Saturday

If we thought there was any schedule to be had it's that this past Monday Marty would have begun his next round (third) of chemotherapy. But that was not meant to be. Many things have to be just right for the chemo to function effectively and with minimal predictable risk to the patient. The cause for the delay at this time is that Marty's liver enzymes are higher than they should be and need to drop somewhat before he begins round three. 

The trach tube is still in, but it's corked. This means that all of Marty's breathing is now done through his nose and mouth, the way it was created to be. The fact that the tube is still in is just a safeguard -- just in case.

Marty is now eating, three times a day, a diet of soft solids (ice cream, pureed fruits, yogurt, cream of wheat, etc.). Though he can now eat orally, he is still receiving 95 mgs/hour of food which goes via his PEG tube directly into his stomach. Swallowing continues to be a challenge for Marty. Sometimes it's easy for him and sometimes it isn't and it's hard to know when it will or won't be an issue for him.

Last night Marty was running a slight fever - he continues to be on antibiotics. 

With this beautiful Autumn weather, Marty's been able to spend some time outside basking in the sun -- he even has a bit of a tan line! The reclining wheelchair's sure been a blessing in this regard.

"Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him." 

-- Psalm 115:3

Mike