Dilation Procedure VII

Today was dilation procedure number VII. This procedure was able to maintain my esophagus opening at 15mm but wasn't able to increase it beyond 15mm. I had hoped that it would increase to at least 16.5 mm but this isn't the first time that I have gone in and just was able to maintain the existing size.

When I went in today the doctor did ask if I thought it had decreased in size. At the time I didn't think it had but when I got home and tried some food it appeared to be easier to eat some things than it was before today so my guess is that the esophagus did shrink back some. One thing I don't know if this is related to my throat still healing from the radiation treatments. A few weeks ago (I know... I am remiss in keeping the blog up to date.) I met with the radiation oncologist and he said that the throat and nasalpharengeal region was still red and swollen.

Unfortunately the next procedure won't be until after January 1st. I have established a moratorium around the holidays and they would like to have more time than two weeks between procedures.

On the eating front I am able to eat things like omelets, mashed potatoes and other mushy foods. The key is that the food needs to be able to be chewed up into separate pieces and not come together to form a plug when I swallow. One thing I plan to try is to make some braised dishes. I think these should be able to work. At this point I am not using the PEG tube for feedings daily. By making food myself and taking some time I am able to eat enough to get off of the tube feedings. The radiation oncologist wants me to keep the PEG tube in until at least 1-2 months after I am done with the dilation procedures. Big time bummer on that one. I understand the reasoning and agree with it but it still would have been nice to have it removed.

Right now my short term goals are to try to broaden the food choices that I can eat somewhat normally and cut down the prep / eating time. I probably spend 4-5 hours or more at times a day on overage with food prep and eating to get enough calories to maintain my weight at its current level. The goal is to add some weight but for now I am happy if I can maintain. Fortunately with the holidays upon us I do have one great option available to me... eggnog! At around 400 calories for only 8 ounces it is an effective means to up the calorie count. An added plus is that I really like eggnog. (Have I mentioned that when all is said and done I will be ready for the cardiologist?) Seriously another recent food item that I have found I can eat is risotto. I made it for the first time this weekend and it worked out well. As part of my never ending food experiments I plan to try different variations to see what I can add to risotto and still eat it.