At home recovering

Joe is feeling a little better every day. He is sleeping less, which is a good thing, and will be done with his antibiotics tomorrow. He is pretty thin and is weighing in at 158 lbs these days. We're doing our best to fatten him up!

The chemo treatment's side effects should be taking a toll on his blood counts by Saturday - day 7. We're combating that with Aranesp shots bi-monthly and lots of good vegetables, rest and fluids. Unfortunately he cannot take any vitamin or herbal supplements, but we're trying to get them in him via food.

He is enjoying visits from people and as long as no one has a cold, it's fine to visit. If you're feeling ill, please wear a mask if you come as his compromised blood counts allow infection to invade easily.

It's been a busy week and I am still in search of a home health care aide or nurse to fill in a good portion of the day, then continue to lean on you all to help me fill in the gaps! I know that Maureen has worked out a schedule for a bit. If anyone knows of a good home health aide, please give me a call with their number!

I appreciate all of the help and care that is coming our way. There's a terrific team of folks putting together a night of magic and music to help us defray these medical costs. Words alone cannot describe how blessed we are to have you help us in this manner. I am overwhelmed at the entire endeavor and have a hard time expressing our thanks. Set loose, this team has moved mountains. They're incredible! Toni, Maureen, Robin, Ann, Debbie, Kathy, Donna and Karen - the world is set on it's side with you in one room! While I am learning the ins and outs of insurance, there is still much to grasp. With God's help Joe will be well enough to continue the chemo treatment and be well enough to travel back to Houston after Thanksgiving for scans to determine if we've been successful. Your efforts in this and other fund raisers have allowed me to take him where we would not be able to alone. It's allowing me to hire help (if he doesn't fire them!) so that I can continue to go to work and feel comfortable that he is well taken care of. I only hope, someday, I can give back to you all what you've given to us - Hope.

Love
Vicki, Gina & Tom