A weekend pass, friends, and a date!
Today is day 44 in hospital. Aside from one afternoon weeks ago Sam has not left these halls – it is time to have a change of scenery. Expectations are that this will happen over this weekend! As I write this my family is sleeping and I am only listening to the sound of a single pump pushing supplemental food into Sam’s body. No other lines are attached to him and no alarms were ringing through the night!
Reflections on May 31
Yesterday the medical team started preparing to have us leave for a few days! We will be out in the small gap of time between chemotherapy rounds. All of Sam’s medications were converted to oral and I was trained up on how to use the food pump which the team wants to keep going. We are excited to have a change of scenery, to get Sam out, and for all three of us to have comfortable beds (we will be staying at the RMH – Ronald McDonald House). Honestly, we also have a little anxiety to make this change and leave the safety of these four wall. But bring it on – let’s get out for a few days!
Aria and family were able to visit again. Aria and Tina hit up a local gluten free bakery. Sam was able to have a short visit with David and Lucas H. and a little longer with David. We are thankful for their friendship.
In the evening Tina and I attended a concert! For several years Tina was been dreaming of attending a For King and Country concert and we were able to get tickets. Tina loved it! She also loved huge hugs from Carlene and Kendra S., and Kim P. who happened to be sitting fairly close by!
Concerns and victories
Thankful for the upcoming opportunity to get out for a few days. Round 3 of chemo will likely start next Tuesday. There will be adjustments as we take on a new routine.
Thankful for the chance to visit with friends.
Thankful for date nights!
Thankful to see Sam’s blood counts returning to normal including the numbers indicating the strengthening of hi immune system.
Challenges of side-effects continue. Sam, although have a return of energy, is becoming physically exhausted. This whole regime, and being bed-bound for a full week, has led to parts of his system being bound – constipation is significant issue. It will pass but likely not without pain. GI sores from the chemotherapy also complicate this.
Concern, a recent scan flagged a the potential for a problematic kidney stone.
Upcoming, this Friday June 2, Sam is books for a PET scans. The purpose of this scan is to determine the current state of the cancer. We look forward to knowing the results. We are excited that previous scans suggest significant reductions in the cancer, and that this scan should confirm that. As always, we will remain concerned about any cancer in his system.