Home again

Joe was released yesterday afternoon from RGH with a few more stitches but a lot less fluid! He is experiencing a little pain from the surgery but overall doing well. He was able to eat for the first time without feeling nauseous and dizzy! He finally was able to lie down flat to sleep and didn't experience heartburn or pressure in his abdomen! He ate a good breakfast this morning and is on his way to gaining a few much needed pounds. The doc stitched up his abdomen where the catheter was and although it still leaks a little, we know that the shunt is working because his stomach is not distending. While his lymph system may never heal, he won't be suffering with the fluid accumulation any longer. I only wish we did this 2 months ago! We see the vascular surgeons again next week to remove the stitches and watch the sites where the shunt was inserted.

He will be on both TPN and actual food for awhile to build up his weight and his strength. He has to take it slow for awhile but is happy to be eating again.

We see the nutritionist and Dr Kohli again Wednesday the 24th and he will have his 3rd Bisphosphonate treatment for his bone cancer that day as well. We have scheduled an appointment with Dr Wong at Roswell on June 9th to determine if Joe can now be a candidate for the IL-2 treatment.

Until then we're going to try to fatten him up and get him strong for treatment. And thank God that he's home feeling better.

Thanks for all your prayers and cards.