Update

Well, we were able to celebrate our first holiday at home in over a year with Mothers Day and finally able to attend Kayce's last orchestra concert of the year, both crowning achievements. I know we are only half way through May, but it appears that we will miss a return to Duke this month and prepare for the late June return. Joy's stomach surgeon would like to see her sooner but she remains adamant that she will not return in May. Period. Her stomach pain remains a relative constant with occasional sharp and stabbing pains and she is trying to avoid another surgery if she can with hopes that the pain will disappear. Most likely, the surgeon damaged a nerve which may or may not resolve itself.

Starting last week, Joy has committed herself to doing "something" each day and therefore forcing her get out of the house. It may be as simple as going to the doctor for blood tests, rehab sessions at the hospital, a mid day jaunt to a store or a late lunch. She does not have much stamina but hopefully this exercise will be beneficial. Despite her desire to drive, she has reluctantly agreed to the chauffeured family truckster. Hopefully, there will be a day soon when BOTH of us are confident enough for her to take the wheel on her own.

All in all, she has had several decent days in a row but for whatever reason, today is not one of them. Some of her test numbers have been declining which is indiciative of continued rejection so we hope this does not worsen.