Home Again

Joe & I have been in Texas again. We left Sunday, Oct.26 and had appointments the next three days. Joe had a CT scan, X-rays, a PET scan and an endoscopy with biopsies. The results were good. He does have an ulcer at the site of the previous cancer, but they found NO CANCER CELLS!! Dr . Phan wants Joe back out there for tests every three to four months. We have been thanking the Good Lord for His blessings upon us. We want to thank you all for praying for us (both), and ask that you continue to do so. Love to you all......Joe & Sandra

A Week at Home!!! YES!!!

Do you all realize how long we've been gone???? We just kept rolling when we started home. Joe popped open a can of Glytrol & I ate part of a can of vienna sausages (UGH!!). We did stop for a snack somewhere around Tuscaloosa, but got right back to rolling. Joe has really had a hard time since we've been gone. He's lost about 32 lbs. We just didn't realize how hard the radiation would be on him. He stayed exhausted..no appetite..nausea & vomiting..pain swallowing ..then extreme pain when the food reached his esophagus then stomach...then the fevers. After 12 days in the hospital..they called it tumor fever. Hey, we are also survivors of Hurricane Ike! We still had no power the day we started home. We were so...glad to cross that Alabama state line. Now for the gooooood news..Joe is eating much better & keeping it down. He still has no energy much..but that will just take time, good nutrition and rest. We are scheduled for more tests the latter part of October...We're hoping & praying that they will still show..no tumor present! So..please continue to keep us in your prayers. Love you all....Joe & Sandra

Back N Bama!!! Yea

I don't have the details of the visit but the doctor did see Joe on Wednesday (thank the Lord) and they hit the road home this morning. God has blessed them today and they are back in Alabama and will be home before midnight if all goes well. Thank you all for praying and caring!!!! ~Sherry

PS
Maybe you will hear from Sandra before tooooooooooo looooooooooong.
LOL

Praise God!!

Joe hasn't vomited or had a fever today!!!!! He has drank 4 Glytrols, 2 teas and 2 peanut butter crackers(pre-packaged).
The doctors appointment has been re-scheduled for Monday, Sept. 22 however Sandra is trying to get them to work him in tomorrow. Pray that this happens, they don't want to stay another week. Still no electricity or phone line....but being thankful for cooler days.
We are so glad to tell you about Joe being better, praise God.

Appointment

Joe did not get to see the doctor today because the hospital is still under lock down since Ike. Sandra thinks that they will re-open on Wednesday. She is calling trying to get them to see him tomorrow. Joe isn't doing very well and Sandra thinks he is possibly de-hydrated again. He is still drinking the supplement but hardly eating anything and he drinks a small amount of tea each day. He has slept most of today.
Sandra is thankful for a beautiful "cooler" day in Houston. They still do not have power and now the phone line has died as well. They are having to be very careful with the use of their cell phones because of not having a way to charge them.
Hopefully all of these things will turn around tomorrow!!!!
~Sherry

Survived the Hurricane

Most of you probably know by now that our friends survived the hurricane. They did as told and hunkered down....with a mattress in the closet along with other "if need be" items. It was a very long night for them but with some rest, thank the Lord. The bad part is that they are now without power and it is hot!!! Of course they can't cook either but Sandra stocked other edibles before time. Joe said "I don't want to ever have to do that again." He is not feeling well at all and just can't hardly eat, however he is still drinking the nutritional supplement. He has slept most of today. They are to see Dr. Phan at 1pm on Monday. Pray that Joe will get where he can eat something without so much pain. They really want to come home!!!!! ~Sherry

Back @ the Apartment

Joe was released from the hospital on Sunday. The doctors have decided that Joe's condition is "tumor fever", which they think will begin to get better after the second week of it. A doctor told him that he would probably just wake up one day and realize that he was lots better. Joe is eating and keeping his food a little better, even though he still vomits some and has fever from time to time. He still "NEEDS" prayer so please keep remembering him.
They want to be at home soooooo bad!!! Let's pray together that God will work this out very soon. Joe has an appointment with the doctor on Monday, the 15th. It will be great if he is better enough to come home, so please pray believing.
Sandra doesn't have internet at this time. Love from them to you by Sherry.

Saturday Sept 9th Still in Hospital

Just letting you all know we are still in the hospital. When Joe goes 2 days without fever, they are supposed to let us leave. He is keeping down Glytrol ( a nutritional suppliment like Ensure).
The doctors still keep saying it takes 3 weeks or so after radiation to get better. We're into the 2nd week..so maybe it will be soon. Keep on....Keeping us in your prayers...Love..Joe & Sandra

Tuesday Night Still In Hospital

Hello again..I wish I could tell you all that Joe is feeling just great, but that is not the case...yet. He is still running a little fever and having a lot of trouble eating. The actual swallowing is not the problem; its when the food gets in his esophagus & stomach, it causes him lots of pain. They say its because his stomach is so raw from the radiaiton. This morning they were planning to put in a feeding tube, BUT...this afternoon both Dr Phan & Dr Mercle came in agreeing to "NO FEEDING TUBE" yet. Dr Phan wanted him to try to drink enough of the nutritional suppliments these next few weeks (plus other fluids) to meet his nutritional needs. It is very difficult for him, but he is trying so hard. Dr Phan reminded Joe of what she told him in the beginning " You are going to hate me before this is over". Its been very painful for him because his treatment has been so aggressive. Please keep remembering us in your prayers as we are still needing God's help...We love and miss you all.....Joe & Sandra

Still in Hospital

I don't have the news that I want tonight, sorry to report that Joe's condition has not turned around yet. He still has a major problem with trying to eat, vomiting and fever and is still losing weight (2 more pounds). Joe was moved to a room at 4 am on Friday and now Sandra has a chair that lets out so she can rest (she got to sleep good last night). The CT scans did not show anything much. He is receiving insulin now because his sugar levels aren't quite normal but this is expected to be temporary. Please keep praying for a miracle so he won't have to have a feeding tube put in. God bless our friends, Joe and Sandra!! Thank you all for your love and care, Sherry

Update from Hospital

Joe still isn't doing good at all. He has been vomiting still and fever spiked again this evening to over 102. They have did CT scans trying to locate the problem, but no answers yet. Joe is still in the emergency room waiting to be moved to a room. Someone has to be released for a room to be available for him. Sandra may have to lie in the floor to get some rest because her left leg has started to swell from being on her feet so much. So you all see by this just how much we need to be praying for them. They really are counting on your prayers for God's help in so many things at this time. Thank you for all of your love and care, Sherry

Last Radiation Treatment

Joe took the last radiation treatment this morning!!!! Praise God, that's over. These last 7 weeks has really took a toll on our friend, he has lost 24 pounds because he has a very hard time (pain) swallowing his food and then part of the time he has not been able to keep his food (lots of vomiting). He has been and still is very sick, in fact he told the doctor tonight when asked how he felt, "I feel like a dead man walking". He has ran fever almost constantly for a while now and it spiked this evening to 102.7 and they went to the hospital as they were told. Joe has been admitted to the hospital tonight and is receiving fluids and meds intravenously. He is dehydrated and they say the fever is caused either by something called "tumor fever" or an infection somewhere. In my last conversation with Sandra, the temp had dropped considerably so that was good to hear. Please pray diligently for Joe and Sandra because they need God's continued help in a lot of different ways. They want to be at home soooooo bad but in my opinion Joe will have to get better before he can make it home. I visited them this past weekend and I can tell you Joe is terribly sick and Sandra is carrying a heavy load, but God is real to them and has blessed them tremendously! Love to you all from our friends, Joe & Sandra

Monday Night

Joe & I saw Dr. Phan today. She was encouraging Joe to "Hang In There". Due to the irritation & burn in his stomach from the radiation, he is having fever & nausea. His stomach just cannot work and digest as well as normal. So far surgery is not in the picture. No tumor, no surgery.
She is saying the radiation is a "clean up" , a process trying to insure that the canacer does not return. Joe didn't take chemo last week, nor is he this week. I don't think they give it when you have a fever. His temperature is up again tonight (101.2). Today has been very rough for him.
He has kept almost nothing down. Please keep us in your prayers...Joe & Sandra

Saturday Morning from Houston

Good Morning....Just want to let you all know that Joe is feeling a little better every day. For almost a week he wasn't able to eat or keep anything on his stomach, but that has changed. He is eating better now and keeping it. Our current problem is keeping his fever down. The apartment we're in came to us just in time.. I don't know how we'd have managed in the motel with him being so sick. Here, I've been able to cook a bit and not have to drive or walk here & there for everything we eat. Please keep remembering us in your prayers. Love to you all..... Joe & Sandra

Guess What?

Joe had a better, more restful night and he had breakfast before the radiation and at 11am he was still keeping it!!!!! Isn't that gooooood news....PRAYER still changes things. Let's all praise God today for that improvement. Thought you would want to know and I just had to tell someone! Love to everyone....Sherry

Tuesday's Update

Sandra had to take Joe to the emergency room Sunday night with the fever. They gave him fluids, ordered him an antibiotic and gave him tylenol. They were told to come back to the ER if his temp got up to a certain number that I don't remember (sorry).
Joe is still receiving radiation treatments Monday thru Friday however his chemo has been put on hold for a week because he has been so sick and the white blood count was low. They think the chemo is the cause of his nausea and not being able to eat. Another medicine has been added to what he already was taking for the sickness and it has a drowsey effect so maybe the stomach problems will be better now. It has been hard for Joe to swallow so they are mixing something up now for him to swish around and hold in his mouth and then swallow before trying to eat. This is also for the mouth ulcers that the radiation causes. Joe has lost 8 pounds in about a week and this has the radiation doctor concerned. He told Joe, "you have got to eat!" so now Sandra is trying even harder to get him to eat. This weight loss is not good. But it just tells you how sick he is. They are begging for your prayers and God's help as it is very hard on them. Joe woke Sandra up during the night "taking on" because he was burning inside. They are missing you all and are hoping to be home sometime after the 29th. Please pray that Joe can eat or he will soon have a feeding tube. Love from the Bynums by Sherry

Treatment update

Joe says he is feeling "fair" today. The radiation & chemo is taking a toll on him now, he has been quite sick lately. On Thursday he couldn't keep anything down but was a little better on Friday. By Friday night he had a fever and wasn't feeling good at all. He still has some temp now on Sat. night as well. He has 3 weeks of treatments left to go.
They moved into an apartment Thursday and have more room and it is quieter there. Sandra has even cooked squash and cornbread! They are asking for your prayers so please don't forget them. It has been rougher on them lately.
I am making this post because Sandra doesn't have internet at the apartment.
God bless everyone! Sherry

Homesick in Houston

Hello again...Just letting you all know we came thru Eduard (the tropical depression) ok. They closed the hospital Tuesday for all outpatients & surgeries, but reopened today. It didn't do as much as they were expecting. Some of the streets may have flooded. It was o.k. here.
Joe was sick & vomiting this morning. After having his radiation, we came back to the room. I got us some breakfast & brought it back to the room. He didn't feel like going with me...but, thank the Lord he was able to eat & has not thrown up any more. He took a long nap after eating breakfast.
We will probably be moving into an apartment tomorrow. Maybe it will work out better for us there. We will still have shuttle service. But, we won't have internet service. So, I'll have to figure out a way to update the blog. We are so...sick of this place. I think Joe is getting ready to kiss the ground again when we get home to Alabama. Please.....keep us in your prayers...We're still loving & missing you all.....Joe & Sandra

Sunday in Houston

Hello everyone...We are missing you all so ...bad. Joe is doing well most of the time, but I have noticed that he is more tired & he gets nauseated in the heat. He thinks he is getting lazy, but it's just taking more rest for him. He was sick to his stomach Friday morning before eating breakfast, then again this morning after breakfast...Both were partially due to the heat. The radiation really zaps his energy, so he takes naps thru-out the day. We are still thankful for our blessings....and can hardly wait until we can get back home and see you all...Joe & Sandra

Wed. July 30th in Houston

Hello Everyone,
I'm happy to tell you all that Joe is feeling better this week than last and seems to be tolerating chemo & readiation well. He has been more tired than usual, but is still eating well. We miss you all . Call our names out to the Lord when you pray....Love, Joe & Sandra

Tuesday July 22, 2008 Houston

Good Morning,
As of Monday morning, Joe is back on chemo (Monday thru Friday) and radiation starts Wednesday morning (also M-F). So far..he seems to be doing well. He hates wearing that chemo-pump, so I'm sure he's looking forward to Friday morning (they take if off right after radiation treatment).
We're missing you all...and wishing we were home. Love you...Joe & Sandra

UPDATE!!!! We just heard from the pathology report!!! They just called saying "in the distal esophagus there is NO TUMOR PRESENT"!!!! It is showing up chronic gastritis. I know you are wondering why he is still on chemo & radiation, but they are trying to clean it all up. We don't understand it all, but we are thanking the Lord for his mercy & his blessings upon us.
PRAISE THE LORD!! We still love and miss you all...

July 17th in Houston

Hello again..Please accept our apology for not keeping the blog current. Joe & I arrived in Houston again late this past Sunday night. They did an endoscopy with biopsies, but we have not heard from the biopsies yet. As we told you before, the tumor has really shrunk. (For that we are so thankful.) But, Joe has taken a cold & is not feeling well. He is to be marked today at 3:30 for radiation, which should start next week. He will be wearing a chemo pump M-F and going daily M-F for radiation treatments. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We love & miss you all.. Joe & Sandra

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!

Hello Dear Friends,
As you all know, we have had tests Mon & Tue (CT scans, X-rays, PET scan). This may sound technical, but here goes: 1. There is persistent circumferential thickening of the wall of the esophagus in the region of the gastroesophageal juntion. Previously increased FDG uptake within this region has resolved and the esophagus how has an SUV max of 2.3, previously 6.8.
IMPRESSION: There has been complete metabolic response of esophgaeal malignancy to therapy. ( If we understand Dr Phan correctly...) She said," No hot spots showed up on the pet scan, nothing was FDG-avid. " I was about to grab her arm saying,"WHAT?" Then she goes on to say that, "Nothing is written in stone." Joe is sitting over here saying, "The Doctor says there is nothing written in stone, BUT..I know the MAN who can write it in stone. Thank you all for your prayers & please continue to pray for us...Praise the Lord!!!" Dr Phan wanted us to come on back home for the 4th, then she wants to do another endoscopic ultrasound w/biopsies then continue on with chemo/radiation, take a 4 week break, then come back & be retested (re-evaluated). The tests did show up a new nodule that has developed in the left lung. The Doctor didn't know what it was, but wanted Joe to stay away from dusty situations like mowing grass or cutting and baling hay. We intend to start home 1st thing in the morning. Keep on remembering us in your prayers, they are working. We love you all ....Joe & Sandra

Houston Monday Morning

Hello everyone, Joe & I made the trip safely. We came thru some rough weather, but God was watching over us. We came across 2 accidents, but we made it fine. We are up this morning getting ready to spend the evening at the hospital. Keep us in your prayers as we are hoping that God will grant us a miracle this time. We love you...Joe & Sandra

Packing for Houston

Hello Friends...I am packing tonight for our trip to Houston while Joe has gone over to the Horse Sale to see everyone. I'm feeling a bit anxious over the trip and the tests that Joe is going to have, but God has helped us so far... and we're expecting Him to keep on helping us. By the way.. You know I've been telling you all that Joe has been eating well (right?)..
He had to get out some of his bigger pants, the 36's wouldn't snap! Our intentions are to leave early in the morning....so please keep us in your prayers. Love you all....Joe & Sandra

Monday June 16 at Home

Hello again...Please forgive me for being so long in updating the blog. The last trip to Houston was a bit rough. We had problems at the hospital (Bloodwork not being faxed. Didn't get thru with chemo & back in motel until about 1:45 am.) When fueling up on the way home...I accidentally got sprayed with gasoline (someone had left the pump locked open). Thank God....we don't smoke. Anyway..we made it home safely, stinking, and tired. Now for the update: Joe is to be re-evaluated. Cat Scans & X-rays June 30th. Pet scan July 1st. We should get results July 2nd from Doctor Phan. The Physicians Assistant said it would be great if he is ready for chemo-radiation. I asked, "What if he is ready for surgery?" She said that would be even better. I'm asking all of you, "What if they can't find it? What if it's gone?" Oh, how I hope God will work a miracle for us. By the way...Joe is still eating well and hasn't lost any weight; still praising the Lord and enjoying his salvation. Please keep praying for us ....We love you ....Joe & Sandra

Wednesday Morning @ Houston

Good Morning Friends, Thank you all for your prayers yesterday as we made our trip. We arrived safely last night around 8:30 pm. We stopped for our evening meal in Baytown, TX at
Cracker Barrel (that ran us a little late). We also want to thank all of you that have signed our visitors list to let us know you are checking on us. We'll try to update when we get back to the room tonight (if not too late). We are thankful for our friends......Joe & Sandra

Monday Night @ Home

Hello friends, Joe's bloodwork was good today, so we will be going for another chemo treatment this Wednesday. Please pray for us that we will have a safe trip. We both really dread these trips, but we do have a lot of friends praying for us...and that really helps. Joe still has a good appetite and is swallowing well. He still isn't having any pain. In these things, we are blessed. The chemo treatment is scheduled for 5:30 pm Wed. & if they can't work us in sooner, it will probably be around midnight before we can get back to our motel. If it's not too much to ask...please pray that they will work us in sooner...so we can start home early Thursday morning. Love you all......Joe & Sandra

Friday Night @ Home

Our schedule has changed. Joe's bloodwork was too low today for him to take his chemo next week. We will be getting to stay home for another week. He is to see the doctor June 4 and take his chemo then. God may not have wanted us to be on the road Memorial Day and was just watching out for us. Joe said, "We've just got to do what we've got to do, keep on looking up, and keep on praying." He wanted you all to know that he is.... "still eating like a horse". I am so thankful that he still has a good appetite and can eat well. As always, keep us in your prayers.
Joe & Sandra

Tuesday Night @ Home

Joe is still feeling good and eating well. (He thinks I'm a good cook!) We had trouble flushing his ports for the last two nights.. but after I changed the cap it flushed. I'm hoping it will flush easily tonight. I truely believe that God has been helping Joe to feel as well as he has and to have such a good attitude. Keep remembering us in your prayers. Joe & Sandra

Friday Night @ Home

Just wanted to let you all know that Joe has felt better today than he has since we've been home this time. Remember us in your prayers tonight.
Joe and Sandra

Tuesday Night @ home

Joe & I have had a good day today..still thanking the Lord for his blessings upon us. Joe is still eating & swallowing well & is still looking for his healing. He has even gained a few pounds. Sometimes we just can't comprehend the extent that the Lord has helped us. Joe says, "I'm tired of being sick. I'd like to get well and get back to auctioneering. I miss seeing all my friends." He has been blessed to have had a job he enjoyed doing so....much. Please keep remembering us in your prayers.
Joe & Sandra

Friday Night (Back At Home)

Hello Everyone, Joe & I had a safe trip home from Texas and for that we are thankful. Joe has taken this treatment of chemo well with no really bad side effects. I noticed as he was asking the blessing tonight that he was thanking God for giving him a good day today (which is unusual for a Friday on chemo). We disconnected the chemo pump a few minutes ago, replaced caps & flushed the ports. When we got that contraption off, Joe said he felt like a new man...We are quite tired, but so glad to be home.
Thank you all for praying for us...& we are counting on your continued prayers....Love you all....Joe & Sandra

Going back to Houston

Hello friends, Joe went for bloodwork this morning & it was good, so we're heading back to Houston for another chemo treatment. Joe is still feeling well and looking forward to his healing. He is still eating well and maintaining his weight with little or no swallowing problems. He still says the Lord is all we have & He is the one we have to look to. Joe's doctor (here in Gadsden) told us today that God is the One in the healing business. So, please keep remembering us both in your prayers.
Love, Joe & Sandra

Wednesday's Results

Hello friends,
Somebody jumped the gun when they scheduled this pet scan. It hadn't given the evastin
(the inhibitor) time enough to do its thing. The pet scan was supposed to have been done after 2 more treatments. The cancer had not grown any...... so that is good. Joe's white cell count was too low for him to have a chemo treatment this time. With his white cell count so low, his resistance is also very low, so we are going to have to be very careful. Dr told us she wants the cancer to shrink and then shift gears by starting on chemo-radiation. She was extremely pleased that Joe had tolerated the chemo so well with such few side affects. She said her concern for the moment was to try to kill the cancer cells all outside & around the main tumor so they woudn't be going any where else....then concentrating the chemo-radiation on the main tumor site. We are very thankful that the tumor has not grown. We will get to come home & stay for 2 weeks for his white cells to build up, then return to Houston for treatment. Instead of having treatments every other week as usual, we will be having them every third week since the chemo has built up in his system. Joe wanted me to tell you all that your prayers are working...thats all we need. Keeping those prayers up....that's what making the difference. Love you all....
Joe & Sandra

Joe & I are going to try for an early start for Houston in the morning. Please remember us in your prayers that the Lord will keep us safe on our trip and that we will get some good news Wednesday. I want to thank God that Joe has been able to take his chemo so well without very much stomach upset or pain. We were just saying tonight that we wanted to be more thankful. Please remember my Uncle Paul in your prayers. We heard this evening that he also has cancer. Guess we had better turn in if we are to make a safe trip tommorrow. Love you all......Joe & Sandra

Joe & I have been trying to play catch-up on chores & such since we have been home (there never seems to be enough time). I looked at our grass the other day, thought it needed mowing....then looked out again & thought ...no...it really looks good (I thought my mind was playing tricks on me). I found out later that one of our neighbors had mowed our yard.
Another neighbor has been taking our trash can to the road. Others have offered to do anything they could if we would only ask...They have really been kind to us, and we are so very thankful.
Please keep praying for Joe. The pet scan is this coming Monday (21st) and we are hoping these last treatments with the inhibitor are working.
Hope to post soon giving wonderful news..... Joe & Sandra

Friday Night Attalla

Joe had his chemo Wednesday in Houston & we drove home Thursday with him wearing the chemo pump. It's alarm sounded around 7:00 pm tonight so we had to take it off, change caps, flush ports & all that stuff. Joe overdid it a little today and got sick, but he is feeling better tonight. We want to thank you all for caring & for praying for us. Joe & Sandra

Heading for Houston

Dear Friends,
Please forgive me for not up-dating the post as I should have. My mind got kind of bogged down and I just didn't know what to say. But..
Joe is scheduled for another chemo & inhibitor treatment on the 9th (Wednesday). We should be hearing the results of these last two treatments by the 23rd of April. He is scheduled for a pet scan on the 21st and then sees the Doctor on the 23rd. I know that God still knows about us and is still in the business of miracles. In fact, we heard about a miracle Sunday night. A young man came in church a little late (he wasn't supposed to be driving). He said he was diagnosed with cancer (don't know what kind), and they had done biopsies confirming cancer.
They cut him open & ....No Cancer...Only Infection. He walked toward Joe & told him that God could heal him also. It sounded as if this had happened very recently since he wasn't supposed to be driving yet. Thank you all for your patience..and please keep remembering us in your prayers..as we are needing our miracle as well. Love..Joe & Sandra
NOTE: I'd like to tell you all what my husband ate tonight. 3 (THREE)
hotdogs w/kraut & hotdog chili, 2 peanut butter granola bars, & a sweet & salty granola.
I was afraid it might make him sick, but so far he's ok. Does this sound like a sick man?

Thursday in Houston

Good Morning Friends,
Joe & I saw the Doctor Wed. to get results of Pet & CT Scans done on Monday. Tumor has slightly increased in size, but they think it could possibly be from swelling. Said it could be good or it could be bad. They added an inhibitor to the chemo that is supposed to choke off the blood supply to the tumor & they are going to try that for a month then do another Pet Scan to see if it is working. They also prescribed an antibiotic for his sinus infection. We still know that Joe has been swallowing better than at first. We still know that God has helped us. We still know that he can just speak the word and he could be made well. Please keep remembering us in your prayers. When it comes down to it, the Lord is the only hope we have got.. Love....Joe & Sandra

Saturday Evening in Attalla

Hello dear friends,
Joe & I are leaving for Texas in the morning. We should find out Wednesday, the extent that Joe's cancer has shrunk. I will try to update & let you all know the results. Please keep remembering us in your prayers...because you don't realize just how much we are depending on them (your prayers) God's love, and his mercy. We are still hoping for our miracle....Pray that it will be so...... Love.... Joe & Sandra

Monday in Attalla, AL

Good Morning,
Joe has gone to the shop this morning, trying to carry on life as usual. His cold is still hanging on, but he's trying his best to get rid of it. It feels so good to get home for a few days, even though there is still work to be done. Keep praying for us that the Doctor's report next Wednesday will be good. (FAITH!!!!!!) Love........Joe & Sandra

Flying Home

Goodmorning,
Joe & I will be flying home this afternoon. Thanks to Jackie & Virgil (Joe's sweet cousins) we will get to leave our car here for the next trip. They are taking us to the airport & keeping our car for us. If thats not kindness, I don't know what is...
Joe was very sick last night, but is feeling much better this morning. He has eaten breakfast & kept it down well. He rested good last night.....we are so thankful. Got to get it together now..packing..etc.....Love you all, Sandra & Joe

Friday Afternoon Houston

Hello everyone,
Joe is still not feeling very well today. He has been sick to his stomach this morning, but is better now. Taking chemo on top of his cold has been pretty rough on him. Thankfully, we get the pump off today. His energy level usuallly gets better in a few days after the pump comes off. We love you all and hope you will keep remembering us in your prayers.
Love...............Joe & Sandra

Thursday in Houston

Hello everyone,
Joe is feeling a lot better this morning. He rested better last night. So far we are having a lazy day....but I think that is what we need right now. Thank you all for praying for us.....
Joe & Sandra

4th round of chemo in Houston

Dear friends,
We are back in our room after being in the hospital almost all day. They almost sent us home when they found out Joe was very congested & had been running a fever. In fact they told us if he started running a fever again before they started his chemo that we would have to wait until next week for treatment. His temp was normal when they checked it and his bloodwork was still good, so they did go ahead with the chemo today. Please keep us in your prayers........
Love you all......Joe & Sandra

Back in Houston

Joe & Sandra have just arrived in Houston. God is faithful...a truck in front of them on a 20 mile bridge hit a piece of steel in the roadway and then Joe hit it and it scratched up the car somewhat but thank the Lord that something worse did not happen. Joe isn't feeling well, he has taken a cold and has a fever so he is in need of your prayers. They are due at the hospital at 8 am tomorrow. Thanks for all your love.

Monday in Attalla, AL

Hello Everyone,
We will be driving out to Houston in the morning. Joe is keeping on going, but is a bit fatigued. We dread the trip, but God has been with us so far so we're still expecting him to be with us. We have a lot of good people praying for us, so we are truely blessed. Please keep remembering us in your prayers. Love......Joe & Sandra

Wednesday in Attalla

Hello friends,
Joe is still feeling better today. We thank you all for being concerned and caring for us both. We really can feel your prayers. God has blessed us with wonderful friends; for that we are so very thankful!!!
Love from....Joe & Sandra

Tuesday at Home

Hello everyone,
I am glad to say that Joe is feeling better today. He rested really well last night and was feeling much better this morning. (The last round of chemo, plus the trip home was extremely exhausting and seemed to zap all his energy.) He has one more round of chemo this month before they do a pet scan to see just how much his cancer has shrunk. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it was just....gone. Please continue to remember us in your prayers.... Love......Joe & Sandra

On the Way Home

I talked to Sandra a bit ago and she wants all you good friends to know that they are on the road toward home. They need your prayers that God will keep them safe and give Joe the strength that he needs. He isn't feeling his best this time, he has turned sick more than once. However Joe still has that wonderful "positive" outlook.
God is soooo good!! Love to all....

Friday's Chemo

Hello friends,
Joe is really looking forward to getting that chemo pump off tonight. He is very tired today, turned sick, but hasn't thrown up(as far as I know). Even though he dosen't feel well today, he is still looking up and expecting good things from the Lord. He is such a positive person. If he feels like it at all, we want to start home in the morning. Thanks again for all your prayers.....we still need them. Love you all......Joe & Sandra

Thursday on Chemo

Hello Dear Friends,
Due to internet problems, we are just now updating the blog. Joe is still feeling well; we are both so thankful for God's help & mercy. Words are not coming easy for me today, but I do ask that you keep remembering us both in your prayers....Love....Joe & Sandra

Houston, Wednesday Morning

Good Morning everyone........Joe & I arrived safely in Houston Tuesday night around 11:00pm. It was a long drive, but we made it just fine. Thank you all for being concerned and praying for us on our trip. Joe goes for bloodwork at 2:00p.m. today, then on to chemo at 4:00p.m.. We should be back from the hospital by 10:00 or 10:30 tonight. Joe is still feeling "good" and has great "expectations". He said, "The Lord has blessed and helped me so much, and I want to be helping others & praising Him many years from now." Please keep on keeping us in your prayers....Love....Joe & Sandra

On The Road Again

Hello again....Joe & I are driving to Houston Tuesday ...Please remember us in your prayers that God will watch over us on the road...We are such beggars. But,He is a big God ...and can handle that with no problem.......
He has helped us so much with the chemo treatments. Do you realize Joe hasn't thrown up a single time since he started on the chemo. To me that in itself is amazing. As I've heard it said, "He is an awsome God." Joe is still feeling good, going to church, working at the shop, and feeding stock.
Love you all.....Joe & Sandra

Wednesday in Alabama

Hello again to all our friends,
Joe has been feeling good and has gone to the shop and worked this week. He did admit today that he wasn't feeling as good today as he did yesterday. Maybe he is just tired. I went to the office for the past two days and tried to work on mail and taxes. Joe really wanted to go to Old Sardis tonight, and be in church with Brother Oran, but he just didn't feel up to it. Please don't forget us when you pray....Love......Joe & Sandra

Sweet Home Alabama (Monday Night)

Hey everyone....
We left Texas around 11:00am Sat. and arrived home around 12:30am that Sunday Morning. A bit too much of a drive in one day...
We did get to church Sunday morning and were delighted to see everyone. God has really blessed us with wonderful friends. I had a little trouble flushing the port in Joe's arm the night we arrived, then on Sunday night it acted like it was stopped up.....but finally we got it to open up. We were afraid that it would be completely stopped up today, but......(Thank the Lord) both of them flushed easily.
Our children all came over Sunday afternoon and visited with us until bedtime. Do you realize it had been over a month since we had seen them. DeeAnne & Chey also came over. Our empty nest was full and blessed. Regina & the children stayed overnight & I got to enjoy them today. When we left, Eli had 2 bottom teeth & one trying to come thru on the top......Now he has six teeth.....He sure did show them off....smiling at his Poppy. Norah is really growing up...and is so proud of her brother. If I keep on.....You'd think we had Grand Kids......Huh!
Joe got up this morning & went to the shop like a normal day..he got a bit cold....but is still feeling good........so just keep on praying for us......
Joe & Sandra

Homeward Bound!

At this time, Joe & Sandra are only a few hours away from home! They are coming up on Meridian MS which is a little over 200 miles away. They are taking turns driving and both are very tired so don't let up on those prayers yet, please. They are hoping for sweet rest when they get home because they want to be at church in the morning. Thank you for your interest and concern. Love to all!!

Friday Morning

Wishing everyone a very GOOD MORNING!

Joe says, "Those prayers are working, I'm feeling better than I expected. I believe I'm doing better this round than the last one. I had trouble sleeping last night, I was so.. excited about getting to come home for a few days. When I'd shut my eyes (trying to go to sleep) I'd see Norah & Eli.....my kids...Lexi & Cheyanne....DeeAnne....and could almost feel their hugs....and I've got to go see my Aunt Sue..Betty & Joel.... my friends.....I miss everybody. I finally had to ask the Lord to help me go to sleep!! I feel that with God's blessings, we're going to whip this cancer......I really do.
They warned me at the hospital to be careful and not be around anyone sick, coughing, etc....
that my resistance to infection would be very low, so I'll be depending on you all to help me because I won't know who is sick or not. If I don't get to hug you, it won't mean that I don't love you. I hope everyone understands."
We get the chemo pump off tonight around 9:30pm....Then we'll be half-way thru this round of chemo. God is really helping us. If God is willing, we want to start home Saturday morning....
Keep us in your prayers......
Joe & Sandra

Thursday's Chemo

Goodmorning,

Joe says, "So far I'm still feeling fine." We did have a terribly long day yesterday. They started Joe's chemo around 5:00pm, and it was around 11:00pm when we got the UT Shuttle back to the motel. We are going back to the hospital today to get a dressing change (I am supposed to change it while a nurse watches)...and Joe needs another haircut!! They did tell us last night that his hair would start thinning out....His responded with, "That's the least of my worries." His blood work was still good and he has a positive outlook. They seemed pleased to hear he is swallowing better and has a good appetite.

Joe ate a good breakfast and still has not been sick. We're still praising the Lord for his blessings. Until next time... Please keep us in your prayers..

Joe & Sandra

Wednesday 2nd round of chemo

Goodmorning friends,



Joe & I are going to have a long day today. Bloodwork starts at the hospital at 1:00 pm, we then have an appointment with Dr. Phan at 2:00 pm. The chemo starts at 4:30 and it usuallly takes until around 9 to 9:30 pm to finish at the hospital. He'll leave the hospital wearing the chemo pump for another 48 hours. Our shuttle at the motel stops running at 7:00 pm, so we call the UT Police Shuttle to take us back to our room. We're looking forward to getting the treatments half over and just praying that they won't make him sick. God was so good to us on the first one....so ... surely he will be again. As always ..keep praying for us.

Joe & Sandra

Rainy Tuesday

Goodmorning

Joe says, "Tell them I feel "good" and I'm ready to go eat." God is really helping us and we appreciate all of your prayers......They (your prayers) are still working!

Thank you all for your e-mails and comments on the blog. It is encouraging to check in and see all the new visitors. Friends are such a precious treasure....we appreciate each and every one of you.

As always keep us in your prayers.......Love...Joe & Sandra

Monday Morning

Good Morning

Joe is still feeling fine this morning...Looking forward to.....but dreading his next chemo treatment. When he is on the chemo anything cold, hurts him. If he drinks something with ice, it makes his mouth feel like needles and his throat feels like its closing up. Even the cold air makes any uncovered part of the body hurt. He drinks liquids hot or at room temperature. These side effects make him dread the cold front coming in. God is still helping us so much... On the 1st round of chemo, he was able to drink cold liquids within 2 to 3 days.

We enjoyed our visit with Virgil & Jackie yesterday. Isn't it a blessing ...them living in Houston and opening their hearts to us with such warm hospitality. They took us to a quaint little restaurant called "The BlackEyed Pea". Joe was thrilled to get some down-home vegetables. We are blessed to have family out here. Sometimes we get so caught-up in our own lives that we don't take time for others, but they have taken time out for us and made us feel special.

Please keep us in your prayers...

Joe & Sandra

Sunday Morning

Good Morning
Joe is still "feelin' good" , but about ready to go eat. We tried to find a church to go to this morning, but had no luck. We're feeling like two fish out of water.
Joe's cousin, Jackie and her husband Virgil , called this morning asking us to lunch .....so we're going to visit them this afternoon. She has a friend who is pentecostal, so we might get to visit her church.
Keep us in your prayers...and we're missing you all so much..
Joe & Sandra

Saturday in Houston

Hello dear friends....
Joe says, "I feel good." We slept in this morning...so the post is late again. God is so good to us & we are so very thankful for His mercy & blessings upon us both. Joe just keeps on saying,"I just don't know how I could face this without having the Lord in my life."
We are looking forward to getting home for a few days.....so we're hoping this next round of chemo (starting Wednesday) will not be too rough. We can feel your prayers and support.....so just keep praying.
Love, Joe & Sandra

Friday Evening

Hello to our dear friends
We had internet problems this morning...so no post. I finallly had brains enough to ask the lady at the front desk and she fixed it...
Joe & I are still doing well, but we had sad news that a friend of ours, Judy Knight, passed away this morning. As far as we know, her cancer was discovered after Joe & I came out to Houston. She was a wonderful person who seemed to have a sweet smile for everyone. Please pray for her family, I know they really need your prayers.
We are still thanking God for His mercy and goodness......Keep us in your prayers..
Love... Joe & Sandra

Thursday Morning

It's almost good afternoon...
Joe & I were up at 4:30 a.m. getting ready to take our friend, Richard H., to the airport. He arrived in Houston around 10:00 p.m. driving a white Lincoln for our use while we are here. He is quite some friend......huh! Joe has been listening to the sale (by internet) down in Birmingham this morning, & is missing all his friends there. It almost brings tears to my eyes......He's not used to being idle.
We go to the hospital today for a bandage change and then do some washing before people start avoiding us.
Joe is still eating and swallowing well. He did have a lot of indigestion last night, but I think it was from overeating..
Love & miss you all..
Joe & Sandra

Wednesday Morning

Goodmorning,
Joe is still feeling good. I don't think he even took a nap yesterday. Joe spoke with a friend of his this morning & he is driving a car out here for us. We asked him not to...but he is already on his way, and has already bought his airline ticket back home.
Another friend of Joe's, Gene Skipper & his wife Sue came over and visited with us yesterday. He has cancer & is needing the Lord's help as well. So please keep him in your prayers along with me and Joe.
It seems we don't have much new to say.....but we're still thanking the Lord for helping us so far....Keep us in your prayers.
With all our love,
Joe & Sandra

Tuesday Morning

Goodmorning from Houston,
Joe says, "I FEEL GOOD!"......(Thank you Lord). The nurse checked Joe's dressing at the hospital yesterday, it was still o.k.., so we wait until Thursday to go back & have it changed. I was just being too careful I guess.
We ate at Pappasitas last night, it was a wonder we could walk back to the room. Talk about full!!! I don't know if it's just Texas hospitality or maybe we look pitiful..., but the waiter came over & wanted us to have a complimentary dessert. I asked him to make a selection for us, & he brought out one of the most beautiful desserts I had ever seen. We left there with our tummies overly content & enough food left over for today's lunch.
God is really helping Joe. He seems to be swallowing better with less indigestion. The surgeon told him he'd be able to tell if the chemo was working if he started swallowing easier. Almost every time we eat, Joe will ask, "Did you notice I could swallow easier?" We are so thankful......I believe your prayers are reaching the throne of grace....so please keep them rolling.
We love & miss you all.......
Joe & Sandra

Monday Morning

Wishing you all a good morning!!
Sunday afternoon Joe & I walked down to Shoney's for late lunch. (We guessed it to be about a mile.) Joe topped the tank pretty well for the walk back to the motel. He had to have a nap after, but I think he is doing great. The doctor told him to get exercise, not to lay & sleep all the time. We spent a lot of Sunday afternoon on the phone and checking on the blog to see who had left comments or signed our guest book.
After taking his bath, we noticed Joe's bandage has a little drainage on it so ....we are going back to the hospital to get it checked.
Keep us before the Lord and as always ......we love you....
Joe & Sandra

Sunday Morning

Good Morning ....
Hope all of you have been in a wonderful service today.....Wonderful or not,... we wish we were there. You know the saying, "Home is where the heart is", well...its surely not in Houston. We have met some really nice people here, but getting home is sounding sweeter all the time.
The last day of chemo (Friday) just zapped Joe's strength, he was saying he didn't know how he could face this without the Lord. We slept late this morning...so we're have a lazy day. Joe is feeling better, and his energy is returning. He is still eating well with no nausea without medication(Thank God). Right now he still has his hair, but he says it won't bother him if it falls out. Oh...He got a free haircut at the hospital by a lady who survived Katrina and remained in Houston. If he looses his hair they will give him a free cap.
Joe says, " Cancer does not discriminate, it hits the young, the old, different races, & nationalities." He still says, "With God's help, I'm going beat this thing!"
As always.....keep us in your prayers..........

Joe & Sandra

Saturday Morning

Good Morning everyone.......
Joe was very tired all day Friday & slept quite a bit. He turned sick at dinner Friday night, but after taking an anti-nausesa pill, it passed without throwing up. The alarm sounded on the chemo-pump around 8:00 p.m.(empty). The UT Shuttle (Texas Police) took us to the hospital around 9:00 p.m. & the pump was removed around 9:30 p.m. He was really thankful to get rid of that thing.
We walked to McDonalds to get breakfast this morning & guess what....Joe got to eat without having to take the anti-nausea pill.....Thank the Lord.... (for every little thing). He is still eating well, and had little or no trouble swallowing this morning. So far he hasn't lost weight.
Even though its Saturday, we have to go back to the hospital for another class on taking care of the port in his right arm. It has to be flushed every 24 hours. The doctor asked us not to travel on the first round of chemo (to make sure all goes well) ....so we're stuck out here just waiting.....
I want to thank everyone for the comments being posted on "Keeping up with Joe". Every time we see a new comment, it lifts and spirits and makes us feel loved........ and just a little bit closer ........to home.......
Keep us in your prayers.........and as Norah says.....We Love You So........MUCH !!!!!!

Joe & Sandra

Chemo-Day 3

Joe is feeling very tired today and has slept a lot between mealtimes. This is a side effect of the chemo but "Thank the Lord" he isn't nauseated. The chemo pump is scheduled to be removed around 9 oclock tonight. It is scheduled to be back on for another 48 hour round of chemo in exactly two weeks from the beginning of the first round. They appreciate every prayer that goes up for them, so please keep praying.

Thursday Night

Joe and I have had a really good day today. (Especially for it to have been his first full day on the Chemo-Pump.) We started our day with breakfast in the lobby, a walk to McDonalds for lunch, a shuttle ride to the hospital for a class on his Central Venous Catheter then back to the room to make calls & rest. Thank the good Lord, he hasn't had any bad side effects today. We are trying to be thankful for every little thing. As Joe says......Praise the Lord...........Glory to God.

Jan. 31, 2008

I just talked to Joe and he said that he is still good. He even slept ok last night (just getting use to the pump) When asked if he could wear the pump ok, he responded with, "I think I could stand on my head for 2 days if I have to". Praise the Lord for the courage he has!! The only problem yesterday while getting all hooked up was, he had a rise in blood pressure that didn't stay. He gets the pump off at around 9pm Friday.
Joe & Sandra will be attending classes to learn how to take care of some things related to his treatment.
They are wanting to come home for a few days if the doctor oks it, so please pray for this. Joe doesn't expect a chance for this until at least the middle of Feb.

Jan. 30, 2008

This is the first day of chemotherapy. They will make a port in Joe's arm to administer the chemo. It will pretty much be a long day for he has to be watched as two different types of drugs will be given which possibly will take hours. After these two are given, then a third bag will be attached that is to be a continous drip for 48 hours. If all goes as planned, he will be able to go back to the motel for the duration of that drip. Please pray for them that all goes well for it will certainly be a tiring day.