Sam is back on treatment and we have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand it was great for Sam to get a few weeks "off" and be normal, but at the same time we know that this time off delays the inevitable. I think he and I were and subconscioiusly dreading being back on the treatment schedule...its hard on him and difficult for me to see him going through it all again.
Yesterday, Wednesday the 17th Sam was back at Children's hospital. Sam had another LP and 2 chemo treatments administered. This lumbar puncture did not go as well as the others have in the past. Dr. Lucy was not there and she was sorely missed. Sam had more pain than usual during the procedure and he did not fall asleep like he always has before. It was obvious to me and my sister that he felt the needles going in and that he was very uncomfortable during the procedure. He was sore afterwards and the pain increased steadily throughout the evening. We iced it and after calling the oncologist on call at the hospital, I was allowed to give him one dose of tylenol. Today when we went in for more chemo, I told them what he had experienced, and they checked him over throughly. I did enquire whether Dr. Lucy would be back in time for our next LP in October and they assured me she would be. You can't beat 19 years of experience!
We saw Phil, Ger's brother and his son at the hospital. Andrew was there for his yearly check up. We were able to have a short visit and lunch together. My sister came to visit both in the morning at the hospital, and later in the evening where we were graciously being hosted by the Elliott family. Today Ger's parents and sister came for a quick hi and we exchanged forgotten items from the summer. We look forward to heading home tomorrow. Next week Sam will continue his protocol at the Prince George Hospital.
A highlight was meeting Evelyn, who left me a comment several weeks ago on Sam's blog. She found our blog on one of the oncology computer's favorites list and read about our journey. Her son was diagnosed with A.L.L. on June 30th and they have gone through the same thing we have. Unfortunately we didn't get to talk long, but it was great to meet in person. It is amazing to see how God connected us and how we can be encouraged with each other's experiences through our blogs. I always treasure my talks with Cecilia a christian nurse at the clinic, who takes a genuine interest in Sam and me. I love how we can connect to other believers and share so much in common because of who God is and what he has done for us! It always brightens our treatment days to visit with family and friends.
Sam has been really tired today, had several naps and went to bed early. He'll have time to rest this weekend, get caught up on some homework and hopefully be back at school on Monday. His doctor said he could continue on with school until the flu season begins. After that we'll be homeschooling it! Yikes, I never thought I'd have to do that with any of my kids. I wonder if we'll survive each other?
Well I'm tired too...I find I'm always really spent after being at the hospital for any length of time. Why is that? Good night and sweet dreams...Debbie
2 comments:
Hi Debbie and Sam,
It was a pleasure meeting you in person! It was a highlight for our clinic visit, too! Wish we could talk and share more. :)
God bless,
Evelyn
Hey Sam!(and family:)) I'm sorry your treatments hurt more than usual, pain is never fun, but it blows me away how brave you are! I had a hard enough time with the gr. 6 shots 2 years ago, and here you are, constantly getting poked, and you just keep on going. I thank Jesus for the strength he is giving you, I know lots of people are praying for you. I'm glad you get to go to school for a bit, it must be so nice to get to see and hang out with your friends, when you had to leave them so abrubtly in May. Well, keep going and I'll keep praying.
Kayla
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