Tests Approved

Joe's MRI has finally been approved.  His tests will be Jan 31st and we will get the results on Feb 5th.  For some reason his bowels are even worse than normal and his shoulder joints are also more painful than normal.  Neither Dr. S or Dr. Ong understand why.  The increase in the meds was tough on Joe's stomach, so he had to back down from the dosage (still more than he was taking), but regardless, there's been no improvement.  Hopefully with time, things will start working.  He just adjusts his "new normal" around his "new bowel system". 

We are planning some exciting things this year.  We are going to try a couple trips, have company from family, high school and college friends visit and we stay busy with Dr. appointments, organizing life, playing with grandkids, visiting with company and getting out occasionally.  We have no complaints and are just grateful for the ongoing support and prayers from all of you.  I will post again as soon as we get the test results back.  XOXO to all, Sherrie

Dr. Appointment today

We met Dr. Ong and another doctor today at UMC.  The other doctor was there to meet Joe.  He was genuinely surprised at how good Joe looked after all he's been through.  He even slipped and said "you should not be here today". (We know it's the Power of Prayer :))  We talked to both of them for almost 90 minutes.  Dr. Ong was not pleased with the lack of progress from Joe's bowels.  He really felt that his bowels should be working better than they are.  After much consultation, they decided to try more medications.  Joe's full time job is now taking medications to try and get his bowels to work. Hopefully something works because Joe has been very sick recently from his crazy bowels.  It's been a tough holiday season for Joe, but in his typical fashion, never complains and just pushes forward.  Dr. Ong reviewed the Petscan results.  Some "glowing" showed up around his liver, kidneys and intestines.  Dr. Ong was not too worried about it (Joe and I were a little concerned!).  He stated that the tests results are not conclusive and for that reason, is really going to fight for the MRI test.  He stated he's aiming for a February test date.  If it gets approved, we'll get the results the following week.  He submitted the paperwork again and now it's wait and see.  In the meantime, Dr. Ong had a long discussion with Joe about the quality of life and told him to live each day and don't let cancer dictate his life.  We just smiled because that has been our motto all along.  They hugged and the appointment was over.  As always, a great appointment with Dr. Ong. I'll post again once I find out about the MRI.  Thanks for those ongoing prayers.  They are DEFINITELY working!!!  XOXO Sherrie