Road Trip Ahead

We are headed to San Diego to meet Dr. Lowy on Tuesday, February 18th.  We talked to the office today and they wanted to make sure we were mentally prepared for anything.  They stated that Joe's case is bad and they may not be able to do anything.  I explained to them that we understand completely, but we had to make sure we had exhausted every avenue.  We also understand that Dr. Lowy specializes in this cancer and if he says nothing can be done, we would respect his opinion and stay on Hospice.  On the flip side, if anyone can help Joe, it would be him.  Either way, we will know the direction we are going after we meet with him.  Because Joe can't travel 6 hours by regular car, we will be borrowing or renting an RV.  This way Joe can be medicated and sleep in a bed the entire way there and back.  My brother and son-in-law will be taking turns driving for us.  We will be meeting the doctor at 2:15 pm and will head back immediately after the appointment.  If the surgery is a go, we will have to return after they get it scheduled. 

Tuesday can't come quick enough.  Joe had a really tough weekend.  He vomited so much that the drainage tube in his stomach came out.  It was horrible.  I had to take him to the ER for surgery to replace the tube completely.  Luckily I called the only surgeon I know at Chandler Regional and he was on call.  I explained the situation and he had everything set up for us when we arrived.  The ER was packed and folks were waiting for hours. We got in within 5 minutes.  The nurse told me that Dr. Flamm said we were the VIP's.  Not sure that is a good thing considering how we got to VIP status, but it was nice that everything went so smoothly.  Joe's new tube is secure and working good and the only downside is I caught a cold somehow.  I am back to wearing gloves and a mask at home and staying in a separate room so Joe won't get sick. 

I know several of you want to come visit and we would love to see you, except that Joe is just not up for visitors.  He is only awake about 10-15 minutes every 3-4 hours.  The pain is just so intense that we have to keep him medicated to keep him calm and keep as much stress off his body as possible.  I will let you know the minute he can have visitors.  I know it would lift his spirits to see you all.

Keep those prayers coming.  As soon as we think we are done, your prayers miraculously lift us again.

XOXO
Sherrie