The post-surgery Kuato update
Sorry, I should have posted an update a while ago.
For those who haven’t heard, Kuato has officially kicked my ass. The doctors couldn’t remove the tumor, as there was not one, but six of them, and they were all in love with some major organs of mine. They took enough to verify that the cancer is indeed Leiomyosarcoma.
So, I’m at Mike’s and Lorrie’s, vegging out and slowly getting better. The doctors were unable to do much when then performed the surgery, which sucks beyond belief, but makes the recouperating easier. My main complaints are constipation and very, VERY swollen legs.
I’ll be staying here for the next three weeks or so. Then I have NO idea what’s happening next. Since we know now that this is inoperable, my options are a bit limited. I’ll be working on getting an oncologist this week, and a general physician. I’ll probably go back to work, perhaps in Tucson, perhaps in Phoenix, as a position with Sonus just opened up here.
My further care depends on whether chemo is an option for buying more time, or if the best course of action is to go for comfort and just ride the wave as long as I’ve got. I’ll let you know how those discussions go.
I can’t believe the outpouring of love and generocity you have given me through all this. You have no idea how much it has meant to me. Thank you.
February 4th, 2007 at 10:15 am
Just let us know what we can do for you Joe…there’s a lot of us out here!
February 4th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Amen,
Keep strong Joe. We will be thinking positive thoughts for you.
February 4th, 2007 at 10:44 am
While that sucks there are about a billion stories of people in similar positions that just kept going. Look at Stephen Hawking, he was meant to kick it about 30 years ago. Not saying you going to end up with a funky robot voice or anything, but Kuato could be happy they way he is (they are?) and just continue to hang out for a very very long time.
Hang in there dude, we’re all pulling for ya
February 4th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Hang in there Joe, stay positive on beating the crap out of Kuato’s little mutant family. That’s more than half the fight. Everyone’s prayers and thoughts are with you.
February 4th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Hey guys, since I can’t boss Joe around for the next few weeks, you make sure he keeps in line. I’ve already requested (er, demanded) some book reviews, since he’ll have plenty of time to read. Put him to work already!
Don’t forget about us in T-town, you hear? We’ll keep the light on for you.
February 4th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Joe my man, not the news we wanted to hear, but certainly not the final word. More thoughts and vibes your way - your job is to fuck Kuato up…
…and ours is to keep you strong, and positive, to do so!
February 4th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Hey Joe,
Just wanted to add my support. It was nice to hear you last week “from the couch” on the SOSF.
So sorry to hear that cancer has spread so far… but glad your on the mend from the surgery and able to keep us informed. I hope you can decide on the right course (the internet is an awesome resource) and my prayers are with you.
Fondest Regards,
Lindy
February 4th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Joe,
Since August, I’ve been working with people in situations similar to yours almost every single day, and for the first time I have no idea what to say.
Whatever decision you make will be the right one, and everyone will support you as much as we all can, every step of the way.
Shalom u’vracha (peace and blessings),
Ari B.
February 4th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Joe,
Hang tough - you are not alone in this.
–ED
February 5th, 2007 at 5:08 am
Much love, Joe.
February 5th, 2007 at 6:17 am
Joe, miracles can and do happen - believe that the people around you (friends, family, and doctors) are there for a reason.
Fight the good fight!
February 5th, 2007 at 6:50 am
My thoughts are with you, Joe!
February 5th, 2007 at 7:40 am
Joe, you are always in my thoughts. Think warm, think cuddly, and I’ll be there soon. Love your show.
February 5th, 2007 at 8:32 am
Joe, there is always a fight. Kuato hasnt won yet. A drastic life change may be in order my friend. If I were you I would try everything and anything, there are many many alternative theories and practices out there. Chemo is one of many options.
February 5th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Joe!
Ah, the constipation… I had that for almost 6 months after they put all those holes in my head to leak out all the blood. It sucked the worst.
It is still hard for me to imagine what you are going through. At least I knew that I was ‘all clear’ around the time Dragon*Con came around this past year. It would have been just unimaginable to just think that they couldn’t fix me back then.
Myself and Swoopy especially are both just taken a back with sorrow man. Hope to hang with you again this coming Dragon*Con and STAY STRONG JOE!
February 5th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
We are thinking about you baby.
Hang tough.
February 5th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Hang in there Joe. Life is rarely the way we plan, but when it throws us for a loop, it shows us something new about ourselves and those around us. Stay Strong.
February 5th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Joe - thinking about you daily.
February 6th, 2007 at 3:06 am
Hang in there mate. I keep saying that, and I really mean it. Just hang in there. The fact that Lance Armstrong can kick its arse, shows that its possible.
February 6th, 2007 at 6:26 am
Joe, there’s a lot of people out here pulling for you. I think about you daily. Andrea’s right; do anything and everything you can.
February 6th, 2007 at 10:07 am
You’re in my thoughts Joe. Keep your head up!
February 9th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Whore it up Joe… just whore it up man.
Youre in my thooghts my friend… ok not the thoughts of you whoring it up tho
February 10th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Joe, I know I don’t have to tell you this, and it’s cheesy, but to paraphrase Dylan:
Don’t you fucking go gently man. Don’t you fucking do it!
Sending you powerfilled good vibes man.
April 22nd, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Thank You