Joe had a very good day, but followed with a rough night.

Joe's not sleeping through the night very well, and at 3 am he got a bloody nose. Being on the Lovenox for the blood clot, it's hard to stop him from bleeding once it begins, so we battled it on and off until 7 am this morning when Harriett came in and took over. I just talked to her and she said that she has it under control. Just one more thing to add to our list of worries. The visiting nurse will be coming today to change his PICC line bandage and said she'll assess him from there. Let's all hope that this is just due to the oxygen irritating his nose and nothing worse.

The day yesterday was good though, he sat outside for awhile in the bright sunshine. Today is suppose to be just as nice, and his sister Nanette is coming to spend the day with him.

Last night we received a 'good bye' call from our nephew and godchild Bob Siegel who is leaving for Iraq today. Please keep Bob in your prayers for his safe return.

"Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible"

With love and hope,
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Weekend update

What a weekend we had! Joe was not himself at all on Saturday, not feeling well and experiencing a lot of pain. We got through that day and on Sunday afternoon he began to feel better. I don't know if it's the cancer or the chemo or both, but it was apparent that he was giving up.

Sunday night he was feeling better, eating better and was able to converse with us all, especially Gina who was heading back to UB for the week.

This morning he is in good spirits and welcomed Harriett, our morning nurse.

All in all, it's been a roller coaster ride for sure. One that I would rather, if you don't mind, not be on!

We're taking one day at a time. Joe will have chest, abdominal and pelvic CT scans on the 9th of November. Results of those scans will determine our next course of action.

For now, we're keeping a close watch on him and working hard to keep him pain free and comfortable.

Thank you all for your prayers and cards!

Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you
know they are always there

With love and hope,

Vicki, Gina & Tom

Friendship

This came to me from my girlfriend and sorority sister Michelle Wellner. How blessed I am.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that o ur need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season!

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Love,
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Recuperating at home

Joe is recuperating slowly from his chemo treatment at home. Yesterday he went to the clinic and received a shot of Neulasta to help boost his white blood cell counts. He also received a treatment of Zometa to remove calcium from his sytem and put it int his bones. Joanie from Houston informed me that his calcium level was high - which will cause confusion. Interesting - seems it takes 2000+ miles to learn things that I should be communicated to from the greater Rochester area - but alas - I still have Joanie and Dr Amato continuing to look out for Joe! That is a great comfort to me.

With the cold weather upon us Joe really can't go out at all, he is suseptible to colds and flu. Also with the winter onset of cold & flu season, I am going to do my best to keep him healthy and warm.

Thank you again for everyone's support at our Magic & Music event. Joe continues to talk about the night and how wonderful it was to see everyone. It is my heartfelt wish that with God's blessing for a miracle cure - we will have a huge open house to thank everyone in person for all of your support, love and well wishes. We could not have done it alone. I can't begin to send thank you notes to you all - but know that you are all angels in our hearts.

With continued hope
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Second Round of Chemo DONE!

Joe received his second round of chemotherapy this afternoon in the clinic at Strong. His blood draw all looked good - all of his counts were within normal range and he was given the go-ahead to receive chemo. He received his Gemzar in a 1/2 hour infusion and then a 40 minute infusion of the Adriamycin - this was different than the push infusion that he received in the hospital. They premedicated him with the same anti-nausea drugs and so far, so good. Since his blood pressure has been quite low he got a liter of fluid before we left.

He came home and ate a plate of Silvana's pasta!

Tomorrow afternoon he will get a shot of Neulasta to help his red blood cell count remain high.

We need to cheerlead to keep him eating as he's down to 153 lbs and pretty thin.....but his spirits are high.

Round 2 done. I have 3 weeks before I have to get out my helmet and kevlar armour to fight with the docs again........but for now - we are going to keep a watchful eye on Joe to make sure that he doesn't get sick as the chemo kicks in.

Thanks for all your prayers -

Continued hope
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Dr Kohli visit update

We saw Dr Kohli yesterday morning and he told us that the bone scan showed additional cancer growth in Joe's spine up to T2. We knew that there was additional growth from our visit in September to Dr Amato, so it was not a surprise, but we did find out that at this point there is not involvement with the ribs.
The question that we pondered was whether to let Joe have radiation on his back to help alleviate some of the pain, or a second round of chemotherapy. Because Dr Kohli has not seen any measureable improvement in Joe's condition such as elimination of the ascites, reduction in pain or increased stamina, he does not feel that the chemo is working and opted for the radiation as a palliative care treatment. Joe wants to continue on the chemo path. We talked about the risks associated with additional chemotherapy - fatigue, low blood counts and compromised immune system......but the shred of hope that the chemo may kick in and give Joe some time is the goal that he is looking for. Dr Kohli does not have any experience with this particular cocktail of chemo and we respect his opinion and know his concern for Joe's overall care. My hope is that I can finally convince he and Dr Amato to TALK to one another to ease Dr Kohli's mind as Dr Amato has treated patients - and I have talked with them - on this particular treatment. There's such a fine line to cross here - and sometimes I feel that the doctors have forgotten the patient.
So, today we embark on treatment #2. As I was sitting waiting to see Dr K yesterday, I glanced at the calendar. If we were in Houston Joe would be embarking on treatment #3......
But, at 12:30 we'll enter the clinic, give Joe his pre-meds for the treatment, and then begin. It will take about 4 hours to complete the treatment. On Wednesday he'll go back to the clinic for a shot of Neulesta to help boost his cell counts. I guess these are not available over the counter like his Aranesp is.
Joe is ready for the treatment - he ate a good dinner last night and slept well.

Happy birthday yesterday Roxanne!

love
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Thank you from the heart

The Magic & Music show was awesome! The energy in the room vibrated and the love from our family and friends was flowing. Joe was so happy to see all of you and had a smile from start to finish. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of you all and we are most grateful from the bottom of our hearts.

To Tom Etsler and the Boys soccer team - Joe and I were blessed with only 2 children- you have come into our lives and completed the wish for more! You are the shining stars in our lives and we are so proud of you all - on and off the field. The house is happier when you're in it! Thank you for taking your time and gathering those thousands of cans! We have never seen such a pile!! Your winning personalities and wonderful nature will take you far in your lives. We are the privledged ones to have you.

To Brian Geer - Tom and Joe rave about the magic you show them during your weekend away each year. Thank you so much for your time and energy. You are truly amazing.

To the band - your upbeat music made everyone in the room smile! Keep making music and know how much Joe misses being in your presence. Thank you from us all.

To the team who put this together - you are all true angels.

To everyone else - words of thank you aren't enough, but it's all I have. David said it well - you are saints.
We are humbled by you.

So today as I take Joe to Dr Kohli's office, I will use some of that energy to convince him that Joe IS strong enough for another round of chemo - to hopefully give us what we all need - more time together.

With continued hope,
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Last night Gina and I joined the remarkable team of folks who is putting on the Magic & Music show to help put together the baskets of donated items. We had such fun together and the night was a real pick-me-up for us. We are humbled and speechless as to the outpouring of love, generosity and support that this community has given to us. The list for "Thank You" is so very long and many of the people are not even known to us - so I will just say a genuine and heartfelt thanks to you all.

A standing ovation to the best and hardest working team I have ever seen work on this benefit. With little direction they have put together something that will be awesome tomorrow. My hope is that Joe will feel the energy in the auditorium and gather it for his fight against cancer. He's growing weaker by the day, but I know that when he sees his family and friends gather to see him, he will find the strength to go on and have this second round of chemo.

So, to:
Toni & Bill Zeiser
Robin, David & Nicole Pritchard
Ann Moscicki
Karen Ludwig
Patty Bosch
Donna Hatfield
Maureen & Paul Cassarino
Debbie Moyer

We love you and are thankful that you are with us in our journey. No one could do more than you have done to help.

Someday, we will pay it forward.

Love,
Vicki, Gina & Tom

No news on the bone scan yet

No news on the bone scan results yet - we're anticipating that the news will show additional bone involvement, but hoping that it won't show in the rib cage area. I have called yet another time for the results with no response yet.

Joe is doing OK - pretty tired most of the day - eating OK - not great - but he has not lost any more weight, which is a good thing! I am nagging him to eat all the time!

Thank you all who've been coming over and taking care of him from 7-10 am daily. It's been a huge help. He is enjoying seeing you all and the transition from helper to aide has been smooth! You're all wonderful and we appreciate all of the help we've gotten.

Joe is looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday - hearing the band and watching Brian - visiting with friends and family. Thanks is not enough for all your support.

We're still on schedule to see Dr Kohli on Monday and hopefully have a second round of chemo on Tuesday. God willing he will be strong enough to handle the treatment.

Scott Anderson got good news on Monday - his primary tumor has shrunk and there is no new involvement. Joe and I are so happy for this news for him! All your prayers have helped so much. Tom told Joe now it's his turn for us to get good news! :-)

Love and thanks
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Silent Auction Items

Hello Everyone!

Continue to spread the word about Sunday's benefit. Here is a a short list of the items that have been donated for the silent auction.

Kodak EasyShare V530 Digital Camera

Certificate for Sunglasses

Certificate for Frames ($150) & Single Vision Transition Lenses ($180)

Spa Gift Certificate

Lady's Stainless Watch

Gents Stainless Watch

Gents Stainless Watch

Gents Two Tone Stainless Watach

Gift Certificate

Gift Certificate

Bird Feeder, Bird Food, accessories

Gift Basket

Gift Certificate

Golf Frame

Mary Kay Gift Basket

Creative Memories Gift Basket

Rochester Raging Rhino's Premium Tickets + Autographed Team Picture

Cut & Style Gift Certificate

Palermo's Sub Shop Gift Certificate

Palermo's Sub Shop Gift Certificate

Palermo's Sub Shop Gift Certificate

Palermo's Sub Shop Gift Certificate

Palermo's Sub Shop Gift Certificate

One Standard Growler Fill

Rohrbach's Medium T-Shirt

Home Interiors Frame

Gardenia dishes - 4 place settings

Gold earrings

In Abba's Arms CD

In Abba's Arms CD

In Abba's Arms CD

(4) RMSC Passes

Kodak EasyShare DX7440 Digital Camera

Kodak EasyShare DX7530 Digital Camera

Signed Rochester Americans Flag

NYS Double Gold Medal Wine

NYS Double Gold Medal Wine

DVD player
Microwave oven

We are looking forward to a wonderful evening of magic, music and fun at Spencerport High School, Sunday October 22nd at 6:00PM.

Bone Scan yesterday

Yesterday Joe went to Strong for a bone scan to determine if he has additional tumors on his back or on his ribs, as Dr Chen believes. We won't have the results from this scan for a few days. He was pretty beat after the 2 trips to the hospital - one for the radioactive dye shot and the other for the scan itself. My dad brought him to the first appointment and dad and Phyllis brought him back for the actual scan. He sat for the scan - which is good!

We see Dr Kohli on Monday to deterine if Joe is healthy enough for a second round of chemotherapy - or if he should have a few radiation treatments to help reduce the pain. I am keeping my fingers crossed that his blood levels are healthy enough to withstand a second round.

We're taking it one day at a time....and looking forward to seeing many of you on Sunday. Brian Geer is a wonderful entertainer and Joe's band is terrific. It will be a night of celebration, family & friends. Thank you all for making it possible.


Love
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Radiation Update

Yesterday Joe and I had a very long day at Strong! We saw the nursing staff and then Dr Chen, the radiology oncologist to determine if Joe can/should have radiation on his spine as his back has been in a lot of pain. Dr Chen observed the area that Joe indicated was hurting and she concluded it was more his rib area than the spinal area. She ordered a bone scan on Monday the 16th to see the level of involvement in his rib area. She also has to speak to Dr Kohli and weigh radiation treatments during his chemotherapy treatment - it may be a one-or-the-other choice. Joe will have the bone scan and determine the outcome after that. Dr Chen indicated that she would only give him 1 treatment on either side to help manage the pain.

Joe then went to the clinic for a blood transfusion as he is anemic again and has a low platelet count. This was anticipated with the chemotherapy treatment. It took longer than planned due to the delivery of the blood to the clinic after he'd been typed and crossed, and his PICC line is very small so we had to deliver the blood slower than when he had his central line. Dr Kohli's nurse took a sample of the ascites fluid in his abdomen as it has changed color (it's pink) and we're concerned about internal bleeding. All in all - it ended up being a very long day.

He's feeling better today - enough to fire nurse #3 - and raise hell with the nursing service! Thank you Kathy for staying until Phyllis comes at noon. She is working out wonderfully (thanks Marsha and Dave for the recommendation).

The latest plan is to see Dr Kohli on Monday the 23rd and be admitted to the hospital on Tuesday the 24th for his second round of chemo.

Gina is snowed in in Buffalo -and tonight Tom has a soccer game in Irondequoit. Never a dull moment!

I just read Bill's and Paul's note. Thank you!

Love,
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Silent Auction donations

Hello everyone!

Just a reminder that we will be accepting donations for the silent auction until Friday October 20, 2006.

Contact your friends and acquaintances in business for donations of any size, gift certificates, services, etc. This beneift is very family-oriented so we want people of all ages to be able to bid. Small items are just as important as expensive items.

If you need to have the items picked up, please contact Robin Pritchard at

(H) 585-293-3735, (W) 585-277-3598 or rwpredfern@aol.com

Joe's Drive

Joe Martuscello Update
Note: This is being posted by Bill Zeiser ( Brother in law)
Joe’s Drive:

As we all pray for Joe’s last chance chemo to be a success I want to share a weekend that Joe and I spent together in the spring of 1994. Toni had given me a new Rm 125 dirt racing motorcycle for my birthday in February and Joe decided to try his hand at racing my 1988 model. He had not raced motorcycles before, We discussed the fact that the hare scrambles I raced in were 2 hours long and they put obstacles in the track that one had to jump over. Joe said he really wanted to do it and we went down the day before the race to a hunting camp in the southern tier. Joe had to master jumping loose logs on the trail while maintaining speed so as to make it up the steep hill we had to climb. When we started out on Saturday morning, Joe came upon his first set of logs and jumped them with the front of the bike. Unfortunately, he did not lighten up on the throttle and this caused the back of the bike to shoot out and throw Joe and the motorcycle to the ground. He tried again and again with the same results. Joe had fallen mor then 15 times. At this point I asked him if he wanted to forget about the race the next day and just do some light trail riding and enjoy the day. Much to my surprise, he said “no” he was committed to learning to master the logs so he could race the next day. After falling about 5 more times he started to jump the logs successfully. That evening over the camp fire we laughed about it, but I could not help but wonder how he would do the next day at the race.

The next day Joe rode the hills, jumped the logs, and finished his first Hare scrambles.

I must admit I was really surprised that he was able finish, and wonder if I would have had the fortitude to push to the level he did that spring day in 1994.
This is the kind of man I have come to know and that is how I know he has the deep intestinal fortitude to continue his battle with cancer. Joe, I salute you and you are in our prayers daily.
God Bless You and help you in this battle, All our love Bill, Toni Jamie & Amanda

Blood level update

I just got off the phone with Hazel -Dr Kohli's secretary. Joe is once again anemic and is in need of another blood transfusion. We have an appointment tomorrow to see Dr Chen, the radiology oncologist, who will determine if he can have radiation on his spine to help alleviate the pain. It's palliative care, not curative.

After that, we'll hop up to the oncology unit and he'll have a blood transfusion at 11:30. This should make him feel better and boost his platelet and red blood cell counts. The next round of chemo is scheduled for Tuesday October 24th in Strong's oncology unit. Hopefully he will fare as well as round one and be in and out in a flash! Dr Kohli is spreading his treatments over 3 weeks vs Dr Amato's protocol at 2 weeks. Since Joe is so anemic, it's best to wait until he's stronger. I am in daily contact with Amato's office though - it's like we're there!

Our home health aides (from Lifetime health and our own) are working out great. The help that we're receiving in the morning before the Lifetime health aide comes is has been wonderful. Kathy not only took great care of Joe, but brought us dinner and a plant! Kath - it put such a smile on my face to see the bright yellow mum in the pumpkin on my front porch. Martha Stewart - move over! Thank you! Harriett has been his morning aide, followed by Phyllis, who is just a God sent.

Joe's been getting a lot of guests this week which has been great. His sister Nanette spent yesterday with him as well as Scott Anderson. Folks from work and reffing are keeping him busy and happy. Bill spent the morning with him and left with a number of jobs - thanks Bill! Thanks to Fran and Silvana for also feeding us this week. Everything is just wonderful.

Will update more tomorrow. Everyone root for the Rangers tonight - in the cold rainy weather - they are sorely in need of a win!!!

Love
Vicki, Gina & Tom

Continuing to recover at home

Joe continues to recover at home - yesterday he had a good day - this morning - not so good. He is not sleeping as much as before but is still experiencing a great deal of pain in his abdomen and his back. We have an appointment to see Dr Chen, the radiology oncologist, on Thursday to see about giving Joe radiation on his spine. We're hoping to see Dr Kohli the same day as Joe will already be out and about. His next round of chemotherapy should occur next Saturday if Joe's blood counts are high enough. Since I have not seen a copy of them, I am clueless as to if he'll be OK or we'll have to wait another week. I hate being clueless.......

We have much to be thankful for.

• Pat and Don from Caldwell came over and put in a replacement window for us that we have from the manufacturer........
• A number of visitors from work have visited and cheered him up......................
• We have found a home health aide to come in from 12-4 daily (that Joe will like) with help from the Pulhamus'...................
• Maureen's been overwhelmed with friends who can fill in the morning hours before our help can arrive to stay with Joe - visit and make sure that he's OK....................
• Toni and a team are promoting Brian Geer's magic and the dixieland band's music benefit..................
• Mr Cassarino continues to be very generous to us all amidst his own grief...........................
• Tommy D came over to visit last night around 8 pm bearing almond cookies (Sorry Tom, I know that you told me to NOT tell Robin that you brought them to me & not her :) ....Joe happily munched Mr DiGirolamo's wonderful creations while watching law & order.

Today is sunny and quiet.

Blessings to all of the angels in our lives

Love

Vicki, Gina & Tom

Benefit for Joe Martuscello’s fight against cancer

Martuscello Benefit Event Details


Title: Magic & Music

Benefit: Benefit for Joe Martuscello’s fight against cancer.

Entertainment: Brian Geer, Master Magician
Papa Joe’s Crawfish Stew Dixieland Band

Auction: Silent Auction featuring great items with values from $50 to $1000

Date: Sunday, October 22, 2006
Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Spencerport High School Auditorium
2707 Spencerport Road

Refreshments: Pizza/Pastries and Drinks. Featuring Pontillo’s Pizza

Tickets: $25 for Adults
$15 for HS Students
Cash or checks payable to "Vicki Martuscello (M&M)"

Contacts for Tickets:

Robin Pritchard
23 Osage Trail
Spencerport NY 14559
293-3735
rwpredfern@aol.com

Toni Zeiser
32 Princeton Lane
Fairport, NY 14450
223-2457
tbzeiser@aol.com

Donna Hadfield
7 Tyler Terrace
Rochester, NY 14624
594-1777
dhadfiel@caldwellmfgco.com

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

Day care volunteers

We would like to create a rotating schedule of volunteers to sit with Joe Monday through Friday.

A few hours either in the morning or afternoon would be of great help. Joe will have a visting nurse on a regular basis, so all that is needed is someone who can be near by if Joe needs assistance moving around or help getting things.

Please contact Maureen Cassarino with your availability.
Home: 585-225-4527
Cell: 585-738-4459
email: maureen@thegemlab.com

Recovering at home

Joe was released on Monday - sorry that I didn't post - we have been pretty busy getting him back settled at home and getting the nursing service and supplies together. He is on oxygen 24/7 which was delivered late Monday. My dad's an old pro at it so he's been helping me learn how to use the large condensor and the smaller tanks if Joe is to leave the house. It took us a few tries to get the condensor in a place that does not keep us all up at night - it's pretty loud. But the oxygen is all set. We have set up the office on the first floor as a bedroom for Joe as he is too weak to get up the stairs at night. A hospital bed was delivered and we moved just a little furniture to get it all set for him. The last thing to get set up in the room is to hook the TV up to cable. This is tomorrow's task for Bill!

I worked the phones for a good part of today to set up a visiting nurse service as Joe is too ill to stay home alone. All the insurance will cover is 2 hours per day- and I fought like crazy to get that. It may start in a few days or a few weeks - as soon as they have found someone to cover the need. In the meantime I have hired, on a trial, a 4 hour per day visiting nurse service to sit with Joe from 11-3. I am going to give it a few days - they start on Thursday - and see how it goes. I am hoping that he gets stronger and won't need that level of care, but for now, he definately cannot stay home alone. I will most likely induce Maureen's idea of a rotating schedule to help me so that I can get to work for at least 4 hours per day. I know many of you reading have offered to help and I will take you up on your very kind offers.

Joe is still on IV antibiotics twice per day that we are administering and his pain meds have been increased. Today I think he was overmedicated and such we have cut back on it - I don't want to have him in pain, however, he slept all day and it was difficult to get him to wake up and focus, eat and drink. Tonight he was a little better, but he cannot seem to stay awake for more than 30 minutes before he is sound asleep again. I don't know if it's progression of disease, the chemotherapy treatment, the pain medication or a combination of them all. We miss his laughter and humor in the house.

I just want to tell you all how much I appreciate the love and care that have come our way for the last 10 months. From Paul setting up the blog to cards, prayers, calls, dinners, visits and fund raisers. Nothing that was done was not appreciated and if I didn't say thank you - then I am remiss. They say that friends are angels who pick us up when our wings have forgotten how to fly. This has been an incredibly difficult time for us all and we are holding fast on hope and prayer that this last ditch effort will be successful. I am hopeful because of the oncology website that we're on and the talk about the positive outcomes of treatment - the miracle has happened to others - - why not Joe? The days are darkest before the dawn - we are looking forward to a bright dawn tomorrow. Today was a not-so-great day. My dad came over to give me a pep talk - I guess I needed it. Tomorrow will be better. Every day we have Joe in it gives us hope for tomorrow.

So here's to a better tomorrow - even though the Rangers lost their home game to Webster Thomas - there's a brighter tomorrow. I'll keep looking for that rainbow.

Love,
Vicki, Gina and Tom

Going home?

Joe had a good night last night - slept well and his pain seems to be better today. He started a new pain regime yesterday and allowed him to sleep on and off in the afternoon. If his pain is under control the docs are thinking that they can release him today. There is much to do to get ready for Joe to come home - but I believe we can get it all together. The doctors believe that he will be better off at home - he is at great risk of infection and the hospital environment is not the best place for rest! Dr Jones has released him and does not believe that the talc procedure is something that she believes Joe needs. She will keep an eye on him and if the fluid reaccumulates, she will remove it at that time. His breathing, while labored, is better than it was. He is still on 4 liters of oxygen. His blood counts look good, but will most likely tank in 7-10 days following his chemo treatments. To counteract that, Joe is on a series of medications to help boost his immune system and raise his white and red blood cells and platelets. We are keeping our fingers crossed that this treatment will interrupt the cancer cycle growth. He is stil weak.

Gina is hanging with him today as she has no classes (Yom Kippur) and will be a great help if he is to be released.

Thanks to all - for - everything

Love
Vicki, Gina & Tom

chemo update

Yesterday was quite a busy day - we sprung Joe for 3 hours from the hospital to take him to see the homecoming parade and then went out to lunch at Applebees. Joe's brother Bill and his wife Chris came up to see Joe and joined us for the parade and lunch. Gina, Tom and Blake joined us as well. While he enjoyed the time away, he was quite tired when we returned.

At 8 pm he received his antibiotics and then the nurse began to give Joe his premeds for the chemo. He received his chemo at 9 pm - a push of the 1st chemo Adriamycin and a half hour IV drip of the Gemzar. He ate the rest of his lunch for dinner, we worked on a puzzle together and at midnight he went to sleep.

He had a restless night and is still in a good deal of pain, but we'er hoping to get that under control. Dr Kohli stopped in this morning and said if we can get his pain under control he will discharge Joe tomorrow. Hopefully he will gain some strength at home.

We are hopeful that the chemo treatment will be successful.

I will keep you all posted.

love
Vicki, Gina & Tom