Ever since Tom's feeding tube was removed on Saturday he has been on a liquid diet - jello, broth, applesauce, etc. As of today however, the menu has been "upgraded" to a regular diet. He ate french toast with sausage for breakfast. I better get my apron ready and pull my recipe box out of the cabinet in case he gets discharged next week. Bring on the comfort food.
Tom is craving a chicken caesar salad. He seems a bit obsessed with it. He has asked a couple of nurses about getting one and they have each reminded him that he is on a neutropenic diet which means he's not allowed to ingest any fresh fruits or vegetables because of the risk of bacteria. He explained that he could buy the lettuce pre-washed, even triple pre-washed, but they said no. Next, he asked the dietitian who explained all the rules from A - Z about neutropenia (which we already had ingrained in our brains from the last 15 mos). So, he finally went above them all and asked the doctor who confirmed what they each told him about the risk. The doctor told him, in all seriousness, that the only way he could have lettuce is if he microwaved it first. I couldn't help but burst out laughing, but I think he was serious. He didn't share my laughter.
This is day three back in the regular Bone Marrow Unit of the hospital - out of ICU. He had physical therapy this morning. He was able to stand up and walk, using a walker, about eight feet and back to the bed with two people helping to stabilize him here and there. He did good! If he keeps this up then he may get to leave the hospital next week.
Today, he is depressed and ornery about that chicken caesar salad. I guess when you are confined to a hospital bed you have endless time to think about the little things that we take for granted like being able to walk to your car, drive to a store, and purchase things of your own choosing.
6 comments:
What wonderful news!!!! You guys keep us guessing.
Love to you all --- Jay
Lisa,
Girl, I'd have been laughing right along beside you! I cracked up just reading this. Good grief, I never thought about the foods Tom could NOT have, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. It just never occurred to me. I'm going to have to do a little research on my own to learn about this special diet of Tom's. I had no idea. I'm glad Tom is getting to eat real food though. Tell Tom to hang in there. He needs more protein right now anyway!
Love you guys,
Elise
Salad? How about grilled chicken without the salad, garlic bread and garlic mashed potates smothered in real butter? Now, I am hungry.
Erin
Could he handled nuked broccoli with chicken and ceasar dressing? That might be close enough...
Talked with Tom today on the phone for about 30-40 minutes. He sounds like himself- tired and frustrated with being cooped up in the hospital, but still himself. Reading between the lines, he sounds like he's being extremely stubborn in regards to following the advice of his doctors and loved ones (but that's Tom).
Still, he was joking around, was cogent and coherent, laughing, etc. It was great to hear him sounding so good after last week's scare. He said he might be going home in about 5-7 days or so and he can't wait. Keeping our fingers crossed...
When I was in the hospital recovering from surgury 3 or 4 years ago, I had an unquenchable desire for Kentucky Fried Chicken. It was just so strong I couldn't wait until I could have some and it haunted my thoughts.
What is it about chicken? Maybe it is some of the medicine doing that to Tom.
This is such good news, we are just so relieved that he can talk again as well as walk, even with baby steps. Yeaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!
mmmm, there is nothing like a grilled chicken caesar salad. I'm on Tom's side with this one.
Ask the nurses if there is anyway to produce, no pun intended, such a thing so that Tom can digest it, without harm.
I'll gladly prepare if they give guidance as to how and approval.
Love,
Chris
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