Food for Thought

What's it like to begin eating again knowing your stomach is gone? So far it's going pretty well for Steve. After a day or two on clear liquids, Steve has already progressed to soft foods and even fairly solid foods. The first dinner of chicken and vegetables didn't go particularly well, but since then meal digestion seems to be going okay. He's eaten some tuna, crackers, eggs and french toast all of which have had no negative effects. In fact, the digestive tract seems to be waking up and doing what it needs to do. The list of foods he can eat pretty much outweighs what he can't eat so that seems positive. The main thing that he probably won't ever be able to digest is sugar. But who needs chocolate or ice cream any way? The question that still begs to be answered is: can you be hungry without a stomach? Maybe Steve can answer that in the months to come.

Besides the food progress, the highlight of the weekend has to be the removal of the chest tube. While it was painful coming out, it is a big step toward being ready to go home. It also makes it much easier for Steve to move around more comfortably. So now all the tubes coming out of his body are gone. That has to feel good!

I definitely think Steve is the most popular patient at WHC. Besides all the nurses taking a fancy to him, his room is usually full of visitors helping pass the time and keeping him engaged in lively conversation. Just mention Sarah Palin if you want to see him get lively! :) So if you are still thinking of checking out Steve's hospital scene, the best estimate for his discharge is Wednesday. And if you're thinking of visiting soon, he really wants some Q-tips!