#151 / 2010 Winter: San Destin: Sacred Heart Hospital

MORE DOCTORS COME ON BOARD

#151

Just a few minutes ago the hospital's primary doctor comes in. His name is Dr. Dao, he appears Oriental. He looks like he is fourteen years old and ready to get in line for a Harry Potter movie.

He tells us about the tests results of scans run for Joe on Friday. The test for liver cancer came back negative. The test for pancreatic cancer was elevated, but not in the high ranges. We already know there is a two centimeter mass there. He says it could be only inflammation or swelling. It's impossible to know all until the results of the biopsies tomorrow. But for today this is great news. It's enough to hold onto. Joe really seems happy by this news.

I don't know what goes on his mind. He isn't one to go on and on about his anxieties the way I do. Where he seemed so small and passive on Friday, he now seems so much stronger. And he is stronger. The inflammation in his ankle has decreased with the blood thinners, the pain in his calf and his side are less now with fluids and treatment.

So happy for all the goodness and positivity of today, we wait.

I report for the day online:

Today, Monday, Joe went up to surgery and had a blood filter put in the top of his leg. It is like a little umbrella screen that will keep any more blood clots from getting to his lungs. His biopsies are on hold until tomorrow because the scanner is broken down and the other scanner has to be available in the ER at a moment's notice. The doctors prefer to wait so they don't have to hurry with the scanner. Joe is in good spirits. We are going to take this one day at a time and stay absolutely positive and upbeat. All your emails are so encouraging. Every morning when we wake up we turn on the computer and I read all your emails to Joe. Keeping it positive and real Beatlick Pamela