Out-patient life
Over a month ago one of our nurses told us that Sam would become an out-patient. At the time it seemed impossible. We were in the middle of round one, Sam was weak and sick, but it seems we have arrived at out-patient status. This morning marks day 19 of this round of chemotherapy – Sam has made it through the chemo-valley without the need of hospital time (his numbers are starting to recover). What a difference!
It is really weird as it seems we stumbled our way into this out-patient status. With the exception of four nights, when Sam received the chemo-chemicals, he has been out of the hospital for this round. Sam has had clinic appointments twice a week, and at each one we half-expected that he may need to be admitted. We know now that, even with dropping blood levels, if Sam keeps feeling good there was no need to return to the hospital. Living on the hospital campus makes out-patient life feasible as in the event Sam got sick (e.g. due to his chemo-compromised immune) we would simply visit the ER here and follow the oncology patient protocols.
Looking back
The week as been a quiet one. Sam was in the valley where his blood levels were lowest. Yet his time there was dramatically better then last time. His energy levels were low and given that his immune system was at its weakest point he hid out for much of the week. A few highlights from this past week:
Playing cards with Minecraft with Sam
Slurpee-run therapy walks – the local corner store is about six blocks away. Sam is getting closer to walking all of the way there.
A couple outings for Tina and I. Including a bike ride to Kerrisdale.
Looking ahead
The week ahead will include:
Continued recovery from this last round of chemo
Tests to monitor the state of the cancer in Sam’s body – to confirm it is still being reduced and that we can continue without having to adjust the treatment regime.
Concerns and victories
Thankful that it Sam has made it through the second round of chemo as an out-patient.
We are thankful for the Ronald McDonald House, all the generosity supporting it, and all the volunteers serving here. This place makes living through this journey … almost feel like normal life.
Currently, one of our greatest challenges is that we have been away for over two months and it hard to stay connected with home. We miss you. We are thankful that Sam has been able to connect with friends on-line. We are thankful for visits and notes. However, despite these interactions, the nature of this cancer journey can feel isolating – for all of us.
We are thankful that we are getting to know some families here.
We are thankful that Sam has made it through round two!
We are thankful that the treatment is working. There is also concern that it is effective to remove the cancer fully.