Josh & More

Josh is still in the hospital, he is now back at Northwest. The NG tube was removed on Wednesday night, and things seem to be going okay without it. Josh is back on TPN feeding as of last night and he received another round of chemo last night. Day to day, things can be difficult to get through, but we are managing. Josh has what is called a PICC line and it is similar to the chest port because it stays in him and has two ports, but it is in his arm. This will probably be more of a temporary thing, and he will possibly get a chest port again in the future.

In case you are all wondering, Josh is NEVER alone in the hospital. We make sure that someone is there as an advocate and friend, etc… My mom has done an AWESOME job of staying with Josh every night. We are all very lucky that she doesn’t mind the semi-reclining hospital chair in place of a bed. Thanks Mom!! Bobbi (Gretchen’s mom) has also come to the rescue many times. She has been in town this week (down from Lake Havasu) and does a great job taking care of the kids and helping out around the house.

We just sent all of Josh’s information to a world-renowned surgeon in Washington, DC. His name is Dr. Sugarbaker. Hopefully in the future we will be meeting him and Josh will have surgery by him. He specializes in abdominal cancers and is highly skilled in this area. I have been in contact with others who have been through the surgery and some who are preparing for the surgery. One guy I have met is gearing up for surgery on the 18th of this month. Maybe you noticed his posting on the message board. His name is Kevin and his cancer is very similar to Josh’s. He and his wife Roni have been very helpful to me and the family. They have answered questions and shared their experiences. So, as you continue to pray for Josh and our family, please say a prayer for Kevin and Roni, especially this Wednesday (as Sugarbaker performs his surgery).

Oh yea, “Happy Valentine’s Day” :)