Summer's over :(

As most of you know Sam has had a pretty good summer for someone suffering from late stage cancer. Someone with seven organs removed, five replaced/transplanted. Someone who in the spring of ‘08 was told there is nothing else we can do. Someone who was pretty much bed ridden from the summer of ‘08 ‘till this summer of ‘09. Well once Sam recovered from all the Chemo and transplant surgeries she felt a lot better. Most of the summer she was up and about, hanging out with her friends and family. She was going to movies, restaurants, bars, and was even planning a sky diving trip. Unfortunately the recurring cancer growths have started taking their toll again and has slowed Sam down to where she can rarely get out of bed anymore. She is battling fatigue, shortness of breath and constant pain & nausea. Her body seems to need 16 hours of sleep a day but she has trouble sleeping. Because of the constant nausea she rarely eats. Her port has been re-accessed and she is receiving daily fluids and IV medications. Her hospice Doctors and nurses keep having to increase her pain meds which get her feeling better for a few days before they need to make increases again. On good days we get her out a bed for a few hours in the evening to watch a movie, otherwise she spends most of her time watching DVD’s from bed. This week it has been seasons 1, 2, 3 & 4 of the show “House.” Sam can’t seem to get enough medical jargon. She also has gotten pretty good at guessing the next test or procedure House’s diagnostic team will try. Sam could probably pass some type of medical licensing exam herself right now, she seems to know all the procedures.

Besides from the headaches, mentally Sam continues to amaze us all the time. She is happy and a joy to be around. She is still looking out for everyone while trying to solve everyone’s problems. She hasn’t changed a bit.

As for those among you who have been asking what’s going on with my work... I recently had the fourth surgery on my ankle, which I had broken a few years back. My ankle has limited mobility and it is affecting my job performance. When someone needs help, they need and expect someone who can respond quickly and properly. My ankle is now very arthritic and stiffens up on me a lot to where it takes time to loosen up before I can move freely... to a point. So I have been off work on injury leave while meeting with management and doctors discussing my retirement options. On the plus side, I’m able to spend a lot of time with Sam and the family right now.

Thanks for all the continued support and well wishes,

Lots of Love,

Chris