October 30, 2008

Sam had a long day in the hospital on Tuesday. For the first time he had anticipatory sickness and we were a few minutes late getting to the hospital, but everyone was more than sympathetic. Rob, one of the hospital pharmacists, who also goes to our church, came by to check in with us. He orders and mixes Sam's doses for chemo. Sam was given the maximum dose of methotrexate, which is rarely done because either the child's body can't tolerate it or their counts are too low. Another miracle from God. We had to stay longer than planned because Sam started reacting to the chemo, so Christine slowed it down and that helped.

Our nurse Christine is a wonderful and a gifted story teller...she keeps us entertained with "life on a farm" stories! Sandra, the child life specialist, helps the day go by faster by providing things for Sam to do in the room. It distracts him when he's playing on the WII, watching a movie or cable t.v. (a treat because we have no reception or cable at home), or putting together models or lego. He studied and I quizzed him for the science test he had to write the next day. After 6 hours he was done, we headed home and he went straight to bed. We have found that if we give the anti naseau medication to him every 8 hours around the clock, for 3-4 days after chemo treatments, he does much better.

Last night our friends, who live a few doors down, couldn't use some tickets they had been given to the Cougars hockey game, so they asked us if we would like to go. Karly had plans, Ger was out of town, so the rest of us went with some friends and we had a GREAT time! Sometimes those spontaneous, very last minute things seem to be just what's needed! A very timely, unexpected treat!

Sam now has a few weeks to let his body recuperate and build his blood counts. He's still attending school, practicing and playing games with his volleyball team, and plans to go trick or treating with his buddy Landon. He is a walking miracle boy! We have much to be thankful for as this is very atypical for this part of a child's protocol. God has been so very gracious and merciful!

Blessings,

Debbie