The Monday Scene

Every day brings some sort of change. This morning Jim discovered that his hearing is being affected by the radiation. No wonder! They are bombarding his head, just under his ear, with who knows how many RADS, at least enough to kill a thriving virus and zap his taste buds to smithereens. Sounds are tinny, sharp and distorted. That's one we weren't told about. Along with that, his throat is now so sore he can barely swallow and is taking most of his nutrition through the feeding tube. The week is not starting out on a very high note. But he is always more symptomatic in the morning; these things ebb a bit during the day, then return at bedtime.

This afternoon there arrived on the doorstep a wonderful gift from friends in Myrtle Creek, Oregon who have property in Cuyutlán. They are part of our "other" life. This is what they sent: a candle onto which Deborah had taped a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe titled "Virgin of Cuytulán". Little did she know that every evening I light enough candles that the place looks like bloody Notre Dame. But this candle is a typical Mexican style that burns 24/7 to catch the attention of any passing saint who will answer prayers. On the bottom of the candle is says, "Prayers for a speedy recovery Jim." Yes indeed.

Things are getting more difficult, as we had been told they would. Jim has almost completely lost his voice, although the salt/soda/water gargle does help a bit. The really hard part is about to start. At the outset the doc said that serious side effects would start during the fourth week. That's where he is. His hair is falling out, he can't talk, he can't swallow, and he has begun to rely on Vicodin to make life tolerable. They have a delightful little morphine cocktail when the time comes. Fortunately he has lost only about 8 lbs. so far, and this is not a bad deal. He has shed his Mexican beer belly and really looks quite svelte.

He managed to have a pretty good dinner: sautéed Snapper, steamed carrots, boiled turnips (his favorite). Then a short walk around the neighborhood. Not too bad.

Here he is at the wedding of his niece, Erin, in Columbus, Ohio at the end of August. Aside from looking sort of beat up and haggard, you'd know him anywhere. Tomorrow marks the end of Week Four and the Beginning of Week Five. Stay tuned.