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