Ups and Downs...

Well, we certainly have learned a lot since Josh’s diagnosis. One of the biggest things is that this is quite a roller coaster, highs and lows, good days and bad days. This past week was an “up” week. Josh was feeling good, he started eating solid foods! This is a big deal because it was the first real solid food Josh had since before Christmas. Also, thanks to the wonderful accommodations of the people at The Fountains, Josh was able to do a bit of work (thank you to all of you, you are a great support!!!). On Thursday the family went with some friends to the zoo (expect pictures soon) and they had a great time.

Unfortunately, we then had a “down” day. Turns out Josh has an infection, which is very common for people with lots of chemo and a chest port, etc…. He had a high fever so he checked into the hospital last night (Thursday night). The doctors and nurses were able to get everything stabilized and Josh was able to sleep well. His white blood counts and platelets were low, so he received a platelet transfusion (he didn’t receive blood, just the platelets) and his counts returned to normal (the white blood cells too). He is going to stay in the hospital again tonight and possibly another night, just to make sure everything stays stable. He can’t have any visitors (only immediate family) as a precaution, in case his blood counts go down again. I saw him this afternoon and he looked great! He got to play with Jake and Caily for a bit and that, of course, put a huge smile on his face.

So, now I’m going to put in my “plug” for blood (or plasma) donation. We just want to ask everyone to go out and donate. I’m sure some of you already do, and that is wonderful. We are learning first hand what a miracle it is to give and receive blood (and all of its contents). I also know that many people cannot give for various reasons, but if you can, please do so. If you would like, send me an email when you do so, so that we can thank you, and know how you are helping.

We love reading all of your posts. I print out each page and that way Josh and Gretchen can read them at their leisure. They are a wonderful, up-lifting inspiration. I know some of you are partial to the old fashioned "snail mail", so I don't want to leave you out! If you would like to know where to send mail to Josh, send me an email and let me know.

Thank You!

I just wanted to say "thanks" to all of you who have emailed and/or posted. (You may not get a response, but know that all of your kind words are greatly appreciated!)

I decided to create an update email account. So, if you want an email each time I post a new update (not including new pictures), click on the link on the right, "Receive Email Update" and send me your name and email address. I will create a list and send it out each time I update.

We all had a great weekend, Josh and Gretchen took the kids to the park on saturday and on sunday we all went to watch a little rugby. It was cold out, so we had to bundle up. I took a few pictures and I hope to get them on the page soon.
That's about all for now!

Chemotherapy

For anyone familiar with chemotherapy, I figured I would let you know the treatments that Josh is undergoing. He is currently receiving 4 different types, 3 through infusion and one as an oral pill. The infusions are called Carboplatin, Taxotere and Gemzar (he gets the first two on the same day once everyother week, and the third type one day in the opposite weeks). The oral pill is called Xeloda and is taken over 5 days. All of these types of chemo are for different things and combined the oncologist feels they will do their job. Tomorrow is another chemo day and he will be getting Gemzar. Unfortunatley last week his white blood counts were low and he now has to receive a shot 3x a week called Leukine.

As you can imagine, this is a lot for one person to take and it can be taxing. Fatigue has set in a bit, and he received hydration the other day to make sure he is fully hydrated. Overall though, Josh is looking good. He's a bit thinner than you may remember, but he is staying strong and his smile is still big.

Tomorrow is a big day because it is Gretchen's birthday!! yea! So, be sure and wish her a happy birthday!

Don't forget to check out the picture page, I hope to update it soon, once I get some more pics! If anyone has some pictures that you would like me to share, feel free to email them. Also, I have added the guestbook for comments, suggestions, well wishes, etc... Anything meant for Josh I will make sure he sees!

Diagnosis

Josh's diagnosis is mucinous adenocarcinoma originating in the appendix. However, it is possible that the appendix is not the primary, and the pathology reports are still being worked on to figure that out. If you want more detail as to the actual diagnosis, you can go ahead and send me a personal email (look under Links on the right side of the page).
As you may know, Josh currently has a central line. This is a catheter with 2 ports that come out of his chest and are connected to a vein behind the collar bone. This is used to get blood from Josh and to administer his chemotherapy. It is also his main source of nutrition. Josh currently is on a clear liquid diet (he has soup broth and drinks Boost, etc...). He receives what is called TPN, or Total Parenteral Nutrition. This is a large bag of liquid infused into him over a period of 15 hours (at night) and it gives him the essential vitamins along with 3000 calories. Gretchen, my mom, Crystal and I are familiar with setting all of that up, and 2 of us set it up in the evenings and Gretchen takes care of the morning routine...we have become quite the nurses, with Gretchen being the head nurse! :)

Welcome! READ THIS FIRST!

Hey everyone, welcome to Josh's update page. As Josh's sister, I decided that it would be easiest on everyone if I could post the basics of the situation on this site. I hope to keep you all updated on how Josh is doing, the types of treatment he is undergiong, etc...Hopefully this will help everyone to feel informed, as we know that you all care deeply. Thank you so much for your support and prayers, they are helping to keep Josh's spirits high.
Also...I've never had a weblog before, or anything, so you'll have to bear with me!