Day 11

Today was hard, but good, for a lot of reasons. First, it was hard for Katelyn, Karly and me to leave Sam and Debbie behind and head home on Westjet. I've been with Sam for 2 weeks, day and night and today I left him behind. That was hard. Second, Debbie had to take Sam to BCCH by herself for a 2pm appointment. Just before they left, Sam asked, "Do you think we could ask if Grandpa would want to come along?" Debbie phoned and he graciously offered to come. It was a good thing too because Sam was sick the entire way to BCCH and by the time they got there he was too weak to even get out of the car. They had to get a wheelchair to get him into the clinic. They accessed his VAD and got him on IV fluids and Anti-nausea drugs which seemed to help. Grandpa was there to ask the medical questions and to follow along with Sam's treatment and their description of it all.



Today was good because so many people have been praying that Sam would respond well to the treatment and fight back the cancer in his body. Today, Dr. Lucy came in with a big smile and exclaimed, "I've got good news for you guys today. Sam presented with 96% leukemic cancer cells in his bone marrow on his first day at BCCH. Last Friday, after his first week of treatment, the bone marrow biopsy showed only 11% leukemia cells left and excellent blood work of WBC 1.0, Hgb 108, Plt 119 and ANC 0.38. These are excellent results because it means the cancer cells are leaving and the room they've left behind are allowing the healthy cells to start working again. Great news Sam!"



So, keep praying! When the results get below 5%, he is officially into remission. The rest of the treatment over the next three years is meant to make sure every single cancer cell is obliterated forever in his body. This is what we'll pray for during this week and especially on Friday when he gets his next chemo treatment.



I came home to a clean house, a full fridge (including two meals) my yard work all done by my neighbors and our new dog Lucy healthy as can be (thanks uncle walt and ruth!). Thank you all who helped!



I'll be going in to work tomorrow morning. That will be hard, but good too. I dropped by this afternoon and was instantly greeted by such warmth and love from our staff and parents. It was great.



Sam's orthodontists (Elliot/Lo) and their staff sent Sam a huge care package and cards wishing him well. Thank you! It made his day as he waited for the doctors to set up his IV.



Thanks everyone for all you've done for us. We appreciate it so much...



Ger