Dr. Day

We spent 3 hours at the Ironwood Cancer Center today. All in all, a good visit. They are so kind, caring and helpful. They walked us through so much. It's a bit overwhelming, but I guess we'll learn more as we go. Basically, they can't pinpoint the source of the cancer or how much it has spread (beyond what they discovered in surgery) until those tests are run. Joe's Dr. said at least 5 times, "Joe ...you are young and healthy...." which basically meant, you've healed enough, we need those tests now. He set up Joe's appt with the GI Dr. to get the endoscopy and colonoscopy done next week. Joe will also have a petscan and more blood work done next week as well. We meet him again on Jan 3rd to get the final results and the treatment plan. He thinks it may be from the peritoneal cavity (the space that separates the organs in the abdominal cavity) or possibly the colon. He said it could be coming from someplace else as well. I asked him how long he thought Joe had this and he said 4-6 months; hence why they need to move quickly. It is spreading. We "toured" the chemo room. Lots and lots of recliners, full of patients (there were 60+ people receiving chemo today). Some read, some sleep, some listen to music, some visit, some throw up. Quite the variety. Lots of nurses there to assist and they make it as comfortable as possible. Joe's treatments will be 2-4 hours each (just depends on the test results). Side effects are the usual - all unpleasant - but Joe's OK with that since we have confidence it will work. Dr. did say he will probably require surgery after the tumors shrink, to remove the balance. That will be a celebration day! Dr. also told Joe 2 critical items are maintaining his weight (he's lost 14 lbs as of this morning) and staying hydrated. Joe seems to have received the message, because he actually ate better today. More to come as we learn more. I may not post everyday if there are no changes. The minute there is a change, there will be a post. Thank you all again for all your kind words and most important, your prayers. It's because of you that we will get through this. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Sherrie