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Cancer Support

alfredo

(60,214 posts) Thu Jan 12, 2017, 10:03 PM Jan 2017

Update

Last edited Thu Jan 12, 2017, 10:50 PM - Edit history (1)

Improvement has been slow and frustrating.

I've been on Synthroid for a month, and I feel better. My last two blood tests brought stronger doses. I was informed the same day in both cases. The third blood test brought no call or increase of dosage.

I ate a half of a banana today. It was good, not great, but good enough. A few nights ago I ate some (8) well spiced pinto beans. I threw up an hour or so later. Not sure if it was the beans, but it did feel like some of the skin was stuck at the back of my tongue. That might have been caused by the thick saliva.

Red bell peppers taste good to me, green, not so much. It's probably the sugar content. The skins are troublesome.

I get cravings, but usually end up disappointed. This time it is green beans, good cooked to death green beans in the delicious liquor with bacon floating in it.

Coffee is good with Cumin, but I can't drink a full cup.

I still can't handle hard cheeses like cheddar.

My PEG tube is still uncomfortable. The heavy winter clothes are causing the discomfort.

My beard is slowly returning.

All in all l'm improving. Thanks for all the love and support I've received here.

16 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Update (Original Post) alfredo Jan 2017 OP

May every day bring you continued improvement. sinkingfeeling Jan 2017 #1

Thanks. alfredo Jan 2017 #3

Best wishes for your recovery, Alfredo. mia Jan 2017 #2

Thanks. Being down serves no purpose. alfredo Jan 2017 #4

:) Solly Mack Jan 2017 #5

Improvement is always a step in the right direction PennyK Jan 2017 #6

I have a feeling I will be a fruit eater. alfredo Jan 2017 #7

Love you, alfredo. elleng Jan 2017 #8

Don't worry about it. I haven't been here much lately. BTW, I ate some applesauce today. alfredo Jan 2017 #9

Glad you're able, even slowly, to enjoy some foods again. elleng Jan 2017 #10

I know it's a different situation PennyK Jan 2017 #11

Thanks. I usually bake bread, but until recently I haven't the energy. alfredo Jan 2017 #12

Glad to hear it. Marthe48 Jan 2017 #13

Thanks. Fighting is what I do. alfredo Jan 2017 #14

Hope you will continue to improve. sinkingfeeling Feb 2017 #15

Thanks. I'm taking more liquid by mouth now. alfredo Feb 2017 #16

sinkingfeeling

(56,190 posts)

1. May every day bring you continued improvement.

Reply to alfredo (Original post)

Thu Jan 12, 2017, 10:38 PM

Jan 2017

alfredo

(60,214 posts)

3. Thanks.

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Reply #1)

Thu Jan 12, 2017, 10:55 PM

Jan 2017

When I was told, because of my age recovery would be slow. I didn't take it as bad news, I took it as an answer to why is it taking so long.

mia

(8,460 posts)

2. Best wishes for your recovery, Alfredo.

Reply to alfredo (Original post)

Thu Jan 12, 2017, 10:40 PM

Jan 2017

Your upbeat post is an inspiration!

alfredo

(60,214 posts)

4. Thanks. Being down serves no purpose.

Reply to mia (Reply #2)

Thu Jan 12, 2017, 10:56 PM

Jan 2017

Solly Mack

(95,493 posts)

5. :)

Reply to alfredo (Original post)

Thu Jan 12, 2017, 11:18 PM

Jan 2017

Hey!

Are the thinking about taking out the tube soon? Is there a time frame?

Mild winters helped me.

Cheddar will come.

Glad you're improving.

Still waiting here for a date. Even in retirement, it's hurry up and wait.

PennyK

(2,329 posts)

6. Improvement is always a step in the right direction

Reply to alfredo (Original post)

Fri Jan 13, 2017, 12:19 AM

Jan 2017

Thanks for reporting back.
Food with skin like on the beans can definitely be problematic. Continue trying things; you'll find your way little by little.

alfredo

(60,214 posts)

7. I have a feeling I will be a fruit eater.

Reply to PennyK (Reply #6)

Fri Jan 13, 2017, 12:26 AM

Jan 2017

I want pasta.

elleng

(140,465 posts)

8. Love you, alfredo.

Reply to alfredo (Original post)

Fri Jan 13, 2017, 03:14 AM

Jan 2017

Glad to hear of your improvement, and sorry to hear of your difficulties. Sorry I didn't see this earlier. Lots of b.s. happening, that's my excuse anyway.

alfredo

(60,214 posts)

9. Don't worry about it. I haven't been here much lately. BTW, I ate some applesauce today.

Reply to elleng (Reply #8)

Mon Jan 16, 2017, 01:08 AM

Jan 2017

It wasn't too traumatic. Actually, the taste stayed good through the fifth spoon, but after that, it became a chore. The other big news was that I could swallow it without coughing.

I came to the realization that I feared food, because I feared never being able to enjoy food again. The applesauce and the bell peppers from two days ago has lifted my spirits.

I won't be entirely happy until I can eat a sharp cheddar, and handle soy sauce.

I want to braise some napa cabbage soon. I saw some in the store that looked young and fresh. I will braise them with caraway seeds salt and pepper. A bit of butter might help too.

elleng

(140,465 posts)

10. Glad you're able, even slowly, to enjoy some foods again.

Reply to alfredo (Reply #9)

Mon Jan 16, 2017, 01:30 AM

Jan 2017

Had applesauce with latkes, at Chanukah, which was also, incidentally, Christmas eve. Have some leftover, so when I finish it, I'll think of you.

I think I understand your fear. But as things improve, even slowly, that will disappear.

PennyK

(2,329 posts)

11. I know it's a different situation

Reply to alfredo (Original post)

Mon Jan 16, 2017, 10:18 AM

Jan 2017

I just had "regular"" chemo, and even from that, it took me six months until most things tasted right. Bread of all things, still grosses me out.
I know you have issues much different from mine, but every teeny step back toward normalcy is a huge victory in my world. So appreciate each one, and give the others time.