Sam Conquered A.L.L.: July 1, 2008

Happy Canada Day,

Ger arrived yesterday and Sam and I were a happy pair. Sam had been asking all morning, "When is Dad going to be here? Where do you think he is now? Can I call him and find out where he is? He needs to stop and gas up in Abbotsford because its 10 cents cheaper there, can I call him and tell him that? What time do you think he'll come?" He was psyched to see and be with his dad again.

Sam has had more energy since chemo stopped on Saturday. He's eaten more and slept less. Ger brought our bikes along so Sam and I went for a short ride through the woods behind Grandma and Grandpa's house. He winded very quickly and has little stamina. Hopefully on his non-chemo days or his good days we can go on short rides and build his strength. It was another taste of summer. He was thrilled to see our newly adopted dog, Lucy again! She cheers us all up with her presence. Sam enjoyed cuddling her and walking her today. She has to stay with the grandparents for a few days, as there is a no pet rule for this condo. When we move to the Elliott's home on Saturday, for the rest of the summer, she can stay with us. Yeah!

Sam is back at the hospital tomorrow for another spinal tap and IV chemo. It will take about 4 hours in all. Then we have to return on Thursday, Friday and Saturday again...another tough week.

Ger brought a few more things for Sam from Prince George and there was a big comfy surprise! The Wessner girls from church and school, Ashley and Emily, along with their mom and Grandma, made a flannel BASKETBALL quilt. Sam was thrilled with their choice of material and will be a warm reminder of when he can play his favorite sport again. Thanks for all the time, work, prayers and love that went into stitching such a special and practical keepsake. He'll have to wait to use it until it cools off again as we have been enjoying very warm weather. Hope you have too.

We had to leave the apartment for 20 minutes because we heard the fireworks booming away and drove down a few blocks to get a great view. What a great way to end our first day of mom, dad and Sam being together. We look forward to Kate and Karly arriving on the weekend!

Goodnight, 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.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...: Hi Gerry, Debbie and Sam:
I am at school today to finish (sort of) some things. I was so thrilled to read the blog and know that Gerry, you are now reunited with Debbie and Sam. Oh Oh! here come the tears! Sam we are praying constantly that infection stays way from your body. Have fun with your Dad and Mom. We love you!!
Congratulations on a great report card too!!
Gerry and Debbie, may God continue to be your strength and comfort and may he bless your time together.
Love Vicki and Doug; July 2, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Anonymous said...: Hey Sam!
I am soooo happy that school is over. Hopefully I will get to see you and your family again.
From
??????????; July 2, 2008 at 1:29 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi to the Goertzen family, I was pleasantly surprised to find your blog today as we are in Houston Texas on vacation (I have it book marked at home for easy access). I had to spend some time reading your blog to find out how Sam was doing. I am happy to hear you are all together. I can only imagine what it is like for all of you apart and caring for a sick child as one parent. God Bless you all. We pray for your family and Sam's health every day. Brett loves to say a little prayer for him. By the way the weather is great, took the kids to the beach at Gavelston and to the water slides there. I burned - 94 degrees or hotter. No shark sightings whew.
love Monica Mike Alexis Brett and Erika; July 2, 2008 at 3:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Gerry, Debbie and Sam,
How wonderful to be united again! What a great Canada day! After a year of hearing fireworks constantly (they set them off in buildings to ward off evil spirits), us Canadians finally made our own noise pollution. Our principal had to barter quite hard, but he got a huge box, the size of a suitcase. I think the man thought we had never seen fireworks before because he gave specific instructions to make sure we light it when it was dark. Sheesh. However, it was amazing, much like the Symphony of Fire display in English Bay! I am looking foward to reuniting with my family soon too and am back in Canada on Tuesday. I pray that Karly and Kate will have a safe journey and that Sam, you will continue to be infection free!
Love,
Becky Vandenberg; July 2, 2008 at 7:01 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Sam,
This is a short note to let you know that my wife and I with our 6 children are praying for you and your family. I am a Captain for the SALTS society and have just returned from a long voyage. I hope to have the chance to sail with you and your dad in the future. We will be thinking of you often.
In His name,
Tony Anderson and Family.; July 3, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Sam,

Just wanted to say hi and let you know that you're in our daily thoughts and prayers. We're happy that your family will be together for the summer!
Today we're getting a Great Dane puppy! He's all black, and his name is Lex! Our tortoise, Frodo, is doing very well too - he particularly enjoys eating avocado!
We hope you have a great day today, Sam.

Love,

Mrs. Avery

From Mr. Avery: "Hi Sam! I hope you're having a good day today. My critters are all doing well, and I look forward to showing you the updates to my collection when you're back in PG. Take care, Sam!"; July 3, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Goertzens,

Glad to hear you are together again. We are happy the blanket brought a smile to your faces. We had fun making it and no little fingers were injured in the process!! Whew!
You continue to be in our prayers.

Well, next week we are out to Ness Lake to speak at Junior #1 and then to Colorado (by car) to see my sister and brother and their families. It should be a good time. The girls are looking forward to going to Waterworld (one of the world's top water parks, according to unplugged magazine).
Hang in there Sam. We are all cheering (and praying) for you up here.
Love The Wessners; July 3, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Kyle Alleman said...: Hi Goertzens
If you need something done up here let me know, and hope to stop by and say hi on my way either to are from my SALTs trip this summer. We are praying for you constantly. Sam, I can not believe how strong and brave you are! Your faith really does show! Remember that no matter what happens, there are people backing you up.
Kyle; July 4, 2008 at 7:20 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey sam i hoped you enjoyed the cookie pizza ya better hide it our it ill be gone right away lol. so another school year approaching hard to believe im gonna go gr. 6 my bro. in gr. ten pretty soon i'll be catching a ride with him to school the music loud windows down whew!! its awesome that the new medicine isn't makin ya as sick! summer is fun but I'm kinda bored of just playing by myself SAM I MISS YOU So SO SO SO SO MUCH:{ so I'm so hyped for the last week of august I'm going down to kelowna and one day we are gonna go to Atlantis Watersides it has so many wt-slides well i'll write later hey sam do ya think you could phone me heres my # {250} 563 -1900

Phone me if ya cn miss ya catiezors!; July 5, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Anonymous said...: Hello Goertzens,
Just want to let you know that we are keeping you in our prayers daily. Keep leaning on God and remember Jer. 29:11. We're only about an hour away if you need some company!
Ingrid,Kirsten,Liam, and Josiah K; July 5, 2008 at 7:32 PM