It has been a rough few days for Randy.  His stomach has not been cooperating and is still very crampy and full feeling (bloated).  Has not eaten the last few days as even having water causes pain and cramps.  The kids and I are worried and struggle because there is nothing we can do to help him.

A wonderful thing happened today...... our family doctor, Dr Bhatla, stopped by the house to see Randy.  We discussed what was happening and he helped us figure out why this is happening.  The regime the oncologist has him on is good but the Lactulose and Lax-a-day are not quite what he needs as the are just "softeners".  The Doctor explained how your stomach, when normal, fluctuates when digesting food and pushes it on its way to the intestines and such.  Morphine stops this action, causing your stomach and intestines to be still  He suggested talking to the nurse/oncologist about using a laxative that "stimulates mobility" in the gut.  So first thing in the morning I will call the nurse to ask for suggestions to use.  Dr. Bhatla wanted us to check first with them as he does not want to interfere with the chemotherapy and they would know best what to use. 


Randy continues to have no energy and spends most of the day sleeping.  He has lost his strength and struggles with stairs and getting out to the car.  We are hoping that once we get his stomach settled he will start eating again and build up his strength.

The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next.  ~Mignon McLaughlin