He's home

Joe is home from the hospital, but not doing so great.  He has stopped vomiting and is not as dizzy as he was, but is still very sick.  He is having a difficult time staying hydrated since his bowels are just going crazy.  I have to really stay on top of him to constantly drink water and try and eat little bits at a time.  He is really giving it every thing he can, but I know it's just wearing him down.  He's up all night and can't rest much in the day because of the issues.  He will have several tests done tomorrow and then back to the doctor on Tuesday to hopefully find something that can give him relief.  Thank you all for your love, support and prayers.  Joe is really appreciative as well.  He continues to talk about our wonderful family and friends.

Love,
Sherrie

p.s.  The AZ Cardinals win did bring a lot of JOY to Joe today.  Go Cardinals!!

Another Tough Week

Joe had a really tough week and is currently in the hospital trying to recover.  Joe was still vomiting on Sunday (almost 2 weeks after chemo).  We went to the oncologist on Tuesday and Joe's test results were much better.  He gained a couple pounds, his white blood count was normal, his tumor count was up slightly (not the good part), his hydration level was OK.  With that, Dr. S. said he and Dr. Ong thought it was best to try chemo again.  We pushed back, but Dr. S. explained how "nasty" this cancer is.  He said it was "embedded" in the scar tissue and they fear it would embed itself into critical organs.  We accepted the chemo challenge.  Dr. S reduced the treatment to a level that it would still be effective, but hopefully a level that Joe's body could handle.  Unfortunately, we all learned that there is no level that his body can handle right now.  Joe started getting sick the minute he got home.  He was sick through the night non-stop.  He broke so many blood vessels in his face from vomiting and became so dizzy, he couldn't walk.  Dr. S ordered him to the hospital where they are keeping him hydrated and on several meds to control all that is happening.  He came in this evening and told us that Joe is done with chemo for awhile.  We'll have to take our chances that the cancer won't spread fast and that his bowels and body will heal enough to try chemo at a later time.  This was just not worth the risk.  No one (not Dr. S or Dr. Ong) expected his body to react this way to a reduced treatment.  He handled 10 times the strength and length before, with minor issues compared to this.  I hope to have Joe home tomorrow resting, eating, drinking and laughing again.  Prayers gladly accepted.  XOXO to all.  Sherrie

Chemo Halted

Joe had a very difficult week since he had the chemo treatment.  In addition to the usual, nasty side effects, his body really struggled.  He lost 7 lbs in 6 days, had bouts of partial blindness and spent most of his waking time in the bathroom.  The doctor sent him to be tested on Monday and we went back to the doctor today for results.  He said he was dehydrated (even though he was receiving IV's), lacked electrolytes and his B12 was dangerously low, in addition to bowels not working, neuropothy and naseau.  He spent 3 hours today getting boosted up, instead of torn down with chemo.  Dr. S. said his bowels just can't handle even the reduced chemo dosage yet, so he cancelled the treatment for now.  This was music to Joe's ears.  He just couldn't take much more.  He will work on putting some weight back on this week and be tested again on Monday and back to meet Dr. S. on Tuesday.  I'll update the blog as soon as we get Joe's test results back next week.  Keep those prayers coming.  We love and thank you all so very much!  Sherrie

Back to Chemo

Joe started his new round of chemo today.  As the doctor's promised, he went to the cancer center for several hours, but did not have to wear the chemo pack home.  Unfortunately, the side effects kicked in immediately.  His nausea, neuropathy, fatigue, and other side effects began almost immediately.  The good news is the new meds Dr. Ong put him on before chemo (and the chocolate chip cookies that were baked for him by friends) helped him gain some weight right before treatment.  He's not feeling well tonight, but we're hoping things start improving as soon as tomorrow.  My work team gave us a wonderful gift card to one of Joe's favorite stomping grounds, so that will motivate him to get well quickly and start enjoying those wings and beer again!!  Thanks to everyone for thinking of us today.  The prayers and support continue to strengthen us each day.  Love to all,  Sherrie

Labor Day 2012

We went to Lake Powell for a few days and had a great time.  Joe went on the water one of the days and did good.  Luckily it was such a beautiful day and we found a beach close to the marina.   Joe said "it was the perfect day".  We had family and friends and just had such a great time.  It was hard to leave.  When we returned, we had to go to Tucson for an appointment with Dr. Ong.  Because Joe's bowels are not cooperating, he is adding a 3rd prescription to the mix.  He also stated the meds may not work either and it may be many more months before they catch on.  He read the test results regarding the tumors and like Dr. S., could not confirm what the tumors were - all cancer or part cancer and scar tissue.  Regardless, he agreed that Joe needs to start chemo right away.  With that, Joe begins his next series of treatments on Tuesday.  He will have 3 months of treatment and then begin a new series of tests.  Dr. Ong told us that UMC now has a new MRI and technician that can detect tumors much better than ever before.  It will be ready for Joe when he completes this round of chemo.  Without that test, they would have to perform a laproscopic look, which would mean another surgery, more scar tissue...  Hopefully the new MRI will give them the information they need to avoid the laproscopic look.  Thanks as always for your continued support.  I'll update more after Joe starts chemo.  Keep those prayers coming that he will be able to tolerate the chemo and the chemo can keep the cancer at bay.  Love, Sherrie
p.s.  Our youngest daughter Shelli is adjusting well to college (much better than I am adjusting to life with her away).  I know it will get better :)

 

Dr. Visit 8/30/12

Joe had his Dr. appointment yesterday and got the test results back.  The Petscan showed 2 large tumors, but the Dr. is not convinced they are 100% cancerous tumors.  They are located near scar tissue from the surgery, so it may be a combination of scar tissue and cancer.  Other tests showed that his hydration level has significantly increased since the ileostomy reversal, which is why Joe is feeling somewhat better.  His "tumor count" is up slightly from where it was right after the hot chemo surgery, but is down from where he started.  His B12 level is "dangerously low", so they started a series of injections right in the office.  He has to continue these injections weekly for at least 3 months.  So the bottom line is, the cancer is there, it's difficult to tell how fast or slow it is growing and Dr. S. wants Joe to start chemo right away.  The problem is Joe's bowels are still not functioning properly (no weight gain since he's been home) and chemo can make that situation even worse.  So Dr. S. has recommended Joe start chemo next week, but with reduced dosages.  He will have to go in every week and have chemo for 7 straight hours.  The good news is he will not have to wear the chemo pack for the additional 48 hours.  Dr. S. is hoping this will be strong enough to keep the cancer at bay, but not too strong that his body could not handle it with his existing bowel issues.  He feels (as does Dr. Ong) that the hot chemo really did a good job, although it can't get it all.  They keep reminding us that Joe's cancer has to be attacked from the inside out (chemo) and the outside in (the knife and hot chemo).  Time for inside out, since he's really had enough of outside in for now!

We are headed to Lake Powell for our annual trip.  We have no idea how this will go, but we have never missed this vacation in 20 years and Joe insisted that we go.  The whole family and several friends are joining us.  Joe said he may have to stay in the hotel during the day, but he doesn't care.  He doesn't want us to miss out.  Always thinking of others!  We get back on Monday and head to Tucson to meet with Dr. Ong on Tuesday to see if anything can be done to get these bowels working.

More to follow after our Tucson visit.

XOXO to all!
Sherrie

Shelli's off to college

She's all moved in and it was worse than I ever imagined.  The tears were abundant.  Like we predicted, Joe held us all together and the rest of us cried and cried.  Shelli is being very patient and letting me call her every day.  I'll cut back.....eventually.  She has a lot of friends and is already adjusting well.

Joe did good mentally, but not as good physically.  We're not sure if it was the altitude or the 2+ hour drive, but it hit him hard.  In his usual Joe fashion, he never complained and wanted to be around the action at all times.  We met up with his high school friend and family and their friends and our whole family was there as well.  It's great to see him smile :)

He has 2 more tests tomorrow and then we get the results on Thursday.  I'll be posting as soon as we learn something.  We have no idea how things will go.  He hasn't gained any more weight, but the Dr. hinted he may need to start chemo soon.  We'll just have to wait and see.

Love and thanks to all,
Sherrie