Two Interviews

Since Marty saw Dr. B, our Osteopathic and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) physician last week, he has been feeling a notch better, looking a bit more bright eyed and with better color, and seemed to have somewhat improved energy and appetite. Every improvement, even seemingly minor is welcomed enthusiastically! A trend for improvement is what we cautiously hope for in coming months.

Today, Marty and I went for two interviews in the interest of improving his health by whatever means possible. First, we saw the medical marijuana intake person. Primarily, this was to get Marty's ID card for medical marijuana, and to learn more about how the system works. We were advised to try a tincture form rather than smoking or eating, as this would be easier to dose accurately. Eating baked cannabis goods is not ideal for Marty as he does not absorb nutrients at all fully. We were given directions to the dispensary, which sounds like an old fashioned speakeasy, in that we ring the bell of an unmarked doorway, show our card to the camera, and then get buzzed in. Very noir! Trench coats and fedoras may come in handy.

Next, we met with the dietician at Group Health. It seemed like she was a bit overwhelmed with how much information we already had on hand. In addition, Marty is far from her typical patient, even for someone who has had cancer. He is not currently having chemo or radiation, he does not have cancer, and he is, of course, unlike most Americans, not overweight, diabetic or generally unhealthy other than being malnourished. She seemed impressed by how many nutritional directions we have already explored, and saddened by how depleted Marty is despite all our investigations. We did not fit her patient profile and she couldn't offer much help.

She came up with several ideas to explore: 1) keeping track of what sort of carbohydrates Marty is ingesting in case that spectrum is encouraging bacterial over-growth, and thus inflammation and 2) investigate diets that are recommended for IBS. Although we have done this in the past, we are willing to revisit the IBS diet scenario again. As previously stated, by any means possible. We carry on with vaguely new information.

Thanks to Delia for cookie deliveries for Marty, Lindsey for keeping me happily fed and wonderfully strong, Linda for supplying salt from Kauai, and students, friends and family for kindness, humor, consideration and concern. We appreciate you!