Sam Conquered A.L.L.: September 23

September 23

The first day of interim maintenance starts the clock for the end of Sam's treatment for Leukemia. This means that 3 years from last Wednesday will be the end of this fight with A.L.L. if all goes well. September 17, 2011 - it seems like a long way off.

Last night we went for a walk and just as we got to the driveway, Sam noticed the scooter lying on the driveway, picked it up, got on, took one push and watched the front tire go into a crack in our driveway and fell down. His arm was so sore last night that we will probably have to take him to the hospital today for an x-ray. We will see how he feels today.

Debbie will look after our neice's children today so that Jana can go to her Gramma's funeral in Vanderhoof. Mel's Mom went to heaven last Friday night and today they celebrate the life and memories she left behind. It will be a hard day for all their family.

Gotta run to work. Thanks for all the prayers, and thoughts and practical support. - Ger

4 comments:

Heather said...: Hello Goertzen tribe- much love to you all from Cam, Heather, Chantel & Elizabeth & Chyenne. And Kohl!
We pray every day that Sam's healing will continue, through medical treatment and God's grace.
Your blog has been wonderful for keeping us posted, so that we can pray for you specifically and so that we can share your victories and needs with others who also pray.
Thank you for sharing your journey so openly and honestly.
Lately, it seems as though there are several people in the various spheres we inhabit - church, school, family friends, who are walking the same cancer highway as your family is right now. Not all of these friends are Christians, but I am sending them the link to your blog (along with a personal note) because your faith story gives glory to God no matter what chapter you're currently writing. You are living proof of God's grace, mercy and very personal and practical care.
I've wished a hundred times I could just hop in the van and come visit and lend a hand or give you a hug or go for a good long walk with our dogs, but sadly, we are not able to do that right now.
So thank you for sharing so humbly and transparently, because God is using your story for good.
Love from Cam & Heather and the rest of the Traublets.
P.S. you would be delighted with how Kohl is turning out - he's fun, friendly and much calmer. I believe he has won Cam's heart.; September 25, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Anonymous said...: Dear Gerald and Debbie and family,

We learned about your blog through some friends and have had your family in our prayers. Reviewing your blog today, I was struck by all the happy pictures of fun activities on the beach, in the boat, etc. this summer.

As someone who has lived 30 years with a cancer survivor - Heinz got Hodgkins when he was 29 years old and we were expecting our first child (daughter Anna) - I know firsthand how precious those moments of family fun and laughter are in the midst of all the tension, stress, and suffering associated with treatments and waiting for test results. Those moments of laughter and play with family and friends have a redeeming quality when the life seems to be imploding around you. I will pray for many more moments like those for you and yours, along with our prayers for healing for Sam.

YOu are often in my thoughts. With love and prayers, your cousin, Lois Klassen (Yarrow); September 27, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Anonymous said...: hi Sam What"s up?Hope your feelin good!
?...; September 27, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Anonymous said...: Ssm, Great seeing you at school! God is doing amazing stuff in your life!

Kyla; September 27, 2008 at 9:35 PM

Raining

The flower with all the petals and leaves on it is the healthy flower. It has a sad face because it is raining. The wilted, bald flower is the cancerous flower. It may be a little wilted and have no petals or leaves but it is happy to be alive even if it is raining. The healthy flower doesn't know how lucky it is to be alive and have all its petals. All it's worried about is the rain. This is true in real life as well. When I was getting my chemo in the hospital I would listen to what people were complaining about and I would think "If that's all you have to worry about then you are doing pretty well." People would act like it were the end of the world if the fan was blowing too hard on them or if they would get home in time for dinner but I was worrying about whether I would get better or would I die?
Melinda, age 13

Consolidation "Summer"

Day 1: (June 25) - LP- IT Methotrexate, IV - AraC, Mercaptopurine, Septra
Day 2-4: IV Ara-C, Mercaptopurine
Day 5-7: PO - Mercaptopurine
Day 8: LP- IT Methotrexate, IV - AraC, Mercaptopurine, Septra
Day 9-11: IV Ara-C, Mercaptopurine
Day 12 - 14: Mercaptopurine
Day 15: LP- IT Methotrexate, IM - PEG-Asparaginase, IV - Vincristine, Septra
Day 22: LP- IT Methotrexate, IV - Vincristine, Septra
Day 29 - 60: Repeat Day 1-29 except without the IT Methotrexate
Day 61: Recover and Wait for Counts to Improve to start Interim Maintenance Stage - Probably 1 week, maybe 2

Prayer

We have all enjoyed having a yard. We have played many games of croquet with friends and family.
We are really enjoying our second "home " here in Vancouver. It is close to the hospital, lots of trails to walk, run, and bike in, and just a few minutes from the beach.
We are thankful for the exceptional people we are surrounded with who are supporting us in prayer and in so many practical ways...you have blessed us tremendously.
Pray that Sam will not get an allergic reaction to the Asparaginase injections on August 13.