December 16, 2008

We are thankful, that for the past two days, Sam has been doing much better. His physical pain and discomfort has abated, he is happier, more energetic, and in good spirits. I got all teary yesterday when I heard him laughing so much...it has been awhile since we've heard his laughter and contagious giggles.

Since the first week of Sam's diagnosis (6 months and one day to this date), his doctor and nurses have been telling him on a regular basis that, "This is the week you can expect your hair to fall out." It's become somewhat of a joke with us because he had lost some of it, but not all as was predicted...well until Saturday of this past weekend, that is. Sam was running his fingers through his hair and noticed that there was a lot of hair in his hand. We both did it a few more times and had the same results. That night he very willingly let me shave his hair very short so he wouldn't find it everywhere. It has steadily been coming out since then and we are finding it everywhere.

Sam's looks are very altered. He has little hair and what little is left is very short. His face and torso are very puffy from the steroid he has had to take. He has about 6 weeks left until he reaches the maintenance stage. It is a milestone we have been looking forward to since the beginning of his diagnosis. We know that we have one big push left. The doctors say that Maintenance is a much easier stage than what we've experienced in the first 4 stages. Maintenance is an 84 day cycle of chemotherapy with Spinal Injections every 29 days. He will go through that 84 day cycle, twelve times - for three years. Girls get it a little easier; they only have to endure 2 years of Maintenance. Sam will finish his chemotherapy treatment on September 17, 2011.

One day at a time...

Merry Christmas.

Debbie