Day 29 by Sarah Hanson

Today Sam had his 3rd LP and bone marrow biopsy---what a stoic little guy. DR Lucy used a smaller needle today because we all agreed that 5 days of headaches was "5 too many!" The procedure went well and Dr. Bond said the genetics tests came back very positive that his cells were especially receptive to the chemo so he was very happy to pass this on. Sam's blood counts also look good so much to be thabksful for tonite.

This next week is a break from all meds and then back to a more intensive phase.

As Sam came to, he growled 'FOOD, FOOD, FOOD' so it was off to hunt for a Timmy's hot chocolate. Then when he decided he wanted to get up he sat up in bed and let out a maniacal laugh-- Debbie asked what was so funny but he kept laughing -- yes Debbie has a witness because Sam will deny it but he just kept laughing.

Home to make pasta masquerade--the recipe Sam found last night. The prednisone has really given him a focus on food and perhaps a sous chef is born! we had a great time looking up recipes and deciding what would be fun to try including Tia Donna fabulous curry and grandmas corn chowder!

We are praising God that he hasn't had a headache today-- a real answer to prayer. in fact, after a nap this afternoon Sam was determined that we finish an experiment that we started on the board walk last night.

As we went for a walk we noticed several families enjoying fish'n chips . 4 families, 4 tables and each gave us 4 different recommendations so...tonite while Sam saved a prime picnic table the rest of us hurried to 4 different restaurants and ordered. The vegetarians in the corwd will be glad to know that kahuna's fry their fish separate from the chips and make homemade mushy peas--this allowed Tia Donna to participate too.
After much laughter and a feeding frenzy only to be compared to those of our feathered friends (who were eagerly perched nearby), we are pleased to announce the winner is CONEY ISLAND ( freshly battered fish that deb like because she couldn't taste the fish!! and the runner up was MONTGOMERY'S which both Sam and I enjoyed because the batter was nice and crispy and they had the friendliest staff...however MOBY DICK'S got an honorable mention for the largest ketchup container. SAM really enjoyed the contest and was glad to have an accomplice "because my mom would never let me do this if you weren't here!!"

After a much needed brisk walk , we found ourselves at Sara's old fashioned ice cream shop (AGAIN )...Sam and Debbie are getting to be "regulars" here and I sense a new "best of " contest coming on...will have to wait for the girls for this one.

Next up we cruised the beach front strip in the flashy black rental car (DEB SAYS "MAFIA CAR")...BASS BOOMING, SUNROOF AND WINDOWS OPEN, AUNTY'S SINGING WHILE DEB HID IN THE BACK WITH A BLANKET OVER HER AND SAM YELLED ..LOUDER , LOUDER....WHAT A GAS!!

It has been so good to be here to see the way God has perfectly supplied for their needs through this home--the location, the sunny windows ,the ground floor entry (especially when his legs ache on stairs) and the proximity to family -- a total blessing.

It is clear from all the notes /cards/ cookies and care packages just how much they are loved.

good nite to all.
sam sarah and debbie