You might remember that the left side of Joe's face has lost mobility. Well, over the weekend this spread at an alarming rate. He lost a lot of the use of his arms (he can't raise them up at all), and his hands, he keeps dropping things, and today he started falling down almost every time he got up. The oncologist is extremely distressed and ordered a full set of MRI's for Joe. Since the hospital doesn't have an MRI large enough to accommodate Joe's large and manly shoulders, they had to transport him via ambulance to a facility in Flower Mound. He was there for at least 4 hours get all kinds of MRI's done, before being taken back to his trusty room. The most likely problem is that cancer cells have bunched around the nerves near the brain stem. They tend to start at the top and drift down, which is why it started with his face and ended with his legs. If that is the case, they will probably be adding radiation to his treatment regimen.
On the plus side, Joe slept better last night than he has in weeks. The oncologists claims that he was up all night worrying, and he's not the only one that's missing sleep, so I guess it's good that Joe's sleeping! I spent the night at the hospital last night because Joe really can't take care of himself. If any of his REALLY close friends would like to volunteer to take a night (or day for that matter), please let us know.
Joe has stage 4 large cell lymphoma. Here's where you can keep updated on Joe's condition. We'll be updating as much as possible. Go to the very first entry if you have no idea what's going on. All supportive comments will be printed out for Joe to read, so support to your heart's content! Be sure to read the side bar if you'd like to know how you can help, or come on down to room 4210 and help through socializing!
Blood welcome!
If you'd like to help lower Joe's hospital bill, you can donate blood or platelets for him. Go to Carter Blood Care, and ask to fill out a replacement credit form. You'll need to make it out for Joseph Quinton at Denton Presbyterian Hospital. You'll also need his home address, 10608 Sunrise Circle, Argyle TX 76226. (They'll be other things on the form, but you only need to fillin those three.) You don't need to be the same type, and remember that if you donate platelets you can do it every 2 weeks rather than every 6 weeks like for whole blood. Thanks!
Donations welcome!
Joe can't work while he's in the hospital, and he's uninsured, so he welcomes any help you wish to provide. In Roanoke, drop by Chang Lee's Tae Kwon Do or The Blue Hanger Cafe (I recommend the Chicken Chipotle Salad). If you'd like to send a check, mail it to the address in the blood drive box, and if you'd like to deposit directly to our account, send an email to margie_vi@yahoo.com for info. Thanks so much!
2 comments:
I just wanted to leave a note for you Margie...
I can't imagine how hard this must all be for you and your family, my heart truly goes out to you. The illness itself but coupled with the added exhaustion of such a long hospital stay, the anxiety of the unknown, and heartache of watching your brother suffer. My prayers are with you. Know that I love Joe and wish I could do more to help. But I will continue to pray for your entire family. Thank you so much for continuing to keep me/us updated. God Bless!
Heather Posey
Hey there,
My roomie (jennifer) and I would gladly spend some time with Joe on weekend if needed (day or night). Just let us know...my cell is 368-8461.
Hope days are getting better. Anything we can do to help please let us know, we live right around the corner from hospital and food runs are our specialty.
Kristi Wolfe
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