I didn’t like Ensure or other protein drinks either when I had my SCT. It took a long time for my tastebuds to adjust to sugar. I was drinking milk to get liquids and protein, but I know some people don’t like plain milk. Eventually, I started drinking Starbucks mocha drinks that come in little jars. These drinks were too sweet for me, so I mixed them with milk. I was doing this when my tastebuds we’re starting to recover, so I am not sure if this will work for your husband now.

Day +5! 😀 Almost one week with those new cells finding a home in your husband’s squeaky clean bone marrow! By the end of next week or so, they should be setting up ‘housekeeping’ and he’ll start feeling a whole lot better.

However, this next week could be his least comfortable, just to give you a heads up. His blood numbers will continue to drop from the side effects of the conditioning chemo.
As those numbers fall to the neutropenic stage he will be very vulnerable to infections so daily temp checks are important. It isn’t unusual to be incredibly tired and possibly having a few more issues with mouth sores and tummy issues. Don’t wait to let the team know in Station 94 if anything seems out of the ordinary. They will get him re-admitted ASAP if you have any concerns.
I know he’s checked daily so they’ll keep an eye on things. Does he return for infusions of the anti-fungal and magnesium daily?
(As a side note: when he needs to switch to oral magnesium, have him try Magnesium Glycinate. It doesn’t cause tummy issues. Ask his pharmacist. Do you have Gabe? LOL He’ll remember me! 😂)

When your husband feels his absolute lowest, amazingly, usually the next day, those magic white cells have regenerated enough to have him feeling like a switch flipped on! Engraftment! And the recovery begins. It’s a slow and progressive for the next few months, but the first 2 weeks are generally the hardest.

I couldn’t drink those Ensure shakes either. So many people loved them but ugh, I couldn’t get any of them down. But the Ensure juice drinks weren’t too bad. At least they weren’t thick and I could drink them down fairly quickly. I think it was like an apple juice but had the protein power and nutrients. I had the hardest time those first couple of weeks with liquids too. I kept a Brita pitcher on the counter with room temp water. That helped. I couldn’t handle any ice water or chips. But lukewarm seemed to be easier going down and in my stomach. I failed miserably those first 2 weeks to get in the required water amounts. Some days I felt lucky to get down 8 ounces.

You’re so right, every day is a new level of excitement. 😅 I still maintain that we Chimera’s need to keep a sense of humor and sense of adventure! Encourage your husband to hang in there! It does get better.

It’s a real challenge being the caregiver. My heart goes out to you as I know this is not an easy labor of love. However it’s most likely the most amazing journey you and your husband have ever been on together! You’ll both have a deeper appreciation for each other and it’s a true test of your mettle!
My husband was a rock for me. Always encouraging me to eat, drink, helped me walk, etc. But I could see the stress take it’s silent toll on him with all the worry. He’d make me food and then I couldn’t eat, lie awake when he should have been sleeping…you know, you’re going through that right now. Make sure you do get your rest, take moments for yourself while he’s sleeping. If he’s at the clinic and you’re waiting, stroll around to look at the artwork in the foyers when it’s super hot like today, the gift shops are fun, the mall is right there.
Practice some mindful breathing. That is a big stress reliever too. I’m sure it helps having your little dog there for a much needed, pacifying fur fix.

Don’t hesitate to reach out any time. I really have been there, done that and bought the shirt! LOL. It says, Mayo Clinic Strong! Stay cool today, it’s another scorcher.