This past Wednesday I met with Dr. Brizel at Duke, which went very well. He could not find any scar tissue in the neck from the cancer. They ran many tests and all the results were positive, which pleased the doctors. The doctor said he could not say where the pneumonia came from, but he was very pleased I had not lost any weight during my illness, however he did say it probably set my recovery time back four or five weeks.
Today I met with my local family doctor who said my hemogloben was up, which is very very good news. He said it looks as if my vitamins and minerals are finally starting to replenish themselves. I go back Monday to have more drainage tubes removed from my chest and to take a chest x-ray to make sure the pneumonia is gone.
Eating is starting to pick up which is a struggle due to lack of appetite, nothing tasting very good, soreness in my throat and generally not feeling like eating. The doctors want me to try to get somewhere between 2500 and 3000 calories a day which I can do on good days but struggle with a little on bad days.
Overall things are a little better. I don’t want to say it’s starting to look up because I still have a very difficult road ahead and I don’t want to jinx myself, but I am hanging in there and taking one day at a time.
Clayton
clayton what great news no signs of anything thats greatjust keep taking it 1 day at time it will come around you will eat even better but your off to a awesome start i love you very much love james
By: james abernathy on September 19, 2008
at 4:33 pm
Get that food down Brother !!!! We’ve got a victory party ready for ya….Have a great weekend !! We love ya man…. Be strong !!!
By: MoDog on September 19, 2008
at 6:27 pm
Clayton, so happy to hear the positive news. Your journey has been difficult but your faith and courage have always prevailed. We wanted you and your family to know that all of you are in our prayers and we pray that the best is yet to come for all of you. Your brother and sister in Christ, Joyce and Eubert
By: Joyce Sigmon on September 20, 2008
at 10:18 am
Thanks so much for the news! Good luck with those calories! As you play around with the formula you’ll discover how to pack ‘em in with less swallowing effort. I guess there wouldn’t be springs on a buggy if there weren’t some bumps in the road, but it’s the ride that really matters, isn’t it? I hope you take time outdoors to enjoy these beautiful autumn days; give Paege a little competition with the camera! Love to all,
Aunt Connie
By: Aunt Connie on September 20, 2008
at 3:49 pm
Hey man,
Just wanted to tell you how good it was to see you out at the tennis match and to hear a very close to normal voice from you! I didn’t get to tell you that at the match. We love you and if you need anything call us.
Peace and Love,
Derek and Michelle
By: Derek and Michelle on September 20, 2008
at 5:47 pm
Clayton,
It is good to hear that you are starting to eat. If there is anything I can do to help in that area, let me know. We think of you often. Take care and keep eating!!!
By: Lisa Altmann on September 20, 2008
at 9:11 pm
Clayton
Keep up the good work! You are on the road back to recovery. Thank God!! It has been a difficult journey thus far; but, you’re gonna make better days happen. It was so inspiring to watch you, today, as you ate lunch. YOu made a “happy face”. Even ate a piece of pie. Wow! You are amazing !! Obviously, with your attending church, today, you are just as determined to feed your soul as well as your body. God continues to provide the strength for all you need to conquer this disease. Every day I meet up with someone who asks about you and they want to know if there is anything they can do for you… You are so blessed with people, too many to count, who love you.
Our love and prayers, Dad and Mom
By: Mom and Dad on September 21, 2008
at 5:58 pm
Clayton, Paege and Jessica:
It looks like things are looking up for you. You all are continually in our prayers and we think about each of you daily. Stay strong in your faith and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with whatever your needs are. Best Wishes!!! Neal, Angela, Caleb and Jacob
By: Angela and Neal Powell on September 21, 2008
at 8:36 pm
Clayton, Paege and Jessica,
What wonderful news to hear that visit at Duke was positive and you are beginning to eat some solid foods. I believe you have finally reached a plateau that will only continue forward. God only knows what your physical and mental state has been through these past months.
It goes without saying that your huge support group will continue to do whatever is necessary to provide anything the family needs. Although there is still recovery time ahead with each day behind you gets one day closer.
You keep the faith Big Guy and the large circle of of family and friends will continue with prayers until this journey is complete. But, after this is over we will continue to Thank and Praise God for the healing.
Hugs,
Barbara and Rocky
By: Barbara and Rocky on September 22, 2008
at 9:11 am
Thank you for your messages. We think of you so often and appreciate you keeping everyone posted in this way. Sending our best wishes for your recovery,
Heinz, Clare, Katie Gray, Hattie & Sarah
By: Clare & Heinz on September 23, 2008
at 10:35 am
Thats great! Laymon, Mark, Eric and I really enjoyed getting to visit with you at the golf tournament. It was very evident by the number of people that were able to come out for the event that your family has many, many friends supporting you and praying for you in your efforts to get well. Keep up the great work and we wish you the best.
Dayne & Terri
By: Dayne & Terri Miller on September 25, 2008
at 8:49 am
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!! (We had to look up the spelling for this)
Clayton, We are so happy to hear that you are progressing. Look forward to hearing more positive reports. We Thaink about you and pray for you often.
Keep your chin up!!
Pat and Michelle
By: Michelle and Pat at Bare Furniture (Working on Saturday) on September 25, 2008
at 2:04 pm
Thinking of you every day Clayton!
We love you very much and pray for your full recovery.
Let me know if you need anything.
By: Paul, Larisa & "Alice" on October 4, 2008
at 12:03 am
Clayton, hope your having a better day today. Thinking of you always.
By: Paul, Larisa & Nat on October 4, 2008
at 9:31 am
Good Saturday morning Clayton,
We are checking in to get an updated report and are disappointed not to have a current update. Clayton, we hope you are still inproving and would like to have the comfort of knowing that you are ok. Please let us know that you are.
We will be checking back to get that report.
Thinking of you,
Pat and Michelle
By: Michelle and Pat at Bare Furniture (Working on Saturday) on October 4, 2008
at 10:19 am
Hey Clayton
Just thinking about you. Makayla told Sophia the other day to get in her pocket and a flashback from days gone bye appeared in my mind of you telling Petey the same thing. Take care. Call or email any time.
Steve
By: Steve Triplett on October 4, 2008
at 1:04 pm