He's home

Joe is home from the hospital, but not doing so great.  He has stopped vomiting and is not as dizzy as he was, but is still very sick.  He is having a difficult time staying hydrated since his bowels are just going crazy.  I have to really stay on top of him to constantly drink water and try and eat little bits at a time.  He is really giving it every thing he can, but I know it's just wearing him down.  He's up all night and can't rest much in the day because of the issues.  He will have several tests done tomorrow and then back to the doctor on Tuesday to hopefully find something that can give him relief.  Thank you all for your love, support and prayers.  Joe is really appreciative as well.  He continues to talk about our wonderful family and friends.

Love,
Sherrie

p.s.  The AZ Cardinals win did bring a lot of JOY to Joe today.  Go Cardinals!!

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

Chemo Halted

Joe had a very difficult week since he had the chemo treatment.  In addition to the usual, nasty side effects, his body really struggled.  He lost 7 lbs in 6 days, had bouts of partial blindness and spent most of his waking time in the bathroom.  The doctor sent him to be tested on Monday and we went back to the doctor today for results.  He said he was dehydrated (even though he was receiving IV's), lacked electrolytes and his B12 was dangerously low, in addition to bowels not working, neuropothy and naseau.  He spent 3 hours today getting boosted up, instead of torn down with chemo.  Dr. S. said his bowels just can't handle even the reduced chemo dosage yet, so he cancelled the treatment for now.  This was music to Joe's ears.  He just couldn't take much more.  He will work on putting some weight back on this week and be tested again on Monday and back to meet Dr. S. on Tuesday.  I'll update the blog as soon as we get Joe's test results back next week.  Keep those prayers coming.  We love and thank you all so very much!  Sherrie

Back to Chemo

Joe started his new round of chemo today.  As the doctor's promised, he went to the cancer center for several hours, but did not have to wear the chemo pack home.  Unfortunately, the side effects kicked in immediately.  His nausea, neuropathy, fatigue, and other side effects began almost immediately.  The good news is the new meds Dr. Ong put him on before chemo (and the chocolate chip cookies that were baked for him by friends) helped him gain some weight right before treatment.  He's not feeling well tonight, but we're hoping things start improving as soon as tomorrow.  My work team gave us a wonderful gift card to one of Joe's favorite stomping grounds, so that will motivate him to get well quickly and start enjoying those wings and beer again!!  Thanks to everyone for thinking of us today.  The prayers and support continue to strengthen us each day.  Love to all,  Sherrie

Labor Day 2012

We went to Lake Powell for a few days and had a great time.  Joe went on the water one of the days and did good.  Luckily it was such a beautiful day and we found a beach close to the marina.   Joe said "it was the perfect day".  We had family and friends and just had such a great time.  It was hard to leave.  When we returned, we had to go to Tucson for an appointment with Dr. Ong.  Because Joe's bowels are not cooperating, he is adding a 3rd prescription to the mix.  He also stated the meds may not work either and it may be many more months before they catch on.  He read the test results regarding the tumors and like Dr. S., could not confirm what the tumors were - all cancer or part cancer and scar tissue.  Regardless, he agreed that Joe needs to start chemo right away.  With that, Joe begins his next series of treatments on Tuesday.  He will have 3 months of treatment and then begin a new series of tests.  Dr. Ong told us that UMC now has a new MRI and technician that can detect tumors much better than ever before.  It will be ready for Joe when he completes this round of chemo.  Without that test, they would have to perform a laproscopic look, which would mean another surgery, more scar tissue...  Hopefully the new MRI will give them the information they need to avoid the laproscopic look.  Thanks as always for your continued support.  I'll update more after Joe starts chemo.  Keep those prayers coming that he will be able to tolerate the chemo and the chemo can keep the cancer at bay.  Love, Sherrie
p.s.  Our youngest daughter Shelli is adjusting well to college (much better than I am adjusting to life with her away).  I know it will get better :)