Day 26 - Progress

Overall, Joe is doing "as expected".  He hasn't had a great week this week.  Lots of nausea and other side effects along with some significant foot pain and fatigue.  As I may have mentioned before, he has neuropathy pain in his feet.  This is caused by a combination of his diabetes and the chemo drugs he's been on.  Unfortunately, there is not a lot of treatment for the foot pain, but he does have one drug that targets those nerves along with a pain killer.  Of course, that puts him to sleep.  He would describe this week as "icky".  While we're not happy about this, according to his doctors, it is to be expected at Day 26.

In other news, his vitals have been pretty steady with his blood pressure a little lower than normal (99/65 - not dangerous).  He does go to his primary care physician tomorrow for a regular check-up so we'll have a doctors report for Thursday evening.  

With his nausea this week, he's been struggling to find food that tastes good while trying to push fluids to keep his blood pressure around the 120/80 mark.  But he's trying!  He did say on Wednesday, he had eaten more than he had all week so that was a good sign.  

He continues to take his walks around the house, despite the fatigue and foot pain.  Sergeant Nancy is on him to make sure he's eating, drinking, and walking.  I'm not sure how excited he is about that, but it's done in love so he gets it.   

While we've had unseasonably wonderful summer weather this week in St. Louis, it is supposed to turn cold by this weekend.  Picture above is Joe in his new Winter hat (finally got the right size).  His hair is all about fallen out at this point so no more "velcro syndrom" and Mom is looking forward to his hair growing back in (not so sure about Joe).  

Thanks for all your prayers.  They are definitely working!!  Also, we are 1/2 way there on our financial goal.  Thank you so much for those who have contributed towards this goal and we appreciate your consideration to help with all the costs associated with this process.  Feel free to click Donations tab at the top of this page to learn more.  

We praise God for Joe's great progress!