Thankfulness in this journey
Giving thanks
It is early morning here at BC Children’s hospital and my family is sleeping peacefully. In-hospital is not where we had hoped to be this Thanks Giving, as family in the area were hoping to host us. It would have been great to share a meal, visit with them, and catch up the additional nephews that had flown in. Despite our current situation we still have so much to be thankful for. Top of my mind:
We are here and we have access to an incredible medical team and facility.
We are able to walk this journey as a family. Support from work, family and friends, church, and the local community allows us to be here without having to worry about life and responsibilities back home. Thank you!
The Ronald McDonald House provides us a home away from home.
Sam has been able to connect with friends – especially in the last couple weeks. They talked or talked while playing online games.
Visitors: We have family in the area that come by on a regular basis to support us. We have friends that make extra efforts to some and see us.
Highlights from this past week
- Baseline tests and clinic days
-
As we begin to wrap up round 6 and pivot to bone-marrow transplant there are many medical appointments. This week was full with regular clinic visits plus the addition of baseline tests.
- Thursday Nana and Kevin visit
-
Kevin and I got away – we roamed around downtown and grabbed dinner. It was great to away from the hospital campus for a few hours.
-
Nana visited with Sam and Tina at the Ronald McDonald House. Following the loss of Gord, Mary has moved south where she is surrounded by family and can access Sam. She in a suite attached to Kevin and Shannon’s.
- Friday’s fever
-
It was a normal clinic visit on Friday morning. We had gone in expecting to review blood levels and then return to the RMH. However, Sam spiked a fever. In a normal non-cancer scenario any of us would just sleep it off, but Sam’s immune system is compromised. Antibiotics were started, tests and bacterial cultures were ordered, and plans were made to admit Sam to the ward for this past weekend. We are hoping/expecting to be discharged later today to return to the RMH.
-
Dave and Louise SP, friends of ours working in SE Asia were able to stop by before catching their flight back. Great to catch up with and be encouraged by them.
- Supercars Saturday
-
One of the other parents at the RMH was able to connect with a group of Supercar owners. We thought we might miss-out but the doctor here gave Sam an afternoon pass to take part. We were able to talk with the owners, look at, sit in, and got for some quick rides in these beautiful cars. Makes included Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Mercedes. I think whenever I see one of these cars on the road I will always remember the joy on all the families faces and the hospitality of all the owners.
Upcoming
This week is very full includes:
Clinic check-ins
Tuesday: Bone marrow biopsy and Lumbar puncture – to confirm that cancer continues to not be present in Sam’s bones or central nervous system
Wednesday will start with a consult with a radiation oncologist (doctor specializing in the use of radiation therapy to combat cancer). This will be followed by Resporatory function and hearing tests – to establish baseline metrics before the bone marrow transplant
Friday: PET Scan to determine the current state of Sam’s cancer – though the results will not be available until the following week. \
This will be followed by an ultrasound of Sam’s neck where heavy blood clotting was found associated with the cancer. It is expected that these clots have been reduced.
Victories and concerns
Although we did not want to be in-hospital over this weekend we are glad that Sam’s health is so well guarded by the team here.
We are closing off this first major chapter in Sam’s treatment. With the completion of this last/ sixth round of chemotherapy we will pivot to the bone marrow treatment plan.
That we would have enough strength/stamina, especially for Sam, as we are booked solid preparing for the BMT.
In preparation for the BMT there are numerous items that need to come together:
- We are thankful for a donor who is a match for Sam and that they are willing to undergo the full bone marrow extraction process!
- We are desiring that side effects both immediate and long-term would be limited. Ideally, that there would be no measurable side effects long term.
- The medical team have a huge coordination task ahead of them. All the pieces need to fall into place for the best timing possible.
We are thankful for the support of family and friends. Thank you for your notes of encouragement.
There is always concern as the cancer remains. We long for the day when Sam is clear of this disease.