Make Joe Fantastic Again

If you’ve had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Joe Huff you would know he is a kind loving man with a contagious laugh and a “life is good” perspective every single day. Joe would be the first person you could call anytime day or night and he would be there for you to help out.

This is something we never imagined what happened to our father. It’s is an emotional thing to witness, experience, talk about and even to write and share this has been difficult. So far, Joe has been in a full time cancer treatment hospital since February 11, 2020. And will remain there until a minimum of 2 more weeks putting him at over a month inpatient round the clock care. This is justthe diagnosis and beginning of treatment. Before that he was in and out of doctors visits, emergency rooms, hospital stays and testing from head to toe and not to mention out of work because of his health problems. Yes he was still keeping busy and thriving at life before this all began a short while ago! The costs are starting to add up quickly and with any kind of situation like this even doctors are unsure of the future with treatment requirements and success. We are at the point to reach out for help for his medical expenses and all that entails while battling blood cancer. 

Joe has lived an active healthy 74 years of life with no medical conditions or issues whatsoever. He was visiting the family in Washington State for Christmas and was feeling wonderful. When he returned back home to Texas he began not feeling well in many ways. Starting with a rash and fever followed by numerous other painful symptoms. Over a month of tests and frustration along with debilitating symptoms eventually led him to a lymph node biopsy and the word cancer became part of his story.

He was very quiet about what was going on and didn’t want anyone to worry about him. He also hasn’t wanted to talk much about it still. Someday I’m sure he will share his experience with everyone and we will all celebrate his victory over this disease!

Here’s where it got crazy...

On February 11, 2020 the hospital transported him from his small town hospital to a cancer treatment hospital in the bigger city several hours away from his home.

Joes health was declining at lightning speed and the cancer was kicking his butt. With the graciousness of family, friends and others, all four of his children were able to come from Washington State and southeastern Texas to be by his side when he was fading fast.

We are so thankful our dad has had the love and dedication by his side from the very beginning of all of this. We appreciate everyone who loves our father unconditionally!!

After more and more tests, scans, bloodwork and another lymph node biopsy they were able to determine the exact diagnosis of

STAGE 4 AITL NON-HODGKINS LYMPHOMA monoclonal antibodies.

Here is the link to the rare disease website for resources and information about this type of cancer. 
AITL Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 

With this diagnosis they were confident with their selection of CHOP chemotherapy and after a dialysis treatment they were safe to start his first cycle on February 21st.

He doesn’t remember anything over the two weeks from his hospital transfer and is just starting to understand what is going on and is still staying as positive as Joe Huff can be. I don’t know anyone else who would be this way while facing this situation.

During this time he has had 60 pounds of fluid retention, severe cognitive complications, speech and swallow issues, weakness and coordination issues, speech and swallow tests and was put on a feeding tube and a strict no liquid no solids diet, 2 bone marrow tests, 2 lymph node biopsies, multiple breathing treatments, constant oxygen, multiple dialysis treatments, pet scans, CT scans, physical therapy, given blood multiple times, there were a couple days he didn’t open his eyes or respond to almost anything. That was the scariest time for us not knowing if his kidneys would shut down completely or if he would get pneumonia or if the fluid retention around his lungs or heart would cause him to lose his life. Thanks to our awesome God and the amazing angels on his medical team for the patience, knowledge and care they are giving our father and saving his life.

After multiple dialysis treatments his kidneys are starting to function better but it is still a watch, wait and treat on a daily basis. His body is handling the chemo well and he will remain at the hospital under close observation for a minimum of two more weeks to see if the chemo is doing its job. At that time they will perform another pet scan and whatever testing they need to do and then he will receive a second cycle of chemotherapy. While things change every day and every baby step is celebrated, the difficult reality is this is going to be a long and treacherous journey. We will stay by his side in his current residence at the hospital for the foreseeable future.

His family will be back and forth from out of state and out of the area so he will always have a loved one by his side during this fight.

Any and every little bit helps with managing the extraordinary costs from medical treatment and all that our family is incurring....and the battle has only just begun.

His grandchildren and first great-grandchild due in June along with his children, family and friends love him very much so please help make our daddy feel FANtastic! again!

Joes only request has been prayers! Keep praying! Prayers from anyone and everyone. God is sooo good!

And he really loves his music, that is the number one thing that’s kept him distracted while he is laying in his hospital bed. He wants to do whatever it takes to “get this show on the road!” and get moving again he is really bored being stuck in bed. And we all know Joe doesn’t like to be bored!!

The only thing we can do for him right now is show our love and support and be patient. And pray!

We sincerely thank all of y’all for your care, concern and continued support and keep those prayers coming! THANK YOU! 

❤️Life is FANTASTIC!!!❤️

more information on AITL Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 

https://lymphoma.org/aboutlymphoma/nhl/aitl/ 

for other correspondence please email [email redacted] 

#toughhuff