November 10, 2010
Update on Sam
Hi, this is Sam’s other half writing on his behalf. Sam has started the chemo treatments and finished cycle one of the 3-day IV infusion of the chemo treatment. As if the side effects of the chemo wasn’t enough, he had to go and get a very bad sinus infection on top of everything else. Way to go, Sam!
He did the 3 day cycle on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of October, just 5 days after getting home from his bike ride. He only wishes he could have visited with you all longer than what he was able to. This is by far, one trip that he will never forget. He talks about all of you who he finally got to meet and always has a twinkle in his eye and with the other a sparkle of a tear. It has meant so much to him to finally put a face to the many many names he has met on the 3 harley related boards that he goes too.
Well once the chemo days were up, like clockwork Sam started getting sick on day 3. By day 7 or 8 we knew something else was going on. I thought it was a cold coming on but Sam knows his body better than me I guess because he knew it was something more serious brewing. We ended up being at the VA Hospital for almost an entire day while they drew blood cultures, urine tests, chest x-rays and more blood tests. Then they wanted those good ole specimens from his lungs as well as his sinuses. Alls I can say on that and me who is an RN is “YUK”! The results were sinus infection which when on chemo is not the thing to get. For that matter, no infection is what anyone on chemo wants to get. His body has been trying to fight this thing ever since.
Sam is having a really hard time this time around. He wants to sleep a lot and his appetite is less than adequate. I told him the other night he isn’t eating enough to keep a bird alive. Isn’t that what you guys usually say to us woman when we are complaining we are too fat and want to loose weight? lolol
Sam hasn’t been up much so I told him I would write to you all to give you an update. Usually by the end of the 3rd week when he is heading into his next cycle of chemo he at least gets that last weekend where he actually starts to feel human again. Unfortunately, he starts his 2nd round of chemo this coming Monday and he is not feeling human yet. He actually got a break this time because instead of the 3 week spread, he got an extra week off because there were no docs in house on this past Monday to approve the orders for his chemo once his blood work came back, so he has a 4 week break this time. Thank goodness because I can’t even imagine how he would be feeling if he had had to start this past Monday.
Speaking as his wife, I have to tell you all that he thinks the world of all of you, friends and family members. You have given him your friendship, your encouragement, your love and most of all your prayers. What more could anyone ask for. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!! Each and everyone of you, because not only have you been there for him, but you have all been there for me as well. I couldn’t endure this road I am traveling without the support of you all. So again Thank You. Well, I thought Sam could ramble on at times and look at me. Please continue to support, encourage, love and pray for Sam as he travels down this path. At times it can become so lonely, and that is when he remembers how much we ALL care for him. God Bless You All and hopefully the next update can be from Sam. If not, I promise I will keep you all updated.
Love from both Sam and I (Sue)