Our Hero Gives Thanks

Like a king on his throne, Joe enjoyed family, friends and festivities from the recliner at Yiayia and Papa's house. He enjoyed watching his cousin Luke exhibit some of his JoJo like characteristics, running around doing what he could to keep the level of chaos at a level that pleased Joe. Everyone is certain, Joseph will be back to leading the charge at the next Thanksgiving.

With Thanksgiving now in the rear view mirror, Joe and the rest of Team Taylor's focus turns to Christmas and all the things that come with it - which includes Dad turning Casa de Taylor into the Kirkland Branch of the North Pole. (Special thanks to Travis for helping Dad get some of the stuff set up and for playing Xbox with Joe while the job was finished) Santa will fill right at home when his visit comes on the 25th of December.

Friday's treatment set went well. The labs continued to be good as his blood counts were improved due to getting a little rest and having only one chemo treatment last week. A highlight of which was Joe's ANC which shot from 400 (which results in a no visitor lock down) to a robust 4400! If nothing else, it gives Mom good peace of mind and also allows the folks at Purel to restock. Team Taylor tried a new tactic (per the advice of Rod and Carin Moore) and tried feeding Joe at 4am to ease the hunger that comes with the fasting that comes with the sedation day of treatment. The jury is still out on it's effectiveness because "the alarm" as Mom has come to call Joe's protests, were ever present. So that being said, as soon as JoJo came to, it was another sedative clouded stumble down the hall, out the door and to Burgermaster.

Joe continues to be blessed by having great doctors, a new one of which met with the family this week. Dr. Gyer is the head of Hematology and Oncology and everyone found him easy to talk to and very helpful and patient while getting peppered with questions. (We'll see whether the doctors feel as lucky when Mom, fully armed with information, turns up the interrogation spotlight on Dr. Thompson as it pertains to the study and standard treatment on Wednesday.)

Although, JoJo's treatment on Friday left him a bit nauseous and tired he didn't utter a whimper and only let Mom and Yiayia know his stomach was hurting. A bit of Zofran medication and things got a bit better and things got a lot better when big cousin Daniel had our Hero giggling and smiling with his dancing and video game expertise. (Daniel also shared some more expertise on the basketball hoop, helping tutor Holy Family Boys and Girls Club basketball player, Paul Tor Taylor.)

Finally, showing that his power knows know bounds - Joe willed the Cougars to an Apple Cup victory. (ed. note - Joe - please use your power only for good from now on.) The Taylor family was well represented at the game - enjoying it with friends and family.

A few final notes - Joseph has officially begun to taper off the Steroids on Friday. It's all of Team Taylor's desire that this will help to 'deflate' Joe a bit and provide some relief. Joe would like that on multiple levels - both comfort and aesthetics. Upon seeing himself in the mirror today he asked "why are my cheeks so chubby?"

Stay tuned for some more bone marrow and remission rate info mid-week. Keep those prayers and vibes coming!!!