Little Better update on Joe & Mary 4-11

[maryaz]

I want to do an update, but I want to use caution in my wording of where we are currently at. Original plan was one day week chemo and 5 days a week radiation for 6 weeks. That would have ended last week on the 4th. With having 3 allergic reactions to a chemo treatment, he had a different chemo med 3 days last week. Due to being very ill at different times, he missed 3 radiation treatments, and in addition to making those up, they added more to the session. The 3 days he spent in hospital he got his radiation, but 3 days he could not get out of bed. He has 3 more radiation treatments next week. The new 3 day a week chemo was to be one week on and 2 weeks off. That was changed Thursday and all chemo is on hold for now.

He would be getting so sick each week. This week is better. They were treating him aggressively. He had a Pet Scan on Monday. He got a call from the Dr on Thursday to come right to the office. Turned out his WBC were way off on a Blood Test he had taken the day before. They re-tested and were better but needs even better. He was told to wear a mask and be extremely careful in public. Do not get sick. Last week it got scary as his BP was dropping. Grrr. Talk about a journey! Not fun.

Going into this weekend is the first one that he is not real sick. It is so nice. The affects of all this show but he is not where he has been. He says it is because he is getting only the radiation now. The radiation caused most the problems but when combined with the chemo.

It is still a scary disease and very confusing. I cannot believe the number of changed appointments but there are reasons. Some days neither of us could remember what was when and where. He has an appointment to see a surgeon on Monday. That was set up before the Pet Scan was done. However, a big plus is that on Thursday when Joe had to go in to the office, the Dr told him the Pet Scan looked good, Tumor was shrinking and whatever it is with the lymph nodes Dr seems to think surgery is possible. A couple weeks ago Joe came home feeling just about the opposite after seeing the Dr.

I just have learned that I can hear one thing one day and it changes on the next day. Only for that reason am I putting this message out with caution. I am thankful for all the prayers Joe has received and keep praying. We are very happy about the news with the surgery and yet I know we need to hear from the surgeon yet.

[bobbioh]

Mary you and Joe are always in my thoughts and prayers. Im very happy he is feeling better and things are looking better I wish you both all the luck in the world. Hang in there! Bobbi

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Mary; thank you for updating us. What poor Joe's been through (and you) with the treatments, then illness and the changes....it must feel overwhelming at times.

Things sound promising and I can appreciate the "guardedly optimistic" approach. But I do see some light and by now you know that if they're considering surgery as a very real possibility, GREAT STRIDES have been made!

You and Joe will remain in my bedtime prayers.

Please keep us posted when you can or when you're up to it.

Hang in there.

[cocojax]

Mary thanks for the update, Joe and you have been through so much, cautiously optimistic is better each week...

[Joyce7]

You both are going through so much right now and my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry Joe is so sick but hopefully it will get better each day. I worry about you too and hope you can get some help so that you get enough rest. You and Joe are in my prayers daily....Joyce in SC

[LindaNY]

Oh Mary, being cautiously optimistic must feel great for both of you.
It's a long haul, but you two are strong and will fight like hell.

Many (((hugs))) to both of you.

[cheryl]

Mary - I'm always praying that there will be improvement. You are in my thoughts often.

[muffin]

Mary, I have you & family in my prayers. You are such a strong lady and Joe extremely brave people. You both hang in there, God has a plan. Bless you!

[Joyce7]

Thinking of you and Joe---Joyce in SC