Strong - Day 12

Day 12 emerges with Joe still in Strong. The nurse manager and myself spoke with the oncologist Dr Deepak to see what it would take to get Joe home. He said he wants to ensure that he will not get an infection in his bladder. His legs are still pretty well swollen with fluid as well. They continue to discuss catheterization. Last night though he was able to almost empty his entire bladder. His arm is still healing.

Dr Chen came by and Joe signed consent forms for radiation on his spinal area to help relieve pressure from the cancer in his back bone. He will begin treatment today.

Pathology reports indicate that the chemo combo was unsuccessful in getting his cancer to stop growing. A part of me truly believes that it did do some good, however, I was unable to get medical confirmation. Sometimes, though, I think you just know.

No one has discussed hospice with us, however I am sure that this is the next step. Joe is not ready to give up, so I will continue to do some research with the world to see if a cocktail of something can stop the beast from growing inside of him. We will never give up hope.

Love,
Vicki, Gina & Tom