March 23, 2004
The Halfway point (Cycles 6 & 7; the end of radiation)
Hello everyone,
Joe is happy to report that the Friday before spring break, he finished his 5 1/2 weeks of radiation. And, even better than that, he got the all clear from his orthopedic surgeon to run again; (still no organized sports, e.g. soccer or T-ball) he re-joined the recess kickball game with gusto.
Radiation was pleasantly low-key: short appointments and minimal side effects. The principal one is a slightly burned area on the underside of Joe's arm. We have also now seen the x-ray of the damaged graft - it is very clear. One end of the graft looks great and the other looks disconnected. Joe will have surgery to correct the damaged plate after all the rounds of chemo are done.
Joe is now officially half-way through the chemotherapy. Last week was Cycle 7. If there are no delays (and that is a big IF), his last cycle should happen sometime in mid-August.
While in the hospital, Joe took pictures of some of the many people who provide his good care and we created the following collage:
Joe's next round of chemo will be a 5-day one, over the Easter weekend.
We are continuing to visualize no more cancer cells or tumors. We are also continuing to be thankful for our many, many blessings.
We hope all is well with everyone reading this entry. Thank you so much.
Jenny, Tom, Seth, Joe and Happy the dog
Posted by Seth at March 23, 2004 08:53 PMWe are glad to hear that things are going well. Keep up the good, positive attitude Joe! Our thoughts and prayers go out to a brave Joe, Tom, Jenny, Seth, and Happy!!
Posted by: Linda Prybil at March 26, 2004 07:44 AMHi Joe and the Britton Family (I work with Jennifer in case you are wondering who the heck I am). . . Hooray on reaching the halfway point, Yahoo on getting through the radiation with no seriously icky side effects, and I will visualize no more cancer cells along with you all. PLUS I have to say (as a graphic artists I am supposed to know) that this is a great website and those are REALLY GOOD PHOTO COLLAGES.
Sending sparkly prayers to all of you including the doggie.
Lori
Posted by: Lori Popp at March 29, 2004 07:57 AMDear Joe and family:
We are so happy to know that you are back and kicking! Hoover needs your smile and enthusiasm. You continue to be on the top of our prayer list every night before bed. Can you feel all the good energy coming from the Kusner family? We hope so!
May your next round of radiation go smoothly. Easter is also Jon's birthday...He was actually born on Easter 11 years ago! So, he may get lots of eggs and jelly beans for gifts.
Keep smiling and know that we all love you!
Blessings,
Mary Kay, Dave, Matt, David, Jon and Anna