Ben is finally starting to do better after this last chemo treatment. We were up at the hospital doing some routine visits on Wednesday, and his doctor suggested that we try feeding him a different way. There is a type of food called TPN (Total Something-or-other Nutrition) that is pumped in through IV, completely bi-passing his stomach and intestines (we use his same permanent IV line that his chemo goes through - it's called a Broviac). Ben's doctor wanted to try that to give his bowels a break and to see if we could stop the cycle of vomiting. We think that the throwing up is now psychological again, but also perhaps physical from being feed directly into his small intestine for so long. They are getting worried about the damage to his throat and esophagus, and want to give his whole body a break for awhile. He has been on it for 24 hours now and has only thrown up once right before bed tonight (which might be partly due to being so tired).

Since he is finally getting some full nutrition in him for the first time in two weeks, Ben had a lot more energy today and was back to his old, smiling self. It was very good to see. I don't know how long he will have to be on the TPN, hopefully not long. Our main goal, of course, is to get him eating again, but that is still very slow in coming at the moment.

Ben seems to be getting stronger physically. He hasn't said any new words yet, but he is doing better at supporting his own weight if there is someone there to help him keep his balance. Small successes, but successes nonetheless.