7 lbs 7 days

I wish I had better news to report, but Joe is still losing weight. The pound he gained came back off, plus one. He's losing a pound a day. The bowels have not started working yet. We will be heading back to Tucson on Tuesday to see Dr. Ong and try and get something adjusted to put some weight on Joe. I have to tell you that I am amazed at Joe. He is fighting this thing with everything he has. He refuses to lay around in bed, even though he is so weak and tired. He gets up early, takes his shower, gets dressed and forces himself to eat and start drinking. He naps throughout the day, but does it in the recliner instead of going back to bed. He is working on "normalcy", despite all the setbacks. He reads cards and emails throughout the day, although said he is having some problems with reading. His eyes may just be too tired to focus for very long. I'm doing everything I can to show Joe how to gain weight - - like eating cheese, sweets and pasta and gaining weight for him! Ughh!!! That demonstration has got to stop soon :) More to follow. Pray for a fattening weekend (for Joe that is!!) XOXO Sherrie

Slight Progress

Joe has been doing Ok. He's extremely weak and tired, but seems to be gaining a little strength each day since he's been home. He lost 36 lbs (6 lbs since he's been home), but happy to report he actually gained a pound today. Yeah!!! It's the little things, like one pound at a time. Nutrition and hydration are the two most important things in Joe's recovery right now. For this reason, he spends most of his time focusing on them. He doesn't have an appetite, but really makes the effort to eat and drink more than he expels. He's close to a break even, but is gaining on it. Dr. Ong explained that he had to remove the portion of his bowels that absorbs nutrients and "forms bowels". The section that is left now has to take over that function and just hasn't quite got the hang of it yet. Medications are helping until they start working properly. Keep the prayers coming!! They are working. Love to all, Sherrie

Shelli Graduated and Joe was there!!

Joe made it to Shelli's graduation. It was a wonderful evening. The Seton Catholic High School community just embraced Joe all night long. Everyone was so excited to see Joe and he was so excited to see them. Shelli was beaming with pride that her Dad was there along with her family and friends. The evening just exhausted Joe, but it was so worth it. In the meantime, he is working hard on eating and drinking, but is still losing weight. He has lost 34 pounds now. We hope things start "sticking" soon and he's starts putting on weight. He is maintaining his hydration level, but he's right on the border. We are watching and monitoring everything very closely. Thanks for all the good wishes and welcome home messages. Joe is so happy to be home, we are so happy to have him home and it's the perfect combination for recovery!! XOXO Sherrie

He's Home!!!!

Joe was released today from the hospital and is home resting. They were very thorough when they released him and we have pages of instructions, along with 8 prescriptions. The nurse will be here 1st thing in the morning to check on Joe. He is very weak, extremely tired, but he will heal so much faster just being at home. He is really looking forward to Shelli's graduation tomorrow too. More to follow... XOXO Sherrie

Tuesday - getting closer to home

We had a couple setbacks yesterday, but today we're going forward. Joe had a drainage tube removed and it was extremely long and painful. Unfortunately, his ileostomy bag started leaking in the hole left from the drainage bag. They had to flush it out and work hard to prevent infection. Unfortunately again, 2 more bags leaked until they finally got it fixed. They also weighed Joe and he lost 4 more pounds for a total of 30 pounds since April 23rd. We were hoping Joe was going home today or tomorrow, but Dr. Ong said he's not quite ready. He hasn't been able to stay hydrated on his own yet, but he's getting closer. He has to eat more and drink more, while staying on all the meds to help things get absorbed in his system. Dr. Ong has also ordered Home Health Care for Joe to assist with any dehydration and his ileostomy when we get home. It's a nice comfort to know we can get him on IV's right away without having to come back to the hospital. Shelli's graduation is Friday and Dr. Ong is aware of that and doing everything he can to get Joe to the graduation without jeopardizing his health. Prayers welcome again!! Thanks everyone and hugs and kisses to all!! Sherrie

Sunday - getting better

Joe is doing much better since he hit bottom on Wednesday. They have him on about 8 different medications to help him. They have dramatically reduced his output and he is getting closer to the target he needs to hit before they can release him. Basically they measure his input vs. output and there is a number he has to hit to ensure he is staying hydrated. His output was 5 times greater than his input on Wednesday, but is going down with the help of the medications. The problem now is the meds are causing stomach cramping which stops Joe from eating and drinking. We're trying to find the perfect balance, which is difficult when the bowels have been through so much and are trying to be "re-trained" to function properly. Joe and I have also been having ileostomy training every day for an hour. It is manageable, but not one of our favorite things to do. Yesterday, his bag was faulty and started leaking. That was not pleasant at all. On a brighter note, please be assured I am being so well cared for by my Tucson host family Wayne and Rebecca and all our Tucson friends. In addition to all of them, our family and friends continue to support us through prayers, meals, comfort, help at home and just overall thoughts throughout the day. We not only hear them and read them, but feel the love and support continuously. Not a day goes by where Joe and I and our girls don't talk about it all and thank God for all of you. We love you and thank you and hope to give you good news soon that Joe is coming home. Stay tuned.... XOXOXOXOXO Sherrie

Wednesday - downward day

Today was a tough day. They had Joe eating and drinking on his own and his bowels were throwing it out faster than he could put it in. He became extremely dehydrated and lethargic. He didn't have the strength to walk or even talk. They weighed him and also discovered he has lost 26 lbs since April 23rd. Dr. Ong came in after a long surgery and saved the day - once again. He immediately changed up a bunch of things, checked Joe thoroughly and sat with Joe and I and explained everything that was happening. He could tell we were scared and near our breaking point. We are much better now and Joe is starting to feel better already with the new fluids. He stated Joe will have to stay in the hospital until he can keep himself hydrated without IV support. I'm glad for that since that was the mistake that landed Joe in the hospital the 2nd time (under a different Doctor's direction). I met a new friend at the hospital and she treated me to a wonderful lunch at the Arizona Inn. I have to tell you that if you ever want an amazing place to stay in Tucson, this is a great place. Thank you Kathy for such a great break during such a stressful day. Love to all, Sherrie