and Ian are doing great in school. They are playing tennis, and basketball has started up for the winter. You'll also be happy to know that Henry has really taken to the guitar in just a month is working on his first song, Back in Black. And Ian is working hard to learn the piano. Who knows, maybe someday soon they'll be in your recording studio cranking out hits such as Henry's recently penned "Lost in Hibernation."
Talk to you soon.
Jim
dave,
i just learned about your cancer fight last week and have been thinking about you nonstop ever since.
today i learned of your blog. what a great idea... and it completely reflects you and your personality. the strength of your character shines through in your comments. exactly what i would expect from somone like you who has succeeded and beat the odds for the better part of your life.
thanks for taking the time to create this blog and keeping all of us posted on your condition and allowing us a means to communicate with you.
my best wishes and thoughts are w you,
jt
Dave,
Wow! I had no idea. I am so sorry you have to go through this. It is clear from reading your blog that you are surrounded by a strong network of friends and family who are all praying for you and giving you strength. I will add my prayers to the others and look forward to the day when you return to your American Century Investments family!
Stay positive and calm...I hear it reduces inflammation :-)
Carla Mills
Dave--
Your courage is inspiring and it shows that your true strength comes from above. You, Theresa and the kids are continually in my and Charlie's prayers. We know that with God's help you will overcome this!
Can't wait to see your smiling face back in the office!
Diane M.
Dave, You are the most incredible person that has happened to our family! Thx! I have envisioned many times a clear and sucessful road for you! We all can tell you have complete faith and you will prevail to overcome this issue. I knew there was a reason for a song to come on the radio, cause it is meant for me to send positive thoughts to you and Theresa! Lots of Love, Scott
Dave,
I am praying for you with Julie and the baby on a constant basis , My dad will lit a candle to the shrine of Mary in my town. You will win this challenge once again. I highly look at you as the brightest example of Christian, Successful man, husband and father that I want to imitate.
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