Often our blog entries are watered down versions of our day. Not everything needs to be on public display. But try to imagine all the different challenges that are generally associated with men who are 93. At 33, Joe is experiencing so many of those challenges, and it's not easy. It is already difficult to watch someone who has lived a full life suffer all of those indignities...to witness Joe experiencing those challenges at a time when he should be on top of the world is just so hard. There is comfort in knowing that all of this is temporary and Joe has the strength and will-power to get past all of this "stuff." Oh, but it is still so hard. Joe is an amazing guy though. On Day 2 of chemo he was feeling so drained. The chemo seemed to really hit him, and Joe had little energy, little appetite, and everything just felt so frustrating. Yet at the end of the day when we were winding down, I just casually asked, "Do you have any closing thoughts for the day?" Joe responded by telling me all of the things that he was grateful for and everything that made the day a blessing to him. I couldn't believe that after such a difficult day, Joe was still able to be so genuine in counting his blessings. Such an incredible man he is.
Yesterday was a much better day. Joe was able to eat a bit more. His breathing was better. His mood was better. And, he finished his final dose of daunorubicin (the cherry kool-aid!) Today begins day four of the Ara-C. Overall, Joe is tolerating the chemo very well. He is more tired, and has less of an appetite, but there has been no nausea. Most of the things that make each day difficult are the things that Joe was experiencing before the chemo started. The doctors are trying to address each of those issues the best they can. The fact of the matter is, Joe is really good at challenging everyone!
That's it for now. Thank you for your continued prayers!
~~~~~
Louis - thank you so much for the card!!!!! It was a really nice surprise. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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6 comments:
Joe is such a fighter...and you are both an inspiration to us all.
Always praying for the two of you :)
Karen & Joe,
I'm happy to hear that you're both handling the chemo ok. You are both so amazingly strong. I can't wait for the day when all this "stuff" is over and we can all celebrate. As always, I will be praying in the meantime.
Love, Sara
What you say is so true. Your blog is so positive, that only someone who has been there can truly even begin to imagine what Joe and you are experiencing! But to count his blessings....well, one of those blessings is his attitude. It blesses God! Keep on truckin' kids! 99th auntie
I miss you Joe!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
~Shelley
Joe, What an awesome man you are!! But, that's because you know "Where" your strength comes from and "Who" to put your trust in! He knows just what you are going through and may "He," our Lord, continue to give you that strength when you need it! God bless you, Karen, for being such an encouragement and loving supporter that you are to Joe! Keeping you all in prayer!
Oh, the colored chemos are the worst. I pray it is gentle with you. I remember induction well, and it did not treat me kindly. Praying you are able to achieve remission with the 7/3. - Amy
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