new marching orders.

Mike agreed to go up to the Oakland Medical Clinic today to have his vitals taken.  (He has dropped down to 165.5 pounds which by the way is less than he weighed when I dated him in high school - and his blood pressure was a little off.)  I was concerned when I realized how little Mike ate and drank yesterday, and as a result how rotten he felt. Dehydration is a huge issue at times like this.  Without a plan, it is easy to eat and drink too little especially when it hurts to do it.

Dr. Martin gave us a realistic goal for baseline survival for the next 5 days while Mike will still be in the "burned throat and mouth condition".  She explained that the MINIMUM number of calories he can input is 1000 - because any lower and your body will start feeding on itself. (Not good.)  We also learned that the MINIMUM fluid intake is 2000ml (or 66 ounces) before dehydration and all its nasty effects kick in.

Our goal for SURVIVAL MODE is 4 protein drinks and 3 bottles of water per day until Mike's mouth and throat are healed enough to eat more.  This is a great plan for the next week or so to "get out of radiation without being in too deep a hole."
Later: Our goal for OPTIMAL HEALING MODE will be 2500 calories per day when the effects of radiation stop taking their toll.

Mike already feels better later today after focusing on his fluid intake.  And I already feel better knowing we can make a calorie chart and focus on getting 1000 per day for now.  It might sound dumb but I have been worried that too little food / calorie intake could take its toll in other nasty ways.

For the umpteenth time, Dr. Tracie Martin has brought sound medical advice to the table - and we are so thankful for her.