Dr. Ong Visit

Joe and I met with Dr. Ong and 4 other doctors today. It was a long discussion, so I'll try and just summarize. Basically Joe has been through so much (3 major surgeries, plus hot chemo) in less than 5 months. Every time he had a surgery, his bowels shut down. It is going to take 3-4 months to get them fully functioning again. Until then, Joe will struggle with fatigue, weight loss and hydration. He is right on the border, so he has to eat and drink more and will be constantly monitored. If it gets worse, he'll have to go back on IV's. The next part of the conversation was centered around the cancer that is still in Joe's abdomen. Dr. Ong wants him to start chemo as soon as he can, to prevent it from spreading. We have to set up an appointment with the oncologist immediately to discuss what type of chemo and when Joe will start the treatments. Joe and I were stunned. He's so weak and can't imagine how he could possibly handle chemo on top of everything else he is dealing with. The next part of the conversation was around his ileostomy and further surgeries. If all goes well, Joe will get an ileostomy reversal. Unfortunately, it's another major surgery that will require a week in the hospital, tubes everywhere, no food etc... Dr. Ong also stated that Joe could have Hot Chemo 2-3 more times, depending on how he's doing, his strength, his response to intravenous chemo. He may have more surgeries to remove more tumors down the road as well. Everything will just depend on how he recovers and how he reacts to the chemo treatments. Keep those prayers coming. Pray for mental strength, as well as physical strength. Today was a tough mental day, but Joe and I will put it behind us and move forward to continue the fight against this nasty disease. Thanks for all the prayers and never ending support. XOXO Sherrie & Joe