Cody Updates by Mom

Friday, I saw Dr. Kendrick for a follow up after my little hospital stay.  I unfortunately was not able to report that all was still open as it was the week before.  After I had healed internally from the stent rubbing on the inside I was able to really eat.  I was enjoying pizza, chicken strips and even the occasional bread.  This week was a bit different.  I wasn’t having things get stuck but I was having things slow down in that area.  I could feel it stop and take a good 10-15 seconds to work its way through the opening.  I relayed this to Kendrick’s team and him as well.  He wants me to keep pushing the diet with some of this bigger stuff as it may help force the opening to stay open.  He said not to go over what I am doing now but just maybe if I am consistently opening that area naturally with my food that it will stay open.  If things seem to be getting worse I am to contact him and then we go to plan b (or is it c or d, I can’t remember).  Anyway, the next step is to look into the steroid injection after a dilation.

This is what I have been continuing to do since Friday.  It doesn’t specifically hurt as it goes through the spot but it doesn’t feel great.  There is a fair amount of pressure on the spot and I can feel it as it is working its way through.  Once it is through then it feels okay but I am having this happen during each meal.  It is not easy to stave off the stress and worry that something will get stuck and I am back to throwing up.  I believe that I may have developed a phobia of throwing up.  The polish sausage day in Duluth and the stint with the stent are still very clear and vivid memories that I have.

So, here is where I am at.  I am trying really hard to make sure that I am doing my best to stretch that area with food but without the food getting stuck.  I am worried as it seems like more and more of what I am eating is stopping at that spot and then moving through.  I don’t want to call and be “that” patient where I am not really trying to do what they want.  I also don’t want to wait too long if it is getting smaller and I should be getting in.  It is a very odd line that I have to figure out when I cross it and move to the next step.  Apparently God knows that I like a challenge and seems to be sending me as many as he can.  I also like boring too, you know.  Actually, I like it very much.  I would love to have some boredom where I could complain about having nothing to do.  When does that happen??

We are celebrating!  Today is our wedding anniversary.  We have been so busy that we actually just stayed home tonight.  It was very nice.  I cannot thank Jim enough for his continued support and dedication to my well being throughout all of this.  There has never been a hesitation to do what needs to be done so I can continue to keep moving forward with my plan to show cancer who is the boss.  All decisions have been ours together and have been made with care.  My journey would have been very different if I was navigating this alone.  I am so blessed that I do not have to.  Happy anniversary to my hubby, I am planning that this next year will be much better than the last one!  So, I have added a picture of our wedding day to share.  Have a great week!!!

Caring Bridge Comments

Love and prayers..from mom|May 6, 2015 7:33am
Happy anniversary to you and Jim. I agree is is fantastic and his love for you is so noticeable. You are both so strong and together you will do well. Still sending prayers and love. God Bless you both.