Well, it has been 4 days now with no tube feeding (justmedication)and we seem to have acquired a hamster! Lucia eats steadily most of the day but stores her food in her cheeks - we are reliably informed by the prog team that this is typical for someone like Lucia - and keeps shovelling it all in. We keep having to tell her to 'slow down' and 'finish what is in your mouth', which as you can imagine, are alien words for Tony and me. Her weight has decreased to 11.14kg but neither we nor the team are worried at this stage since we are witnessing the magnificent oral intake. We are a little bored with bread, ham and cheese so have been looking for new 'cuisines' to offer her and have already tried pasta, fried rice, greek salad and fried chicken. I never thought we would say this, being the labradors that we are, but both Tony and I confess to being over 'eating'!
As she 'grazes' all day we have to pack a snack box early in the morning which consists of vegemite on rye bread, ham, cheese, frankfurters(naturally),biscuits and pretzel sticks - this is a whole new experience for us and we take the morning preparation very seriously. We have been encouraged to try as many foods as possible but the prof thinks we should stay away from dairy, nuts and spices. Her skin is presenting differently each day and is very inflamed in areas, and the other night she was up for several hours scratching all over her body(very rare for her).
When we are back at the cottage and not patting the menagerie that surrounds us we are trying to cook family meals,or wrestle with the washing machine. Earlier this week our clothes got stuck in the machine and it was quite a drama to explain our concern to the owners who speak no English. Then Tony lost sound on the only English speaking channel on the ancient TV - this was further inflamed by the cost of an english Daily Mail of 3,5euros. Meanwhile we have ben encouraged to do lots of 'smelling' by the therapists so no flower or rose is spared , and my they do have some quite fabulous roses here in Graz! Also the weather has brightened up quite considerably to over 20 degrees now - best get back to those ice-creams.
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This is amazing, Fran.....Go Lucia!
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting. Lucia is doing so well. so relieved you found sausages!
ReplyDeleteFantastic news, this is the best, Yeah Lucia!!!! Well done :-)
ReplyDeleteHello! this is from Oliver and his mum Tania in Adelaide. First opportunity we have had to get to a computer to read your Posts. Work doesn't allow chat room access! Absolutely wrapped that you are doing well and it seems worthwhile. Sorry to hear about Lucias skin, bugga! Been in touch with Karelle and am very keen to get Oliver into the programme. Dying to hear about your time there. Very very best wishes. Tania XXXXX
ReplyDeleteHey Fran....wasn't sure if you had access to your emails so thought I would update you on some Xavier stuff.....Annette didn't get her job and we will have a new principal next term....sorry to be a downer but I thought you would like to know.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs to you guys....so proud of Lucia's efforts and so proud of the effort you and Tony put in to get her there! Congratulations
Hi Francesca, Tony and Lucia
ReplyDeleteWe have loved reading of Ms Lucia's progress. Can't believe the successes you have had to date. Can't wait for the next update. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all.
Much love
Venecia and Madison xoxo