Dr. Visit 8/30/12

Joe had his Dr. appointment yesterday and got the test results back.  The Petscan showed 2 large tumors, but the Dr. is not convinced they are 100% cancerous tumors.  They are located near scar tissue from the surgery, so it may be a combination of scar tissue and cancer.  Other tests showed that his hydration level has significantly increased since the ileostomy reversal, which is why Joe is feeling somewhat better.  His "tumor count" is up slightly from where it was right after the hot chemo surgery, but is down from where he started.  His B12 level is "dangerously low", so they started a series of injections right in the office.  He has to continue these injections weekly for at least 3 months.  So the bottom line is, the cancer is there, it's difficult to tell how fast or slow it is growing and Dr. S. wants Joe to start chemo right away.  The problem is Joe's bowels are still not functioning properly (no weight gain since he's been home) and chemo can make that situation even worse.  So Dr. S. has recommended Joe start chemo next week, but with reduced dosages.  He will have to go in every week and have chemo for 7 straight hours.  The good news is he will not have to wear the chemo pack for the additional 48 hours.  Dr. S. is hoping this will be strong enough to keep the cancer at bay, but not too strong that his body could not handle it with his existing bowel issues.  He feels (as does Dr. Ong) that the hot chemo really did a good job, although it can't get it all.  They keep reminding us that Joe's cancer has to be attacked from the inside out (chemo) and the outside in (the knife and hot chemo).  Time for inside out, since he's really had enough of outside in for now!

We are headed to Lake Powell for our annual trip.  We have no idea how this will go, but we have never missed this vacation in 20 years and Joe insisted that we go.  The whole family and several friends are joining us.  Joe said he may have to stay in the hotel during the day, but he doesn't care.  He doesn't want us to miss out.  Always thinking of others!  We get back on Monday and head to Tucson to meet with Dr. Ong on Tuesday to see if anything can be done to get these bowels working.

More to follow after our Tucson visit.

XOXO to all!
Sherrie