intensive chemo today!

Today is the day that Joe starts another round of chemo. He is glad as the mass in his lower back has begun to grow again and is causing a lot of pain. It is more intensive than he has had in the past so we don't know what is going to happen. He has really enjoyed the visitors he has had and appologizes for his dropping off to sleep. Please keep him in your prayers as this is going to be a rough week. Thanks from his mom.

double entry

Well, Joey is doing pretty good. He had some bad times with some unstoppable bleeding last week but with 6 pints of blood and 3 bags of platelets he is okay now. This week he is facing another intrathecal where they put chemo into his spine after taking a sample to test. He has to stay flat for 4 to 6 hours after, so he is not too fond of this procedure. His platelet count is 114thousand so they will be starting another round of chemo soon. He really appreciates all the people who came to see him the past couple of weeks. It makes a big difference to him, even if it is a short visit. He tends to doze off, but will wake shortly, so be patient and bring a friend to talk to while you wait. So keep up the good work. See you at the hospital.

today or tomorrow

Today was another good day for Joe. He walked to the nurses station with the walker and a physical therapist named Kenny. He is getting stronger and his left arm has more movement in it than it has had in a long time. He was going to have a spinal tap but it has been put off until tomorrow. He said he has really appreciated all the people who visited him or called. It makes all the difference to him. His counts are really good. His platelets are up to 114 thousand which is close to normal. Last week was really rough with 3 units of platelets and about 6 bags of blood. he says he feels like a vampire. He is eating a lot better now so any homemade goodies are appreciated. If you are not sure, give him a call. He will be getting a second round of chemo soon so you better enjoy this lull while it lasts. Call or come by and say hi. Thanks to all. Joe's Mom

situation normal

Joe's still better than he was, but he's feeling the effects of the chemo. He's nutrapenic off and on, and his other counts are a little low, too, which is why they gave him a transfusion yesterday. He's got sores in his mouth, and the've had to put him back on IV nutrition. He's officially lost 100 pounds in the last 6 months, and the oncologist has said that Joe's size going in is literally what's kept Joe alive through all this. He's tired, but he's really been enjoying the visits from everyone. That REALLY helps keep his spirits up, so thanks to everyone who's been able to get by.

better and better

Joe has been steadily improving since he receiving the new treatment. He still can't swallow real food, but he's able to get up to move to his chair, so he's MUCH happier. He's nutrapenic right now, but that's good cause it means the chemo's working. His friend Ryan got a 5 week leave from the Peace Corp to come visit Joe. Man, there's a guy who not only asks what he can do for his country, but also asks what he can do for his friends! Last night I got to hear all about Vanuatu, which is an island nation off New Zealand where he's stationed. It was VERY interesting!

So, for our next fundraiser, we're going to be selling t-shirts. I'm not sure yet exactly what the price will be as it will depend on what the costs are. I'm hoping they'll be somewhere between 10 and 15 bucks. If you'd like to pre-order so I'm sure to have your size, say the word. Also, if you have an idea for a design or slogan, submit it, baby! So far the best one I've heard is, "Forget the whales; save Joe!" If I get more than one good submission, we'll have a vote! Exciting!

good news that looks bad at first

First, I'd like to thank all the people who have come to visit Joe this week. You're good people! Keep up the good work. :)

Second, word has come from MD Anderson. He's been rejected. BUT. Not because he doesn't have insurance, but rather because they think he's fine where he is. He's not eligible for the stem cell therapy because that's only for people in remission, which he's obviously not. They told Joe's oncologist to keep up the chemo, only more so, and they suggested an antibody medication that should clear out his neurological system and take care of all the physical problems he's been having! Yay! So Big Joe's staying in Denton. He's already doing chemo again and he starts the antibody drug today. I have no idea how fast it will work, but hopefully fast!

We need your help

Ok, people, this is a little more on the serious side. Joe's in real bad shape these days, and it's not easy to be around him. I know I've not been visiting him as regularly as I used to. But the thing is; no body's been visiting him lately, other than family. He's getting depressed. REAL depressed. He misses his friends and all the socialization that he's used to. PLEASE make some time to go see him for a couple of hours. He'll probably be asleep when you get there. Go ahead and wake him up, he'll be happy you did. It'll be hard for you, but Joe really REALLY needs people right now. There's no need to bring anything. He can't eat or read, and he's not watching movies anymore, just your presence is enough. I hope that visits will be spaced out so everyone doesn't show up the same day, but even that would be better than nothing. I'm serious, PLEASE, I'm begging you, this is more important than any fundraiser. Please go, and go again and again. Thank you.