I had a difficult conversation with Lizzie about nutrition. The nutritionist, Grace, brought me three sheets to record David's food intake. She told me the caloric intake goal is 1000-1200 calories. I filled out the form for today's intake - about 700 calories. Lizzie came in to chat. I asked a lot of questions about calories. In conclusion, she gave me bad advice. She told me to feed him anything he wanted, to never mind the foods he eats at home (broccoli), give him gold fish and ice cream. I think she was getting frustrated with me. I refused to take her advice ;-)
As I was walking to Whole Foods, I said a silent prayer of supplication. I bought him familiar foods. I have to be careful and follow the BMT rules. I gave him a plate of fresh avocado and chicken taquitos with sour cream. He ate the whole plate, including the avocado and taquitos ;-) Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!
I am not giving up! How can a person survive and be healthy on drugs and TPN? TPN is one of my pet peeves. It's very hard on the body. How much more can his little body take? TPN has it's place. Lizzie reminded me that his body needs nutrition to heal and produce new cells. Unfortunately, breastmilk does not count as nutrition. I take that back. I can count it (20 calories per ounce) but they don't know exactly how much he's getting.
He needs more protein. It's the amino acids in the proteins that help his body to heal and produce the cells. That is my goal. Protein, protein, protein.
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4 comments:
Hi Aimee,
The thing about eating and transplant is that David's taste buds are not the same as at home. The chemo is breaking down everthing in his GI tract. I can appreciate you wanting David to eat only healthy foods, but take it from someone who has been there. Give him anything he wants even if it is goldfish and ice cream. The goal is to give him calories and keep him eating throughout transplant. The more he eats on his own, even if it is "junk" to you the more likely he will be off of the TPN. I had a hard time getting Sam to eat anything for a long time after transplant. I know that many moms have this same problem. I think you just have to keep giving him calories no matter where they come from. Whole foods is great, but a lot of the organic stuff that you are used to has bacteria because there are no preservatives. Good luck, I know that it is a tough road when the eating goes down hill. We're praying for you.
Kerry
thinking of you and wishing you the best,
Belinda
Hi Aimee!
Just want you to know that David, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
You've done a fantastic job with your blog site! It's a real service for those who want to stay updated on David's progress and it will be a record for you and others when this difficult time has passed. Thanks for sharing yourself with others.
Love and God bless!
Barbara Dahlgren
Hi Aimee: I have been reading your blog every day so we can keep up with what is going on. I wonder what I would do in your situation- it must be terrible to have to give up "control" to people who not long ago were complete strangers. I would struggle daily with that. Keep doing what you can to give David the best-- I just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and David daily. Our love and concern is with you. Deanna
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