Strong - Day 10

Joe continues to stay at Strong Memorial hospital - with little change. The orthopedic oncologist came to see us last night and compared his bone scans/CT scans from Monday to those taken in both April and September. He felt that the bone degeneration has not been significantly increased since April and he didn't feel that it was necessary to place pins in his femur to hold the bones in place. He believed that if Joe was not symptomatic (any more than he has been since April) that it would be unnecessary to put him through surgery. That was the first good news we've heard in ages. They are also again looking at his back and determining that it would be a good idea to do the radiation to his spine to help with pain and swelling locating around the back tumors. Dr Deepak has released him from bed rest. He will be moving around with the help of a cane or walker. Orthopedic and physical therapy did visit with Joe yesterday and gave him some exercises to do to help keep him strong and not lose mobility.

He continues to have issues relating to his bladder and for now, they have not made any strong stand or decision on how to correct this issue. His feet and legs are swollen beyond recognition and this is very concerning.

His arm, while still bigger than the other, appears to be getting better. Docs are still on red-alert. Not sure if they're more worried about his arm or my temper............

Yesterday the Palliative care team sent in a harpist to play for Joe...he said it was very moving and the music lovely. I wish that I were there to listen as it sounds like it was just wonderful. Roxanne, Rosalyn, Yvonne and Joe's mother did get to enjoy it with him.

Tom, Kate and I spent a quiet evening in his room, them doing homework, us watching TV and we all took a much-needed nap for a bit!

As my big-sister Geralyn told me today - Sieze the day! Yesterday is
past, tomorrow hasn’t happened yet, today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the
present!

So everyone - seize the day. We're blessed with some very nice autumn weather and sunshine.

Hug someone a little tighter today.

With love and continued hope
Vicki, Gina & Tom