Pending…
Gram and Papa visit with Buddy!
It is Monday morning. Much of the province is covered in smoke and many are trying to find places to live. What a challenging time for so many.
Our own challenges continue.
Looking back – the past week
As far as medical procedures, it was a mostly uneventful week… too uneventful. We had the usual clinic check-ins. Sam only needed one transfusion this round (platelets). Friday, Sam was scheduled to have a PET. This scan generates a 3-dimensional image of his body and where the cancer is in it. However, maintenance issues caused this scan to be postponed – hopefully Sam can get in this Wednesday.
The rest of the week was focused on the management of Sam’s side-effects. We have had to be very strict with the scheduling his medications this round. We have seen decent success in managing his nausea and some success in managing his pain. Sam’s energy levels have been low, and his bone ache as his marrow is in full production mode to restore the blood that was destroyed in this last round of chemo.
Looking back – the past weekend
Two great reports from the weekend!
My parents were down and though our visits were fairly short, given Sam’s energy levels, it was great to see them. Of course they brought Buddy and he was a joy to all including numerous other families that stopped to meet him near the Ronald McDonald House entrance.
The community driven Fish for a Wish event was held out at Aleza Lake. It sounds like it was a great day for everyone who attended! The numbers are still be finalized but there is a significant donation to support Sam in this cancer journey. We are amazed and humbled at the support of the community! Thank you!
Upcoming
PET scan should happen this week.
This weeks clinic appointments are significant. The medical team will be meeting to discuss Sam’s case either today or tomorrow morning. From that meeting we expect that recommendations will be made regarding next steps. Specifically, will there be a need for a bone-marrow transplant? If ‘no’ then we will finish the current plan, likely wrapping up the main treatment by the end of October. If ‘yes’, following this treatment plan (near the end of Oct.), Sam will likely start the bone-marrow transplant protocol.
Round 5 is planned to start this coming Friday.
Concerns and victories
I am amazed at our community, their support, and their gifts.
I am amazed the medical tech. that is available to support the decision making here. Sure the PET was delayed but we have access to this and the delay is simply an inconvenience.
We are very appreciative of all the support, notes of encouragement, and other communications. Tina wishes that she had capacity to respond to these. Her on-going health concerns are the major cause of her inability to reply. Please know that your messages to her have been received and are held dear … despite any lack of response on her part.
This round has been a challenge with much stronger side-effects causing pain and nausea. We have adapted and learned how to manage much of it. The pain in particular has been most difficult.
This week, likely tomorrow, we expect that major decisions will be discussed regarding Sam’s future treatment – specifically determining if Sam will need a bone-marrow transplant.
There is always concern that the cancer remains. We long for the day when Sam is clear of this disease.