Joys of Food

Tuesday morning, Kevin received more chemotherapy. The Dominican Hospital oncologist who oversees Kevin’s care in Santa Cruz hadn’t actually seen Kevin for a month. Kevin was worried that he hadn’t made enough progress for the oncologist to be impressed, which was one of those things that we simply couldn’t convince him otherwise. It’s tough for Kevin to believe that he’s improving when he has heard that so many times before. Of course, though, the oncologist gave Kevin a thumbs up today—he was very happy with how Kevin looks and the coordination and muscle strength he can display.

Kevin got through the chemotherapy appointment well. On the way home, they stopped at Pleasure Pizza for dollar Tuesdays (for those of you not from Santa Cruz, Pleasure Pizza sells darn good dollar cheese slices on Tuesdays). The whole family got to enjoy dollar slices once they got home from the hospital, which was a great reward for an appointment well done.

On the topic of eating, we have recently been thinking about how Kevin’s eating has vastly improved. When Kevin was in the Dominican Rehab hospital, it took him hours to complete a meal, and he often needed Ensure shakes to supplement the calories. Heck, in February, Kevin was receiving nutrition and calories strictly through his stomach tube. Now, only four months later, he’s almost eating at a normal pace again. He almost can finish a meal faster than I do—but that’s not saying much, because I eat very slowly! But he is now able to get all his calories by mouth, and we can’t remember the last time he had an Ensure.

Kevin’s outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions continue to go well. Each day he goes into therapy is a big outing that tires him out, but he’s continuing to do well in therapy. Kathlin, Mom and Dad are great at remembering the exercises that the therapists do with Kevin so that they can replicate the therapy at home.

The birthday cards have started pouring in—thank you so much! If you haven’t sent one in yet, you still have time, so go ahead and drop one in the mail. I’ll have to post a picture of how many cards Kevin receives. He really appreciates all of your support and love, so anything we can do to remind him of it definitely improves his mood. Thanks again!