Good morning, Heart. Pressure sores are nasty things. No matter how cautious and attentive we were, my mom would occasionally get them too. I’m sorry Michael is going through that along with facing everything else. It’s good there’s a nurse coming daily to change the dressing and keeping an eye on the area.

Are there special pads or anything he’s tried, like sheep’s wool or the foam egg crate padding? I know he’s been wheelchair bound for 35 years since his accident, so he’s probably had a lot of experience with what works best. He isn’t as mobile as he once was and I’m sure this is creating a new challenge.

What is he able to eat? It has to be really difficult for you to find foods he can swallow and also sound palatable to him. Can he tolerate protein shakes? When undergoing my cancer treatments the hospital dietician gave me protein powder that could be stirred into almost anything. Even mashed potatoes to give me more protein. I couldn’t really taste anything. I know you’re trying to make sure the foods are nutritional. But from experience, when I couldn’t eat much and nothing sounded appetizing my nutritionist told me to eat ANYTHING just for the calorie content. She didn’t care what it was. Just get calories in! Of course protein was encouraged. But if he can eat ice cream, or smoothies with veg and protein…then do it. 🙂

When Michael starts chemo, he may further lose his appetite and feel nauseated. His oncology team should be giving him anti nausea a drugs with this. At home, ginger candy works, also there are hard candies on the market for pregnant women. Queasy Drops work fairly well.
There are great cook books and videos online about cooking for chemo patients. Sometimes little tricks can make food tasty during chemo.

Keep us posted! We’re all pulling for Michael…and you! Prayers and lots of positive thoughts for both of you. Sending love and hugs. 🙏

Hi @hearttohear1, You and Michael are on my mind this morning. This is the week he’ll be starting chemo I think? Will he be in the hospital for these treatments or is chemo done as an outpatient?
Has there been any positive improvement with his pressure sores?

And how are you coping? I’m sure this has to feel pretty overwhelming some days. But I’ve seen how strong and capable you are with your battle against anxiety this past year. You’ve made such remarkable progress. I think that’s given you some extra tools for handling this new set of challenges. But I also know being the caregiver takes its toll on health, both mentally and physically. Are you still able to get out on your daily walk. It’s been vital for your recovery. Please make sure you take time for yourself daily.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for you and your family. 💕🙏

@hearttoheart1 Praying for you and Michael and sending positive, healing energy your way!