Bitter and Sweet

Joe returned to work this afternoon, the first time since the end of March. He hopes to work half days... as tolerated. He continues his daily chemo pill and chemo treatments every two weeks, so he realizes there will still be days of fatigue ahead.

My mood,
Bitter, because I will miss him not being here as much. I will miss doing things for him to help him feel better, getting him things when he needs them. I will miss our chats and watching movies in the middle of the afternoon, our random strolls through the yard.

Sweet, because Joe is able to go to work, even if it’s just half days. I know he’s getting back to doing a job he loves at John Deere, and will feel productive again. He will see his co-workers and friends that he has really missed. Sweet, because at the end of the day I can welcome him home.

Vicki

He looks great doesn't he?

Cancer, Chemo and Chocolate Ice Cream

7/23/09















Joe had his 8th chemo treatment today.
I am so proud of him. From the beginning
of this journey, he has remained strong
and positive. The diagnosis of cancer
really shakes up your life. All the tests,
doctor appointments and treatments
really wear on a person. But, you
learn where to find your strengths....
I find mine in Joe.


A Yahoo Moment...

Joe gained 3 pounds! Must be from
chocolate ice cream and
marshmallow topping!

Vicki

Joe Gets A Gold Star

When your Oncologist says "you get the gold star for the day," you know that means Fantastic news when you're fighting cancer!  Joe's post tells the story!

Vicki

                                           

Today we visited our local oncologist. He seemed to really enjoy delivering good news, saying I had an "excellent response" to the treatment. He shook my hand and said I got a Gold Star. He also said my tumor marker, which they follow in the blood tests each week, had started out at 47 and today it is 3! That is back in the normal range!

In the written report of the CT scan results, relative sizes of a couple tumors are given. By my calculations, one of the tumors on the liver was reduced by 78% and a representative area on the pancreas was reduced by 67%. That is after 5 Chemo treatments.

I have now had 6 treatments and tomorrow (7-9-09) will be number 7. I have improved enough that I no longer notice dramatic improvements in how I feel. I just know the treatments are working and I need to work on my stamina so I can get back to work. My appetite has been good for the last couple weeks, so that should help even though I haven't gained any weight back.

Joe

4th of July Wishes and Thank You

We hope all of you celebrate an enjoyable and safe 4th of July. Joe and I will be spending ours in Burlington... a reunion of family, and certainly with reason to celebrate!

To those of you who have been saying Prayers, phoning us with “well wishes,” stopping by to visit, sending cards, letters, and e-mails... Thank You! None of them have been considered small gestures of kindness. Each and every one has been significant in helping us get through this journey with strength and hope. 

                                          Love, Vicki & Joe