Josh Holbrook

The journey began on 2/14/17 when a mass was found through an endoscopy procedure.  The mass was determined to be malignant on 2/16/17 and a full body CT scan was conducted on 2/17/17; no evidence of cancer in any other area of the body; an ultrasound CT scan was performed on 2/22/17 resulting in a diagnosis of stage 3 gastroesophageal cancer. A PET scan conducted on 2/24/17, again resulted in no cancer in any other area.  Met with Dr. Gusani (thoracic surgeon) on 2/24, and he scheduled a laporascopy for 2/28; the laporascopy revealed no small cells in the wash of the peritoneal wall lining of the stomach and a port for chemo was implanted in the top right chest area at this time.  The first chemo infusion was conducted on 3/6/17.  The initial infusion was done over a period of 6 hours and then continued for the next 5 days (thru 3/11) via a line and a pump attached to the port. Josh was able to work from home some during those 5 days.  Fortunately, there was minimal reaction to the chemo in that he developed sores in his mouth towards the end of the treatment and into the following week.  As of this date (3/24) he has been going to work and feeling okay.  The next infusion is scheduled for 4/3/17 with the same agenda - infusion over the course of 6 hours and then a chemo pump for the following five days. Once that is completed there will be another scan to determine the status of the tumor.  A meeting with the surgeon(s) has been scheduled for June 2, 2017.    
In retrospect, it's so hard to believe that all of this has happened in a little over 5 weeks.  The timeline only provides the facts.  In the midst of these appointments, tests, surgery and discussions with the doctors were indescribable emotions and devastation.  As Joshua's Mom,  I will forever look at my life as before Joshua's cancer and after Joshua's cancer.  We all have been on a roller coaster ride and are so grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers.  There are blessings in the midst of such trials and my blessings have been the strength and positive determination of Joshua and Eileen and the love and support of family, friends and co-workers.   We also are so grateful that there appears to be no other cancer lurking in any other area.  We give thanks to our Lord for His faithfulness and pray that He will continue to say "I've Got This."