Sam Conquered A.L.L.: November 25, 2008

How things can change in one treatment day. Sam began his "Delayed Intensification" phase last Friday at Children's Hospital in Vancouver. The adverse effects began the next day and have progressed daily since then. He feels, and I quote "yucky!" He's tired, weak, restless, chilled during the day and experiencing night sweats, his muscles and joints are achy, he has trouble staying asleep, and his moods have really changed. Basically he feels lousy. He went to school on Monday, but within an hour and a half he couldn't cope. He spends most of the time moving from his bed to the couches with blankets and pillows in tow. After feeling so well the past two months, this dramatic change has been hard on Sam, Ger and myself. It's hard to see him feeling poorly and we feel so helpless. I don't have to worry about him not eating as one of the new drugs increases his appetite! Fortunately it's not as crazy as the prendisone steroid he had during induction.

Tomorrow we go to the hospital for blood work to check his blood counts. On Thursday Sam will be in the hospital all day having more chemo and the three muscular shots in his legs.

We are enjoying the Christmas decorations and lights and the music that celebrates Jesus' arrival. We are looking forward to watching some of our favorite Christmas movies and doing some of our usual traditions. I hope to get the tree up soon and begin baking some of the kids favorite Christmas cookies. We are happy to be staying home for the holidays and focusing on making this a special Christmas for Sam. We know he has a tough 8 weeks ahead, but we are taking one day at a time. Once he finishes this phase, the worst part of his treatments will be over...the end is in sight. We are definitely marking each day off on his checklist!

We continue to rely on God to help Sam endure, thanking Him constantly for what He daily provides for us all, and moving forward in His strength, love and hope! Thanks for your continued prayers and intercession!

Time to sleep, me thinks!
Sweet dreams, Debbie

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.