Sunday, October 26, 2008

October 26,2008

Hi Friends,

Well, we made it. It was a long day but Joe managed just fine with the wheel chairs and lots of prayer. Ed and Jayne were a big help. Walt and lyn met us at the airport with some groceries and ehlped with our luggage. We went out to eat at one of our favorites on Friday night and had pizza but is was a huge effort for Joe to sit there. We did go to the Rum puch party at Buddy's and saw Moogie but no dancing this time. Yesterday Joe came down for breakfast about 11 and T.C. came to visit and stayed for lunch. Then Joe just laid on the couch all afternoon and evening. We ate in last night. Joe really has no appetite but is eating because he knows he should.
I went to church this morning alone. Ed and Jayne are still taking their diving course. We are asking our friends here on Boniare to visit us as we probably won't get out ,much. We are hoping to get down to the beach today for a little bit.We are at peace with how things are. Whoops, I forgot to tell you. Our daughter Karen is engaged. We have know for a few weeks this was coming becasue Mark called Joe and asked him but it is official now. She will be married on December 27th at our home. The wedding will be immediate family only and then we weill have a small reception. They will honeymoon in downtown Chicago and then head back to AZ where they both live. They will move into Mark's home. We are so excited about this and have been really busy making plans.
Pleae continue your prayers that the journey will be pain free and that we can get what we need from hospice when we get home. The ascites has come back already even tho he got drained last Wednesday. Take care and God Bless. Thanks for all your emails and notes. Mary Anne

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

October 22, 2008

Dear Friends,
We had a really hard day yesterday. We saw Dr. Suh and after he listened to how Joe has been for the last two weeks and examined him, he said no more chemo and he suggested hospice when we return from Bonaire. I had already thought of that but it came as a shock to Joe. Our pastor Earl and his wife Pat came over last night and we talked and cried and just tried to come to grips with the fact that the fight is almost over. I think there is some relief in knowing no more treatments and doctor visits. We have had a wonderful trip on this cancer journey and it isn't over yet but we are thankful that there has been very little pain in the process and we have been able to do so much with all the time we have had. We know this is all in God's plan and I hope we can see the time Joe has left as a real gift to spend time with loved ones and get ready to see Jesus.
We still plan on going to Bonaire tomorrow with our dear friends Ed and Jayne. The travel day will be long but we have arranged for a wheel chair at the airports and if Joe can just sleep he will be happy. Please pray for us that the trip will be free of complications and that we will use the time wisely - grateful to God for all his blessings and strength to finish this journey with peace and confidence that his timing is always perfect. Take care and God Bless you all. Mary Anne

Friday, October 17, 2008

Friday October 17, 2008

Hi Friends,
Not too much going on here. We are still waiting for Joe's strength to return to a more normal level but he is not bouncing back like we hoped. He did start walking again this week. We saw the internist yesterday and he suggested Joe get lots more protein in because that will help keep the fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels into his abdomen. We still plan on going to Bonaire next Thursday for two weeks. He will get his abdomen drained next Tuesday and then see the oncologist. He is still sleeping most of the day. The kids are coming over tonight for dinner and they will help close up the pond for the winter. Ed and Jayne helped us put away the patio furniture. The fall colors are almost at their peak and they are gorgeous. The air had gotten crisp and we know winter is coming. But we are grateful for each day we have together. Our specific prayers are that Joe will regain some strength and be able to enjoy the holidays. Please know we appreciate all you have done for us by praying and letting us know you care. Take care and God Bless. Mary Anne

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

october 7, 2008

Just a short note. Dr. Suh agreed we should stop chemo until after Bonaire to see if Joe can get stronger for the trip. He had 4.3 litres dained from his abdomen this afternoon and looks much better and has a lot less pressure on his stomach. Think of it as a little more than 2 two liter bottles. God Bless. Mary Anne

Sunday, October 05, 2008

October 5, 2008

Hi Friends,
Well Joe has not had any energy since his last chemo. It seems the last two times it has zapped everything out of him not just two days after bur for the following 10-12 days. He still has not come back after the chemo on Sept. 22ND. He slept all week with just a few outings at night for about 3 hours. He is depressed about not having any energy. He got another reaction to the Xeloda so the dose was cut again. His trial with cutting down the diuretic was not good. He gained 8 pounds is one week and it all went to his ascites. He is not back on the bigger dose but it has not helped his fluid in his abdomen. We have decided to hold off on chemo awhile and see if he can regain some strength. He had to cancel a trip to Dallas with church members for tomorrow through Wednesday because it was just too much effort for him. We still have Bonaire on the calendar for the end of the month but we will see. He has pretty much given up on diving again but he wants to go even if he can just sit and watch the ocean.
Our prayer requests are for increased strength and a lifting of the depression. The walking only lasted one week and then he got the burning feet from the Xeloda and now I'm not sure he is up to it. Thanks for all your support and prayers. The grace of God is what sustains us on this journey. We both read our scripture each day and find words that help. It has now been 26 months since diagnosis - a long journey but we have learned a lot and leaned on each other. Take care and God Bless Mary Anne