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