My BF was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer 3 1/2 yrs ago and after chemo, radiation, loss of part of his tongue, jaw replacement and throat replacement with muscle from his arm was told he would have to live with a PEG tube for the rest of his life. He refused and learned to down Ensure, aspirating a little each time but swallowing tests show it is not detrimental as he has learned to drink over a sink and he coughs out the last little bit. He has not been able to gain weight beyond 140 lbs (he looks like a stick man) even downing 16 bottles of Ensure a day and eventually adding whey protein powder until I met him. He likes to race in Enduro motorcycle competitions so is high energy. I am an RN and can't stand to see people using Ensure as a meal replacement, it is only meant to be a supplement and other than the vitamins and protein only contains oil and sugar with milk solids. I figured if he could down anything I could get him back to consuming vitamins, fat, etc. through natural foods and put some weight on him. The sugar in the Ensure has also taken a toll on what was beautiful white teeth. He had purchased a Vitamix 5200 (pricey but worth it) to mix another powdered sweet drink he found (can't remember the name) to put weight on. The vitamix will actually dessimate anything you place in it and is so fast it will heat the food so hot that you can't drink it. I have learned to blend the weirdest foods together to get the high calories and the only problem I've had is with the broths/juices/milk you have to add to get it to the very liquid consistency will sometimes dilute the flavors. I literally blend anything I eat for him and he is eating better than ever. I now taste everything (sometimes it sounds like it would be gross) and have been astounded at how flavorful meals can be. He has gained 10 lbs over the last 2 months since I add cheese, butter, use whole milk, and for shakes blend high fat nuts like Macadamia and coconut (he loves) and add to them. I have noticed that chicken and dumplings is his favorite because the base of the soup is all I need to use to thin it so it is full flavor. Also for some reason the italian dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, etc. even when thinned severely with beef broth keep the original taste. White sauces are best thinned with chicken broth and milk (both) and sweet and sour chicken is best thinned with apple juice. He is Jewish so when we made potato latke's I put the apple sauce and sour cream in and thinned with apple juice and milk and it tasted almost just like mine in a liquid version. One potato latke thinned equalled 64 ounces so thank goodness he can drink alot! Next time I may add a few potato flakes for extra calories. He has started blending sushi and thins with seafood broth found only at Central Market here. I've done steak with potato including sour cream, butter, bacon bits and thinned one time with milk and another with beef broth and added beef gravy...he loved it! Most of our "soups" come out restaurant quality:-)My next jump is to make steak with Au Jus and Demi Glace to try to get the flavor to come out better. I encourage you all not to be afraid to try different things together and remember that on a liquid diet you need to increase your calories significantly. His Oncologist said he can't believe I've been able to put weight on him but he's defied all of them from the start:-)

A canopy would work as long as it’s a twin. I love that look and kind of forgot to explore that option!!! And I agree, tall bureaus aren’t ideal but unfortunately it’s my only choice in this room. There’s only wall space for one horizontal dresser and she will really need the extra storage of the two lingerie chests since her closet is tiny. All of our furniture throughout our home is anchored to the wall (she’s our 3rd kid), so that will be a given. This won’t be her forever room, so trying to make do for the next five or so years until we either move or build an addition. I absolutely adore those drawer pulls 😍 thank you SO much for the recommendation!

So, they will be seeing the wall behind her, I presume? Can you show that? The key thing here, is that your daughter in involved in this. How does she learn? Does she work better if she has choices and then choose? Or does she want to create this herself.? I think the pillow would be great to use, but no one is going to see it in its current location.

Hugs to all of you who are experiencing illness themselves or coping with illness in their family. I hope you have all the support you need. I logged on at 9:00AM yesterday and was blown away by over a dozen well wishes which had been posted on Monday mornng in addition to the resonses from the weekend. I shared this thread with my oldest daughter who I think rolls her eyes when I mention someone or something from the forums. I think you understand the the term "stranger friends". My youngest had the mastectomy. The oldest is so impressed by the depth of concern and generosity of this group, and so am I every day. If you need something, ask the group. It is so wow! Heritagehd07, I hope you are doing well. so sorry about you and your mother. moosemac, at first part of me felt exactly the same as you about my baby's beautiful body, but I understood her decision. My daughter chose to have a double mastectomy because she felt she would not be able to handle the anxiety of frequent mammograms and testing, She is the same beautiful loving daughter, sister, mother, wife. Besides she didn't have boobz when I got her. I am so sorry that the last several years have been so rough for your daughter. I am no expert by any means, but message me about whatever. Bunny, thank you. You and your daughter have such resilient spirits. It has been reassuring to learn about your daughter's recovery. May it continue to go well. Raee, the bandages will stay on at least until my daughter sees the plastic surgeon on Monday to have 2 of the drains removed. I will get her the cream in case bandages are removed and changed to remove the drains. Annie, I will show my daughter the knited knockers. see what she thinks. I am not sure she needs them since whe has temporaries.