Sam Conquered A.L.L.: Day 31

Happy Father's Day to all the Male Bloggers, (from SUNNY White Rock!)

Having just spent time with my heavenly Daddy, I am reflecting the significance of this day. Twenty one years ago, this summer, I made one of the most important decisions of my life, to marry Ger. As I look back on our life journey together as a couple and a family, I am awestruck that God brought him into my life. There are so many things he shares with me and our kids: godly characteristics, sense of humor and silliness, fun loving adventurous spirit, gifts of teaching, friendship, encouragement, honesty, loyalty, and generosity. I could go on and on but let is suffice to say, we have been truly blessed by Ger as a husband and father.

We've certainly encountered our share of speed bumps in our journey together, but this has definitely been our biggest one. We are truly grateful to know and sense everyday that we do not go through life alone. We are following our Perfect Papa and "We depend on the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice for we are trusting in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surrounds us Lord, for our hope is in you alone." (Psalm 33:20-22) When I woke up this morning and checked the blog, two of Sam's friends left powerful scripture to begin my day with. Thanks Catie and Alannah, you have been faithful bloggers and we appreciate your prayers and care for us, along with the rest of you who continue to encourage us with your comments and prayers.

Today will be spent with my Dad and sister Donna, Sam and I as we celebrate Father's Day. Kate and Ger will be completing their last few paddling hours,then packing up and heading home to PG. Karly have a great morning at church and you are so lucky to get the stories first! Hey, why don't you guys skype Sam and me and then we can hear all about your trip together!

Sam's tired, achy, and not eating as much. I suspect, that he'll be resting most of the day like yesterday. All of you enjoy this special day and cherish your time being together.

Happy Father's Day Ger...We love you muchly, your Sam and 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.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...: Hi Sam,

Not good to hear that your all achey and not eating as much but, God is with you and if you ever feel alone or sad God will be listening. Next Sunday will be the first time to church since Ive been to Cedars. Hope you feel better

Kyla Brenton and Michaela Potts; June 15, 2008 at 9:12 AM
Anonymous said...: hi sam

It is alannah again i want to say hello and ask. How are you?
today is fathers day and we made duck tape walets in class and we made t-shirt cards it was so much fun but if you were there it would be more fun. I made a duck tape walet for you sam and i am going to send it down to you. on the front it says g for goertzen because i could not make an s for sam
it is not as much fun without you here i really miss you alot an dpray for you when i am in bed i keeep the cross stone in a case. Were do you put yours? i will keep it forever and keep it safe have a great day

BYE
FROM YOUR FRIEND ALANNAH; June 15, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Anonymous said...: Well Sam I am down to the last 2 days of having to use shampoo and getting a little nervous. I went out and bought 2 bandanas to wear. I am wondering if I should have bought a toque. It is raining and cold here. I am sorry that you are achy, I hope that it will pass soon. Praying for a better day for you tomorrow. Love to you and your mom. Mrs. King; June 15, 2008 at 4:07 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Sam
Thats too bad that you feel icky it will be over soon. Haha I am going 6to laugh my head off when Kayla eby gets her head shaved for cancer fundraising. She probabley already told you all about that. She isn't even scared! She told me that she is kind of scard but really happy that she can do this for your family. i am not shaving my head but i am cutting off 9 inches and givingit to locks of love. Well Sam i will keep you in my prayers:)

Liz; June 15, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi sam it's catie youre neighbor buddy. today i went to josiahs and played soccor and we got bored after a while he asked me so what ya wanna do? and i replied i want ot play with sam. Every time i look at youre house i feellike i'm going to cry. I cant wait to talk toya again you call me this time{563-1900} i cannot wait!!!! Tomorrow is report card writing day and i'm going to shop whoot if you were here i'd be playing with you ALL DAY!!! this summer not going to be as fun as last summer because i wont have ya to play with but i try to find something else to do but believe me it''s not easy. it was rainy here today and then the sun came out yay! well i loook forward to have another chat with ya!
bye for now cheers,
Catie!!!!!!!!

p.s heres a joke: what do ya get when you cross a poodle and a chicken?

pooched eggs {LOL}:}

CATIE GAIRNS; June 15, 2008 at 6:47 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey sam good to see your not eating as much thats all i wanted to say.
from your buddy lane.; June 16, 2008 at 7:32 PM