Eating...


 

Max with a feeding tube in the NICU after birth

Max is such a trooper but it is a bummer to see Max not enjoying his food like he used to. He always had such a great appetite and would always clear his plate (and both sisters' plates if we would let him).   

He lost 5 pounds between the surgery and chemo which is quite a bit for a little guy.  Molly has now passed him up in size. We were told that if he loses another pound he gets a feeding tube placed, luckily he was able to maintain his weight another week, we were fully expecting  the loss this week given his lack of appetite.   This might look disappointing from the outside and will be a constant reminder of his sickness, but it may make life a little easier for everyone for the next little bit.  We will be able to give him all his food, meds, and fluids through the tube and hopefully resolve some of the battles we have been facing.

So for now we will try to figure out how to cater to Max's new chemo palate to get more calories in him.  The foods he used to like no longer taste good to him. This week he has really enjoyed eating salsa and hot sauce!  Since he isn't able to communicate with us meal times are pretty difficult.  The doctors also think he is battling reflux along with the nausea and so we have been trying to play with different meds and dosages to try to treat that symptom.  We got some helpful tips from doctors last week on how to increase his caloric intake by adding fat (whip cream, sour cream, butter, etc.) to all his foods.  Sounds like an awesome diet huh?!



Max with a tube in after surgery