Chomp!

Hello, friends. In the past week, Ravi has rediscovered his love of food! For the past year, he has primarily gotten his nutrients via a g- tube . He has never registered any complaint about this, in fact, was quite compliant about getting his feeds. This all ended last weekend. I hooked him up to his pump and he curled up on the bed with Sam and a favorite blanket. Suddenly, he sat up, unhooked the tube (causing formula to cascade all over the bed) and headed for the kitchen. I turned up the pump and followed him. He made a beeline for the refrigerator and began pulling out food and eating with gusto. We were more than bit amazed, but very happy . In the past week he has let us know exactly what he wants to eat and this includes: lots of yogurt and ice cream, meats of all sorts, cheeses, candy, and Gatorade. Last night he discovered that he likes gyros. Robert and I are ecstatic. Ravi’s color looks good, he is slowly gaining weight, and he has more energy. Chemo still really hits him hard, but he is able to work through it, with some long naps thrown in for good measure. I am totally in awe of cancer patients who are able to work during treatment. I don’t know how you do it, but my hat is off to you. Chemo is a harsh mistress.

So, what is next? Right now, knock on wood, we are in a period of calm. This is the first time in 14 months that we have not been in acute crisis. Ravi just finished cycle 3 or either 6 or 8 cycles of chemo. He has a PET scan scheduled for February 15. This is always a source of great anxiety for us, as one never knows what a scan will show, but we are trying to live in the minute, and right now these minutes are filled with joy.

Ravi is especially happy because he is now getting OT, PT, and SLP. He had his first speech session a few days ago and really liked the speech therapist. We set some goals for him, and we all chatted for a bit. I have a good feeling about that. Clearly, she was on his wavelength. Ravi was so happy after that appointment. We are looking forward to his next session. 

We are tentatively making plans for Ravi’s wish trip. In late spring or early summer, we hope to take a train back east, visit my cousin Paul in CT, and take some day trips to the ocean. We are very excited for Ravi to see the ocean and hopefully dabble his toes in the water. 

So, for now, we are in a good place. I hope I don’t jinx it by talking about it. Ravi is happy. We are at home. He is eating and thriving. We are keeping Subway, Taco Bell and the Greek take out place in business. Be good humans and we will be in touch. Peace, Harriet.