Sam had 2 weeks off from any treatment which gave his chest and back time to heal. But more and more of his hair started to come out. Still some problems swallowing, but appetite was pretty good while we were on “vacation” and eating out every day. He went in for another dose of chemo on July 8th, the same two medicines but a heavier dose, and will go in every third week instead of once a week, to be followed the next day with a shot to build up his blood. He goes back to the radiologist on Friday (18th). Then next week on Monday he goes back to chemo for blood work only and a consultation. Continue reading →

Sam is finished with radiation at this time. He went into chemo on Monday at his regular time just for blood work. So a week of rest for him. Actually it will be two weeks for him to recuperate from the radiation. His chest and back areas are like a bad sun burn, but he has medicine to apply to the areas. He will start chemo again on July 8 and he will go in every 3 weeks for a treatment. Hopefully his chest and back will heal and his problem swallowing will lessen in the two weeks “vacation” from treatment. His energy level is getting lower and his hair is still falling out (but he still has enough). Continue reading →

Sorry about being late on week 4′s update. The week was a pretty good week for Sam. Energy was still good, spirits still high. But toward the end of the week he started to lose a little hair each day, and voice stayed hoarse longer than the couple of hours after treatments–lasting into the next day on Saturday. His chest and back look like a bad sunburn, but he has a cream to rub on every day after radiation. Swallowing is getting a little more difficult. Continue reading →

Hello to all. I am typing this for my Mom as she is laid up in bed with a broken ankle. She has received many emails asking for an update on my Dad (Sam). Week 3 went well. Sam got medication for his swallowing problem but is still drinking those milkshakes he so loves. His blood counts are good but most of all his spirit is strong and his sense of humor has never been more apparent. His energy level is still high. Continue reading →

This was a short week, since Monday was a holiday radiation and chemo were moved to Tuesday. Things went well with the treatments. Radiation oncologist met with us Thursday and said blood work for the past two weeks looked good, and that another CT scan would be given at the end of 4 weeks. Sam noticed a little difficulty in swallowing at lunch on Friday and this morning at breakfast. We were told that this is to be expected. Otherwise he feels good and is in good spirits. He plans to play golf in Couples on June 5. We won’t plan to play in MACC as it will be week 6.

Thanks for all your calls and cards, and especially for your prayers.