Next steps

We had a 3+ hour visit to the Dr./Cancer center today. All the tests came back and unfortunately, they still can't pinpoint the source. They know it's not colon or stomach cancer and they know it's all contained in the abdominal region. We also got good news that he does not have pancreatic cancer. It seems to be on the colon (not in it), on the stomach (not in it) and stomach lining, intestine, appendix and liver. They are going to run more tests to see if it's originating from the small intestine. If it is, we know exactly what we are dealing with. If it's not, they suspect it is a rare form of abdominal cancer "that only a hand full of people have". They are sending his biopsies to San Diego, where they can test for this type of cancer. If that comes back positive, we will learn all the different things he will be going through to treat it. Basically, more chemo and surgeries. He will probably be going to UofA for treatments if that is the case. If that comes back negative, we don't know where we go (we didn't think to ask today - just a little stunned from the discussion). He did say Joe must start chemo as soon as possible. With that, they are setting up an abdominal chemo plan. He has his port put in tomorrow, intestine test Thursday or Friday and chemo Monday. He will have a 4 hour chemo treatment in the office on Monday and then come home with the chemo pack on him. He'll get 48 hours of straight chemo and then the pack will be removed. He'll wait a week, get tested and start over the following week. We spent an hour learning about all the side effects today. Hopefully it's like the pharmaceutical commercials where they tell you everything that may happen, but only a few of the side effects actually occur :) Thanks to everyone for the offers to assist. I don't know what help we will need, but will definitely call upon you. We are so blessed with such a great family and group of friends. We love you all so very much, Joe and Sherrie XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX