Almost New Years

We had a wonderful Christmas, although not perfect.  Joe was extremely sick on Christmas Eve and spent the entire day and night in bed.  We were so worried about Christmas Day, but he woke up feeling pretty good.  He was able to join in the festivities and we spent hours opening gifts, laughing and crying.  He surprised each of us with a monogrammed box.  All us girls had a beautiful cross necklace and Doug's contained Joe's St. Josephs necklace and his rookie Kurt Warner card.  We were all moved to tears.  Joe got several things, but liked his new tree the best.  We planted it right outside his office window so he can watch it grow.  Joe also did his usual and sat with us at the dinner table while we all ate. He drank his juice and said he just enjoys being with the family.  We had a wonderful turnout except my Mom and Dad were unable to attend.  My Mom had another emergency surgery (colon blockage issues) and was in the hospital.  We missed them so much, but the girls and I were able to go to Prescott the day after Christmas and celebrate with them.  Joe was too sick to go, but had a nice relaxing day at home.

Dr. S is still looking for a surgeon.  So far, no luck, but none of us are giving up.  We have several names from different hospitals that are being explored.  All the surgeons that have said no, have just said it's too risky and they fear that his colon has other areas that will block as soon as this blockage is resolved.  We don't feel that way and are going to keep searching until we find the perfect surgeon.  We would deeply appreciate your prayers that we find that person quickly.  In the meantime, our routine is 18 hours a day on some kind of IV, lots of meds trying to deal with the side effects, daily vomiting, no eating, lots of praying and enjoying each other's company.  We also watch TV and get out of the house when Joe has those good moments. 

I will update the blog as soon as we get word on the surgeon.  In the meantime, it it's not before New Years, we would just like to thank you all for your prayers, support and friendship this year.  We would have never accomplished all that we did, without you.  We wish you a Wonderful New Year filled with Family, friends, fun and good health.

XOXO
Sherrie

Merry Christmas!

We just want to wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas.  We have the house decorated, the lights up, presents under the tree and the Christmas music playing.  It feels like Christmas and we are savoring every minute.  We want this Christmas to be as close to the past as possible so we are doing everything possible to do just that.  The house will be filled with family on Christmas Day and Joe fully intends on sitting at the table with us, even though he can't eat.  He is truly amazing.

On the health note, Joe had the MRI and we got the results back.  On a good note, he reacted positively to the chemo treatments in some areas.  Dr. S. said there was reduction in cancer around his stomach and liver.  The bad news is the cancer around his colon has increased.  The only way to treat that area (the same area causing the blockage) is surgery.  He met with Dr. Ong and Dr. Ong refused to do the surgery.  He said it was too risky.  Dr. S is looking for another surgeon for Joe.  When he finds one the plan is to remove that section of the colon, give Joe a permanent ostomy bag, give Joe the ability to eat again, keep him on supplemental TPN, build up his weight and strength and try stronger chemos.  We refuse to think of any other options at this time.  So to our wonderful support team, we desperately need prayers to find a surgeon willing to take Joe's case.  He continues to vomit daily due to the blockage and it is making him weaker.  We need the surgery ASAP before he becomes too weak to withstand it.  So that is our Christmas wish and we thank you for sending prayers.

God Bless You All.

Joe, Sherrie, Amanda, Shelli, Candace, Doug, Edison and Quinn

2 Year Anniversary

It's been 2 years since the day Joe went into the hospital for what we thought, was a routine appendectomy.  We knew as soon as the doctor said the dreaded "C" word that our lives would never be the same.  Unfortunately, we were correct.  The last 2 years have definitely been a challenge, but a lot of good has come from it too.  Most of which is attributable to our support team.  We continue to fight the battle, alongside you guys and will continue until the Good Lord decides its time to follow a different path. 

Joe has been extremely sick recently.  Dr. S. wanted him admitted in the hospital, but Joe just could not do it.  He chose to battle it out at home instead.  With Dr. S and all the staff at Ironwood, we have been able to get Joe some relief from the constant vomiting.  His potassium level is still very low (difficult to get back up due to the vomiting), his weight has dropped, his electrolytes and other measures have all dropped.  So the focus now is controlling the vomiting and keeping him hydrated and medicated.  He has been receiving long infusions on a daily basis and additional medications as well.  They seem to be helping as we have seen a reduction in his vomiting.  We still don't have a date for the MRI.  We believe its the normal battle with the insurance,  but Dr. S said he will get it scheduled...not to worry.  Once we get the results of the test, we will know if the chemo worked at all and what our next steps will be.

On the bright side, CBS Channel 5 aired the segment they did on Joe and Amanda.  You can view it on line at the following link:

http://www.kpho.com/story/24137632/arizona-woman-writes-book-with-her-father-about-their-familys-battle-with-cancer

We are very proud of Joe and all the girls and hopefully our journey can help others.

God Bless you all and thank you for helping us get to the 2 year anniversary.

XOXO
Sherrie