June Fun - Disneyland!

We headed off to Disneyland for our June adventure.  We drove, instead of flying, due to Joe's troubles with flying.  Unfortunately, car rides aren't much better.  Joe was extremely sick after we arrived.  We had scheduled a dinner for Joe to meet Chad (the only other person we know of with appendix cancer).  Joe wasn't able to make it, but the rest of us did get to meet Chad, his daughter Parker and his Mom, Cheri.  It was so great to meet them and share stories.  Chad is 32 years old and has similar issues to Joe.  He has an amazing attitude and we continue to keep him in our prayers.

Cheri, Chad and Sherrie

The next day, Joe was determined to ride the Cars ride with Edison, so we all headed off to California Adventure.  Our friends, Disney Dave and Lauri met us there.  Joe immediately got sick as soon as we arrived at the park.  While he was in the bathroom, the family headed to the ride to get in line and I headed to the First Aid/Chamber of Commerce area to find rest/hydration areas for Joe.  They went over and above and gave us a special pass so Joe could do some things with his Grandkids and not spend all his time waiting in line.  They said "We just want you to have a wonderful time while you are here".  It was truly Magic.  Joe rode some rides with Edison and Quinn, he rested, watched the parade and headed back to Anna's house.  Without the assistance of Disneyland, he would have never been able to do those things.  I just can't thank them enough.  We were able to do in a few hours, what would have taken us the entire day.  It was hard on Joe, but so worth it.  The smiles on everyone's faces just says it all.  Special thanks to Anna for letting us stay with her and making everything so comfortable for all of us. Special thanks to Chris Smith for giving us some passes and special thanks to Disneyland for letting all of us have this amazing time.  We made memories we will treasure forever.

The whole family with Mater

Papa and Quinn

Edison meets his hero, Lightning McQueen

The Cars Ride - A Memory we will treasure forever!

The Whole Family

They crashed after the "Best Day Ever!"

 It took us 9 1/2 hours to get home (a normal 6 hour drive) and Joe was not doing well.  We headed back to the Dr. and they immediately began the IV's.  They ran some tests and again he was very close to being hospitalized.  In addition, they had postponed chemo for a week so we could go to Disneyland, so he had to get chemo.  Altogether, through it all, he lost another 10 lbs.  We have cancelled all travel plans and are now focusing on getting weight back on Joe and keeping him hydrated.  It looks like the tests will be approved and we are now just waiting for scheduling in Tucson for all of Joe's tests to find out what the cancer is and hopefully, is not, doing.  I will post as soon as we learn more.

Joe had a relaxing Father's Day with the whole family and is so appreciative of each and every day.  Although the vacations were very difficult for him, they were memories we will always treasure.  In Joe's words "It was all worth it".  Now it's time to recover!  

XOXO

Sherrie

   

May fun - Hawaii!!

We just returned from our trip to Hawaii.  Joe got to wear the shirt that KEZ gave him for his birthday.  We had a wonderful time thanks to Terry, Scott, Ili and Alanna Snedigar.  They let us use their condo and set up a scavenger hunt for us.  It was a blast, challenging and had a great prize at the end!  The view was amazing and although Joe had several days where he was confined to the condo, he had absolutely no complaints.  He could see the ocean from the toilet :), he could fall asleep listening to the ocean and felt the cool breeze from the ocean.  It sounds like a novel, but it truly was just perfect.  When he felt good, we would all go sightseeing or watch the girls with their events. They went ziplining (I went too), they kayaked and took surf lessons.  The girls and I went hiking and we all went sightseeing in the car.  Joe and I went to a sugar museum and we all went out for couple nice dinners.  It was the perfect medicine for the family.  The trip home was a little scary.  Joe had a really difficult time and was very sick by the time we got home.  We took him to the cancer center where they had to give him IV meds and fluids for 6 hours.  They said if it didn't work, they were going to have to admit him to the hospital.  Luckily it helped a lot.  He is going in for several more treatments until he is back to his 100%.  Joe said no more plane trips.  It's just so hard on him so we cancelled a couple upcoming trips this year. 



View from the condo




Girls off to Kayak

 



Paradise





Already pros!


On the medical side, Joe's tests have not been approved yet.  No telling when that will happen.  The new medicine Joe has tried did not work.  There is no change in his bowels.  He still has frequent (daily) cramping and fatigue.  He gets frustrated sometimes when he can't do things that used to be so easy for him.  He is learning though and trying to learn patience as well.  His body shuts him down when he tries to do too much.  It's a learning experience...physically and mentally.  Overall though I am so proud of him and his attitude.  He still amazes me with his faith, strength and attitude.  He's one of a kind.

More blogs to follow.  Our June fun is taking our grandkids to Disneyland.  Edison finally made the height restriction for the Cars ride and one of Joe's goals is to take him there.  Stay tuned for highlights from that trip. 

Thanks as always for all the love, support and prayers.  As you can see, they are working!

XOXO
Sherrie