Sam Conquered A.L.L.: October 28, 2008

October 28, 2008

Sam had his blood work done after school yesterday. His counts were definitely lower, but good enough for him to have his chemo treatment this morning. This means he will have officially completed the "Interim Maintenance Phase" of his protocol. Yeah, another 56 days done! He has had strength, stamina, energy, and relatively few miserable days during these past two months...that is God answering our prayers...thank you for talking to God about Sam and his health! Sam did not need any blood or platelet transfusions these past two months, which is a first as well. It's so encouraging to us when people remind us that they are praying for Sam and keeping up with his progress...we appreciate it so very much.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...: Dear Debbie and family:
Just to let you know we pray for you on a regular basis, and it is so neat to see that God is answering prayers for His children.
May you continue to be encouraged and healed, Sam.
Too bad you couldn't be at A. Lil's memorial service. It was amazing to see what one woman can do who is totally sold out to God. It was wonderful to meet lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, and A. Lil's two daughters as well. Had never met them before, only knew about them.
Take care, and we will continue to pray.
Love, Jeanne and Jake; October 28, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Unknown said...: It's great and very encouraging to hear that Sam did so well during Interim Maintenance! Praise God!!!; October 28, 2008 at 2:35 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.