Something Soft and Something Cool

Day Two is coming to an end and Drew continues to amaze the medical team.

First, he is the one initiating his daily walks (note: I said walks, not just one but many) and most importantly, he continues to eat. While most would wonder why is this so big (before completing chemo/radiation caregiver 101), the treatments that Drew has received causes a variety of side effects. One of the most common and very painful is mucosis - ulcers and sores that line the entire digestive tract, including the throat and mouth. They make it very difficult to swallow, let alone eat. By now, most transplant patients would be receiving all nurishments TPN (intravenous) - but NOT DREW.

The longer Drew can maintain his weight and handle food by mouth, the better. Avoiding TPN reduces his risk for infection and is less stress on the liver. So we continue with something soft, cool, pretty bland and nutritious. Well, nutritious is helpful but not a requirement. Boxley and I have become experts at milkshakes, romain noodles, angel hair pastas, and yes, those great FreezerPops that are really Koolaid in long plastic tubes. Let me also recommend the four-cheese egg souffle from Panera's - lots of calories and wonderful! Regardless, real food keeps Drew on the healthier side of the curve and that's exactly while he needs to be.

Drew's days continue to be pretty much the same. Sleep, eat some, walk, sleep, sleep, walk, eat a little more, sleep - get the picture. We've included with this post a few pictures Drew's point of view. He has always been a kid of few words, preferred to get it done on the field - thought you would enjoy his perspective...he took these pictures.