Day 16

Ps 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
(NIV)

That is how I feel about the answered prayers and events of yesterday.



Sam had to go without food from midnight on the previous evening because he had a bone marrow biopsy. I woke him up at 5:45 am to take his meds and anti-naseau pills with water and that was the last sip of liquid he could take until his biopsy. Needless to say he was very hungry all morning, dreaming of what he wanted to eat as soon as his procedure was finished. No food and the anticipation of the day left him feeling very weak, quiet, and nervous. Also, because he is one of the older kids in cancer land (Heather Bailey had previously named the Oncology department this and you'd have to see the place yourself to believe it), he has to wait for all the babies, toddlers, and younger patients than him to receive their biopsies first. The youngest have priority, which we completely understand, because they can't eat or drink either. Usually the only cries you hear in the rooms are younger children's hunger cries.



Sam had his biopsy around noon, which went well, Ger watched the whole thing for the first time. Ger was surprised at how big the needles were, how hard they had to push and turn to get it into the hip bone, and how much of a piece of bone marrow they actually take out. Dr. Lucy is amazing though, and Sam definitely couldn't be in better hands! Afterward, Sam had something to eat and drink (he was even moaning in his half-sleep, "Food, I need food..."), met with both of our oncology doctors, and later his chemo was given.



Here's what we rejoiced over:



-Ger and K8 arrivied safely, and we are SO glad that they came!

-no vomiting the entire day or night for Sam!

-Sam and I slept well both nights

-Sam had a headache free day, the first one in 6 days

-he was able to sit up much of the day due to the headaches being gone

-we went to White Rock Beach and he rested on a blanket and took in the sights and sounds of the beach...our first "normal" outing we have had since our arrival. Thank you Dr. Bond for your gentle reminders and encouragement to do these kind of things.

-Grandma and Grandpa came for dinner to celebrate his good day

-Dr. Bond said Sam is responding better than the average child and is a little ahead of the game!

-Sam's most mobile day

-he had energy to converse more today

-Sam and I had a very precious time last night as we were getting ready to sleep...things we shared that I will treasure forever

-tons of cards and letters this past week from many of the classes and individual students

-kindergarten moms spoiling and loving me, thank you :)

-specific and detailed answers to our prayers

-peoples' overwhelming interst in sharing in our lives, your generosity at so many levels, and your support and encouragement...I just cannot adequately express how I feel (this is where I need my storytellers and writers, Dennis and Heather T.) about your responses and compassion. Thank you for volunteering to be an active participant on our Team!

The sun is shining, not a cloud in the sky. Another day to be thankful that God made this day for us to rejoice in...

Debbie