November 11, 2012 - I Can Hazz Cheezburger

I Can Haz Cheezburger ...

Cheese is optional, but the hamburger ... Now, that's a necessity. At least to my dad's taste-buds. That, and a diet coke. One just doesn't realize how in command your taste-buds are until you cannot eat. Seriously!

Dad didn't sleep very well last night, plus he had fluid building up in his lungs, so the nurses talked to one of dad's doctors and Lasix was prescribed and administered ... Which worked very well. I'm sure dad was sleepy today, but you couldn't tell it by the way he was acting this afternoon when Christy and I visited with him. She got there a couple of hours before I did, so she got a head start on understanding him. I took mom to church and was amazed that after all these many times of taking her there, the minister was clueless as to who we are. If we had never talked to him before it would be one thing, but we talk to him every time we go ... And that's several times a year! (Anyway, that's another story!!)

While Christy and I were there one of dad's dearest friends came by to visit. It was great seeing him and I know dad appreciated the visit, too. We enjoyed watching them cut up with each other!

Dads radiation doctor stopped by to check on him and fill us in on the plan of "attack". Dad needs to be a bit more stabilized, then he will receive a round of targeted therapy, then he will begin radiation. The doctor told dad it would take seven weeks, so I reminded dad that I was in town seven weeks ago and then it didn't sound so bad. The options and details were laid out in front of us and dad agreed to the treatments we had planned on. He thanked the doctor for coming by and then ... Without hesitation ... And, without any question of clarity ... Dad said, "That's a surprise!"

So, Christy and I poured our hearts out telling him about how sick he had been and what all the options were. He agreed with what we all decided on, but still, he wanted a hamburger and a diet coke!!

Later in the afternoon I took mom up to see dad. She was so tired earlier, so I made her stay home and REST. I filled her in on what dad had found out, so she knew what to expect once we got there. We weren't hiding anything from him, but telling him things, as needed. Dad quizzed mom. Mom told him the same things we had already told him. He was okay with that.

Communicating with someone who cannot speak is VERY difficult. I have often heard that reading lips is an art form and you either have it or you don't. Apparently, I don't have it. But, I'm trying! Anyway, dad kept telling us he wanted us to bring him something ... We went through a long list of possibilities, but each one ended in a negative head shake and a smile from daddy.

Suddenly, it dawned on me ... Spell the words we cannot understand! So, we began. I told dad to raise his finger when I got to the letter he wanted. ... A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H ... (finger went up) So the first letter is "H". Next letter, "A" Was it his hairbrush? Nope. Okay, so next - A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M (It's "M") ... HAM ... Hamburger???? Dad wants a hamburger! So sorry, dad, but not for a while ... Diet Coke, either. Poor guy!!! Seven weeks without eating OR drinking!!

Mom and I talked him through it and he seemed okay once again. We made him a promise, then wrote it out on paper, signed it, and even had two nurses witness it. Our letter to daddy is as follows:

11-11-12 @ 6:15 PM
Dear Dad/Mercer,
As soon as you have completed all of your treatments and are cleared to eat solid foods, we will prepare whatever foods you desire ... Be it a hamburger and diet coke, or prime rib and baked potato.
We Promise!!
Love,
Carol and Effie

Witnessed by: Amy and Lauren

So yes, if everything goes as planned, in a few weeks my sweet (hungry!!) daddy Can Haz Cheezberger!

Y'all have all been so good in praying for daddy and our family ... I thought a smile provoking post was long overdue! Much love to you all!

Comments:

Amy: 

He deserves his hamburger! He was so hungry for one on this particular day

Carol: So true, Amy! He asked me to save him a piece if pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. I told him I'd make him one when he can eat solid food again. Bless his heart!!! I can't help but wonder if there's some way he can have flavored ice?

Amy: Yes mam! Get water flavor and make ice chips with it!!! It will give him a little change of taste!

Carol: Like MIO water enhancer??

Amy: Sure just like making Popsicles just make it in the ice cube trays.

Carol: Awesome! I will see if the nurses on 5E would let me bring a try and some flavoring!!!! He would LOVE that!!!

Christy: Do you think they will give flavored ice chips, made just for him?

Amy: They may, if you all bring some in they should!

Carol: Maybe! My biggest concern is that we really don't know how much of the melted ice is being aspirated.

Carol: I have some "sweet tea" flavoring ... If I can find some ice cube trays tonight, I'll make some and ask tomorrow. Can't hurt to ask!

Amy: I understand but maybe a few flavored ones would be what his taste buds would love.

Carol: It's all about moderation!