Gargle as Milestone

Who would ever think that the ability to gargle would be a big deal. Well, in this household, it is. When Jim began treatment he was given a big plastic sipper bottle, capacity about one quart, that he was to use as a receptacle for his gargling water. This was water, salt and soda. Mix one qt. water with 1 T salt and 1 t soda. Gargle frequently throughout the day. After about four weeks, he could no longer use it as he had sores in his mouth that were aggravated by the salt, and his throat was so sore he really couldn't gargle at all. But lo and behold! Seven weeks later he can now gargle. He tried it this morning to rave reviews from his cheering section. Yes, his throat is still sore but the lesions in his mouth have all but disappeared and he is good to gargle again!

His food of choice now is a milk shake made with whole milk and coffee ice cream. We're talking serious fat content here to re-pad those bony limbs. He was also less fatigued today; only one long morning nap. He is planning on a trip to the Davis Farmers' Market tomorrow and then a stop at the university library. He has managed to stay up about an hour later tonight. Progress.

It's the little things that we celebrate.