Aug 10 (Day 15)

This morning, about 11:00 am I was out in the backyard tending my grandson, Jamie, when all of a sudden I kind of exploded (in a good way). I went running to the bathroom (too late of course). I am very hopeful that this indicates that my bowels are fully awake. I think I may not need the treatements every night going forward. Usually I have to work really hard to move anything through me and this was more natural. My home nurse came to change my dressing for the PIC line and, while she was here I mentioned to her that I think there is a direct correlation between having the reflexology treatment on my feet in the evening and have a bowel movement the next day. I felt O.K. about sharing this with her because, on an earlier visit, she had noticed the foot chart that Mary Ann had brought me and said in a hushed tone, "You believe in that? . . .So do I." She was very interested in my observation and before she left she shared with me a trick that a friend had taught her in elementary school back in China. There is a place in the area between your thumb and forefinger on your right hand where, if you rub it hard, it will relieve your nausea. I tried it and it seems to work. Today I had 1/2 single Popsicle, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, and 1/3 cup of a meal replacement powder dissolved in water.