july 17,2008

Hi Friends,
Well things continue to move along. Joe played 18 holes of golf Tuesday and although he didn't score well he was happy to be out there. We also played 9 holes yesterday in the couples league. His bilirubin went back down to normal last week when he had his chemo so the onc thought it was elevated due to his urinary tract infection. He still has the fluid in his abdomen (ascites) and now has developed swollen feet and ankles. From what I read on the cc website the two chemo products he is on are working well for some of the patients. As long as it keeps the tumors from growing we will be happy. Joe continues to have his queasy stomach but not everyday and no pain so that is a blessing. He doesn't have much stamina and some days he does nothing but sleep. This jouney gets tedious at times but then someone calls or we get a card or spend time with friends, our spirits are lifted. Tonight we played bridge with Denny and Joanne for the first time in about 10 years and it was amazing how much Joe remembered and we actually did well. It was a change from hand and foot which we still love. We can't talk as much in bridge but it was a nice evening. We brought Lucky with us and he visited their dog Piper. They didn't play but they didn't fight either so that was good.
We sing together on the worship team this Sunday at church and that is always a good time. Our kids are busy going on vacations in the next week but we will squeeze in a BBQ on Saturday before some of them leave. Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful summer weather and the time to be with your families. Take care and God Bless. Mary Anne