She's not talkin'

Early this week Robin was still talking, but she would do it through clenched teeth. One day I noted how amazing it was that we've been together for months now, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and yet we've had no friction between us the entire time. With her clenched teeth she muttered "that's because I don't talk much anymore" :)

Things have been getting tougher the last few days. Robin started using charades to communicate, after a few fumbled guesses each time (on my part) she would speak some words thru clenched teeth to clarify what she was trying to communicate. Today she simply began writing on a notepad which seemed to work OK. At the end of the day she tried to say a three-word sentence. I don't know if it was the increased swelling and pain, or the fact she hadn't spoken all day which caused it to sound completely mumbled. I did eventually guess the message, but it's obvious her ability to speak has decreased significantly.

She has some gel-style lidocaine (similar to what the dentist uses to numb gums) which she spreads on her tongue and her inner cheek with a q-tip. She's been using that more often throughout each day. Plus she has increased the amount of food she takes in through the stomach feeding tube (versus simply eating regular food). Early this week she started taking two cans a day (200 calories per can) and today she used three cans - it's easier for her than trying to chew even something as soft as macaroni & cheese or sipping a fruit smoothie.

On a positive note, on the way to her appointment today she was walking a little faster, so she's got a little energy back!