Another Tough Week

Joe had a really tough week and is currently in the hospital trying to recover.  Joe was still vomiting on Sunday (almost 2 weeks after chemo).  We went to the oncologist on Tuesday and Joe's test results were much better.  He gained a couple pounds, his white blood count was normal, his tumor count was up slightly (not the good part), his hydration level was OK.  With that, Dr. S. said he and Dr. Ong thought it was best to try chemo again.  We pushed back, but Dr. S. explained how "nasty" this cancer is.  He said it was "embedded" in the scar tissue and they fear it would embed itself into critical organs.  We accepted the chemo challenge.  Dr. S reduced the treatment to a level that it would still be effective, but hopefully a level that Joe's body could handle.  Unfortunately, we all learned that there is no level that his body can handle right now.  Joe started getting sick the minute he got home.  He was sick through the night non-stop.  He broke so many blood vessels in his face from vomiting and became so dizzy, he couldn't walk.  Dr. S ordered him to the hospital where they are keeping him hydrated and on several meds to control all that is happening.  He came in this evening and told us that Joe is done with chemo for awhile.  We'll have to take our chances that the cancer won't spread fast and that his bowels and body will heal enough to try chemo at a later time.  This was just not worth the risk.  No one (not Dr. S or Dr. Ong) expected his body to react this way to a reduced treatment.  He handled 10 times the strength and length before, with minor issues compared to this.  I hope to have Joe home tomorrow resting, eating, drinking and laughing again.  Prayers gladly accepted.  XOXO to all.  Sherrie