In some respects Josh's condition is getting better: his leg is steadily improving, his sores are not bothering him, and he is more active than he was on the first weekend of this month, which was a bit of a low point for him. And this photo, taken on Saturday, shows that his hair has finally recovered from the effects of the chemo.
At the same time, however, his lymph nodes are very obviously continuing to enlarge, and the ones in his neck over the past couple of days have started making it more of an effort to speak clearly. While the resulting pain is manageable with the pain killers he has been using (only at night), the pressure from the nodes makes it very difficult to find a comfortable position, awake or asleep. He has managed the feat of sleeping sitting up, sometimes with pillows on his lap to support his head. He also has a sore in his throat that sometimes makes it painful to eat, and he is getting thinner despite a supply of liquid nutrients.
Josh, I'm happy to hear that the sores and your leg have improved. That's good news.
Hang in there and try to focus on the love that's being sent to you. So many people are thinking of you and praying for you. You are still making a difference in the lives of others even if you can't tell right now! Bask in the love of others and let your body fight its fight.
Your hair looks great by the way!!
lots of love,
Erica
Posted by: Erica Tsujita | 12 May 2009 at 01:33 AM
Josh - you look amazing! Wow. I am so happy to see a picture of you! Your hair looks great too, although you looked pretty awesome without hair too! I am glad you are starting to feel better as well. I hope you can find a way to sleep more comfortably than sitting up. Take it easy!
Love Tanya
Posted by: Tanya | 12 May 2009 at 01:51 AM
Hi Josh,
Lucian, Gabriel and I are so happy to see how good you are looking, and to know that those sores have improved. You are an incredible guy and we all love and miss you so much. Please know that although we are far away you are always in our thoughts.
Lots of love to you, your mom and dad
Caryl, Lucian and Gabriel
xxx
Posted by: Caryl Blomkamp | 12 May 2009 at 12:14 PM
Good to hear that in some respects you are on the mend! Really hoping to see you at band practise this Friday(no pressure though).
Been telling as many people about you and the benefit concert as possible.Really hoping that we'll together on stage on the 23rd....
Love and thoughts
Gabriel
Posted by: Gabriel Hope | 12 May 2009 at 06:43 PM